The role of permissive hypotension in the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

The aim of this review was to explore current literature pertaining to the use of permissive hypotension in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. A literature search using Metalib, a database search engine, provided at the Royal Free and University College of London (UCL) yielded articles using the keywords "permissive hypotension" and "hypotensive resuscitation" when linked to "abdominal aortic aneurysm" and "rupture". The articles studying permissive hypotension in animals and humans in trauma, and in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm were reviewed. The result of this search was a large volume of experimental studies of trauma in animals giving satisfactory evidence of the physiological benefit of this concept of resuscitation in trauma. There were some randomized trials in humans in trauma suggesting benefit. The safety of permissive hypotension in patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms was documented and found to be widespread, but there were no randomized trials directly comparing this practice. Evidence from a prospective randomized study on the modality of treatment of ruptured aortic aneurysms suggest that the level of blood pressure is associated with the mortality and a prospective cohort study suggests that, using the complementary concept of "delayed volume resuscitation", the total volume of preoperative fluid resuscitation independent of the blood pressure is predictive of the risk of perioperative death in ruptured aortic aneurysms. To this end, recent clinical publications are now supportive of control of both the volume of preoperative fluid given and blood pressure in this group of patients but clinical studies are few.

Editor's choice - A shaggy aorta is associated with mesenteric embolisation in patients undergoing fenestrated endografts to treat paravisceral aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: Bowel ischaemia is a life-threatening complication of endovascular aneurysm repair. This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with mesenteric ischaemia in patients undergoing fenestrated aortic endografts to treat paravisceral aneurysms. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing double or triple fenestrated stent graft insertion were retrospectively analysed. No patients were declined surgery based on anatomic complexity. Preoperative demographics, procedure-related variables, and anatomical factors were examined. Using 3D software, the aortic thrombus volume from the coeliac axis to the lowest renal, aortoiliac tortuosity, and aortic irregularity index (as graded by 3 independent assessors, graded 0-3 based on severity) were compared. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for the development of bowel ischaemia. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients underwent elective aneurysm repair (64 triple fenestrations and 35 double fenestrations), 5% of which developed bowel ischaemia, and of these 80% (4/5) died. Mesenteric ischaemia was significantly associated with increased aortic irregularity (median [range], 2 [1-3] vs. 1 [0-2], p = .005, ischaemia vs. no ischaemia) and increased thrombus volume (37 ± 8 vs. 21 ± 12, p = .007) but not aortoiliac tortuosity (1.4 [1.2-1.5] vs. 1.30 [1.2-1.7], p = .3), inferior mesenteric or internal iliac artery patency. Mesenteric ischaemia was also associated with a significantly higher preoperative creatinine (mean ± SD: 183 ± 74 vs. 111 ± 43, p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of aortic irregularity and increased thrombus volume in the paravisceral segment predicts the occurrence of mesenteric and renal ischaemia in patients treated with fenestrated endografts. This is likely to be related to graft manipulation and catheterisation of visceral vessels.

Consensus Document of the International Union of Angiology (IUA)-2013. Current concept on the management of arterio-venous management.

Arterio-venous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular malformations (CVMs) that result from birth defects involving the vessels of both arterial and venous origins, resulting in direct communications between the different size vessels or a meshwork of primitive reticular networks of dysplastic minute vessels which have failed to mature to become 'capillary' vessels termed "nidus". These lesions are defined by shunting of high velocity, low resistance flow from the arterial vasculature into the venous system in a variety of fistulous conditions. A systematic classification system developed by various groups of experts (Hamburg classification, ISSVA classification, Schobinger classification, angiographic classification of AVMs,) has resulted in a better understanding of the biology and natural history of these lesions and improved management of CVMs and AVMs. The Hamburg classification, based on the embryological differentiation between extratruncular and truncular type of lesions, allows the determination of the potential of progression and recurrence of these lesions. The majority of all AVMs are extra-truncular lesions with persistent proliferative potential, whereas truncular AVM lesions are exceedingly rare. Regardless of the type, AV shunting may ultimately result in significant anatomical, pathophysiological and hemodynamic consequences. Therefore, despite their relative rarity (10-20% of all CVMs), AVMs remain the most challenging and potentially limb or life-threatening form of vascular anomalies. The initial diagnosis and assessment may be facilitated by non- to minimally invasive investigations such as duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR angiography (MRA), computerized tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA). Arteriography remains the diagnostic gold standard, and is required for planning subsequent treatment. A multidisciplinary team approach should be utilized to integrate surgical and non-surgical interventions for optimum care. Currently available treatments are associated with significant risk of complications and morbidity. However, an early aggressive approach to elimiate the nidus (if present) may be undertaken if the benefits exceed the risks. Trans-arterial coil embolization or ligation of feeding arteries where the nidus is left intact, are incorrect approaches and may result in proliferation of the lesion. Furthermore, such procedures would prevent future endovascular access to the lesions via the arterial route. Surgically inaccessible, infiltrating, extra-truncular AVMs can be treated with endovascular therapy as an independent modality. Among various embolo-sclerotherapy agents, ethanol sclerotherapy produces the best long term outcomes with minimum recurrence. However, this procedure requires extensive training and sufficient experience to minimize complications and associated morbidity. For the surgically accessible lesions, surgical resection may be the treatment of choice with a chance of optimal control. Preoperative sclerotherapy or embolization may supplement the subsequent surgical excision by reducing the morbidity (e.g. operative bleeding) and defining the lesion borders. Such a combined approach may provide an excellent potential for a curative result. Conclusion. AVMs are high flow congenital vascular malformations that may occur in any part of the body. The clinical presentation depends on the extent and size of the lesion and can range from an asymptomatic birthmark to congestive heart failure. Detailed investigations including duplex ultrasound, MRI/MRA and CT/CTA are required to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Appropriate management is best achieved via a multi-disciplinary approach and interventions should be undertaken by appropriately trained physicians.

Are there fewer complications with third generation endografts in endovascular aneurysm repair?

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is widely accepted as a safe technique for treatment of aortic diseases since the concept was first pioneered by Volodos in 1986 and Parodi in 1991. Numerous registries have shown that this minimally invasive technique is associated with lower mortality when compared to open surgery in short and mid-term follow-up. The first pioneer devices had a high failure rate due to stent migration. This led to the creation of the first generation stent-grafts, which were associated with complications such as thrombosis of the limbs, graft migration and major endoleaks. The majority of these endostents are now withdrawn from the commercial market. However, these patients need lifelong surveillance because of a considerable risk of late complications. The materials used in the stent-graft vary with each manufacturer. Low porous fabric, suprarenal fixation and low profile devices led to the development of the second generation stent-grafts. The improvements with regards to the delivery systems, enabled reposition of the top-stent following deployment in some devices. The number of devices commercially available increased with the second generation. The third generation of stent-grafts, allowed treatment of complex aortic disease. Custom made solutions incorporate small openings, fenestrations for vessels involved in the aneurysmal disease and is already built in today's technology and available as CE marked devices. The device can be built with combinations of various branches and fenestrations in order to best accommodate the aortic anatomy of the patient. However, many issues remain with the development of this technology. There is a need for durable systems with less complicated deployment mechanics in order to be applied and more widespread. In conclusion, the third generation endografts in challenging anatomy has yielded encouraging results. With regards to short and midterm outcome and need for secondary interventions, evaluations shows comparable results with all devices performing well.

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is a technically challenging operation. The duration, blood loss, and risk of limb ischaemia, contrast-induced nephropathy and reperfusion injury are likely to be higher than after standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Benefits of FEVAR over open repair may be less than those seen with standard infrarenal EVAR. This paper is a meta-analysis of observational studies of all published data for FEVAR, with the aim to highlight current issues around the evidence for the potential benefit of FEVAR. METHODS: A search was performed for studies describing FEVAR for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Small series of fewer than ten procedures and studies describing predominantly branched endografts or FEVAR for aortic dissection were excluded. Authors of included papers were contacted to eliminate patient duplication. RESULTS: Eleven studies were identified describing a total of 660 procedures. Definitions of aneurysm morphology were variable, and clear inclusion and exclusion criteria were not always documented. Double fenestrations were more common than triple or quadruple fenestrations. Target vessel perfusion rates ranged from 90·5 to 100 per cent. Eleven deaths occurred within 30 days, giving a 30-day proportional mortality rate of 2·0 per cent. Morbidity was poorly reported. CONCLUSION: FEVAR for repair of suprarenal and juxtarenal aneurysms is a viable alternative to open repair. However, there is no level 1 evidence for FEVAR, and current evidence is weak with many unanswered questions.

Techniques for supra-aortic trunk preservation in thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair.

Stent graft placement for aneurysmal disease of the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta is limited by the need to preserve flow to the supra-aortic trunks. Whilst extra-anatomical bypass and procedures combining open and endovascular arch repair are currently used in this setting, less invasive totally endovascular solutions have been described. These include in-situ fenestration of a thoracic stent graft using a retrograde approach from the target vessel to the lumen of the main device, to which it is connected by a smaller covered stent. Alternatively, so-called 'chimney' stents have been used, placing a parallel stent alongside the main device, connecting the aortic branch vessel with the native aortic lumen proximal to the seal zone of the main thoracic device. We review these techniques and discuss the merits and potential disadvantages of each procedure.

Ready-to-fenestrate stent grafts in the treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms: proposal for an off-the-shelf device.

OBJECTIVE: A prototype ready-to-fenestrate stent graft (RFSG) was designed with a fixed scallop, and eight potential fenestrations allowing for variation in the position of each renal artery (RA) relative to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). We aimed to determine the proportion of juxtarenal aneurysms treatable using this potentially 'off-the-shelf' device. METHODS: A total of 439 consecutive orders for custom-made devices were analysed, and positions for potential fenestrations in the RFSG were determined, based on the most frequent anatomical target vessel variations: a fixed SMA scallop 12 mm deep at 12:00, RA fenestrations at 9:15, 10:15 (target within the range 8:45-10:45), 2:15 and 3:15 (target within the range 1:45-3:45), each either 19 or 28 mm from the graft edge (GE); (within the range 15-32 mm), and 6 x 8 mm in diameter. Proximal diameters of 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 36 mm were chosen. RESULTS: Of the 439 plans, 372 standard juxtarenal (SJR) cases, defined by the inclusion of a scallop and 0, 1 or 2 small fenestrations (12%, 13% and 75% of the cases, respectively) were identified and used to test the applicability of the model. Mean CP (clock position) for right RA was 9:30, for the left RA 3:00, being a mean of 21 +/- 5 and 22 +/- 5 mm, respectively from the GE. RA CP was within the RFSG range in 86% (right) and 88% (left) of the cases, with 96% and 98%, respectively, within the allowable distance from the GE. A total of 81% of all SJR cases were potentially treatable using the RFSG model. CONCLUSIONS: An RFSG device would allow for the treatment of the majority of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms, which currently require custom-made devices.

Intra-aneurysm sac pressure in patients with unchanged AAA diameter after EVAR.

OBJECTIVE: To study intra-aneurysm sac pressure and subsequent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter changes in patients without endoleaks that remain unchanged in AAA diameter more than 1 year after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: A total of 23 patients underwent direct intra-aneurysm sac pressure (DISP) measurements 16 months (IQR: 14-35 months) after EVAR. Tip-pressure sensors were used through translumbar AAA puncture. Mean pressure index (MPI) was calculated as the percentage of mean intra-aneurysm pressure relative to the simultaneous mean intra-aortic pressure. Aneurysm expansion or shrinkage was assumed whenever the diameter change was > or =5mm. Values are presented as median and interquartile range. RESULTS: In 18 patients, no fluid was obtained upon AAA puncture (group A). In five patients, fluid was obtained (group B). In group A, follow-up continued for 29 months (IQR: 15-35 months) after DISP; five AAAs shrank, 10 remained unchanged and three expanded (MPIs of 26% (IQR: 18-42%), 28% (IQR: 20-48%) and 63% (IQR: 47-83%) and intra-sac pulse pressures of 3 mmHg (IQR: 0-5 mmHg), 4 mmHg (IQR: 2-8mm Hg) and 12 mmHg (IQR: 6-20 mmHg), respectively, for the three subgroups). MPI and intra-sac pulse pressures were higher in AAAs that subsequently expanded (P=0.073 and 0.017, respectively). MPI and pulse pressure correlated with total diameter change (r=0.49, P=0.039 and r =0.39, P=0.109, respectively). Pulse pressure had a greater influence than MPI on diameter change (R(2)=0.346, P=0.041, beta standardised coefficient of 0.121 for MPI and 0.502 for pulse pressure). Similar results with stronger, and significant correlation to pulse pressure were obtained when relative diameter changes were used (r=0.55, P=0.017). In group B, MPI and AAA pulse pressure were 32% (IQR: 18-37%) and 1 mmHg (IQR: 0-6 mmHg), respectively. After 36 months (IQR: 21-38 months), one AAA shrank, three continued unchanged while one expanded. CONCLUSIONS: AAAs without endoleak and unchanged diameter more than 1 year after EVAR will often continue unchanged. Expansion can eventually occur in the absence of intra-sac fluid accumulation and is associated with higher and more pulsatile intra-sac pressure. However, in patients with intra-sac fluid, expansion can occur with low intra-sac pressures.

Mid-term outcome of endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischaemia.

BACKGROUND: : This study aimed to assess mid-term outcome after endovascular revascularization of chronic occlusive mesenteric ischaemia (CMI) and to identify possible predictors of mortality. METHODS: : Consecutive patients undergoing primary elective stenting for CMI between 1995 and 2007 were registered prospectively in a database. Patients with acute ischaemia were excluded. Retrospective case-note review and data analysis were performed. RESULTS: : Forty-three patients (10 men) were treated for stable (n = 30) or exacerbated (n = 13) CMI. Their median (interquartile range (i.q.r.)) age was 70 (60-79) years. Revascularization was successful in 47 of 49 vessels. The superior mesenteric artery (SMA), either alone (n = 34) or in combination with the coeliac trunk (n = 6), was the predominant target vessel. No patient died within 30 days. Median follow-up was 43 (i.q.r. 25-63) months and the estimated (s.e.) 3-year overall survival rate was 76(7) per cent. Two patients died from distal SMA occlusive disease and intestinal infarction after 6 and 18 months respectively. Previous stroke (P = 0.016), male sex (P = 0.057) and age (P = 0.066) were associated with mid-term mortality on univariable, but not multivariable analysis. Reintervention was needed in 14 patients, achieving a 3-year cumulative rate of freedom from recurrent symptoms of 88(5) per cent. CONCLUSION: : Endovascular treatment provided high early and mid-term survival rates in this series of patients with CMI, with low complication rates.

Predictors of long-term beneficial effects on blood pressure after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

AIM: This retrospective study evaluated long-term effects of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS), and predictors of benefit on blood pressure (BP). METHODS: During 1997-2003, 234 patients (age 69+/-11 years, 138 [59%] males) underwent PTRA for ARAS at Malmö Vascular Centre. Cure was defined as diastolic (D)BP<90 mmHg and systolic (S)BP <140 mmHg off antihypertensive medication. Improvement was defined as DBP <90 mmHg and/or SBP <140 mmHg on the same or reduced number of medications, or reduction in DBP of >or=15 mmHg with the same or reduced number of medications. Benefit was defined as cure or improvement. RESULTS: After PTRA, SBP and DBP decreased (P<0.001), and remained lower (P<0.001) until last follow-up after 4.1+/-3.3 years. Antihypertensive medication decreased (P<0.001), and remained lower at one month (P<0.001), one year (P<0.01), and last follow-up (P<0.05). Renal function was unchanged until last follow-up, when it deteriorated (P<0.001). Patients showing benefit of PTRA on BP at last follow-up (N.=150 [64%]) used more antihypertensive drugs before PTRA (P=0.012), especially angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (P=0.010), and diuretics (P=0.015). In logistic regression, use of ACEi or ARBs failed to reach significancy (P=0.054). Patients dying during follow up (N.=100 [43%]) showed higher age (P<0.0001) and s-creatinine (P<0.0001), lower glomerular filtration rate (P<0.0001), and higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (P<0.005). In logistic regression only age (P=0.009) and diabetes mellitus (P=0.014) predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed beneficial effects on BP with PTRA in ARAS. ACEi, ARB and diuretic treatment before PTRA predict favourable long-term BP-response in univariate analysis.

Early and intermediate outcome of emergency endovascular aneurysm repair of ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysm: a single-centre experience of 90 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early and intermediate outcome of a consecutive series of emergency endovascular aneurysm repairs (eEVAR) of computed tomography (CT)-verified infrarenal ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) at a single tertiary referral centre. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of patients operated between April 2000 and October 2007 were retrospectively reviewed and all their pre-, intra- and postoperative imaging were re-evaluated. Patient and procedural data were analysed using a Cox multiregression model. RESULTS: Ninety patients (86% men, aged 76 (+/-7) years), were identified and included in the analysis. Symptom duration was <3h in 22% of patients, 3-24h in 39% and >24h in 39%. Mean aneurysmal diameter was 73 (+/-14)mm. All patients were treated with the COOK Zenith stent-graft (56% bi-iliac and 44% uni-iliac). Sixty-one percent were haemodynamically unstable on presentation, and 26% required an intra-operative aortic occlusion balloon to maintain haemodynamic stability. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 27% and 37%, respectively. One-year aneurysm-related mortality was 33%. Twenty-eight percent of patients required re-interventions during the follow-up. The use of an aortic occlusion balloon and the presence of cerebrovascular disease or obstructive lung disorder correlated significantly with 30-day mortality in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: EVAR is a valid treatment option for rAAA when used as a first-line method for all patients.

Is there a benefit of frequent CT follow-up after EVAR?

OBJECTIVE: Imaging follow-up (FU) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is usually performed by periodic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CT-FU after EVAR. METHODS: In this study, 279 of 304 consecutive patients (261 male, aged 74 years (interquartile range (IQR): 70-79 years) with a median abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter of 58 mm (IQR: 53-67 mm)) underwent at least one of the yearly CT scans and plain abdominal films after EVAR. All patients received Zenith stent-grafts for non-ruptured AAAs at a single institution. Patients were considered asymptomatic when a re-intervention was done solely due to an imaging FU finding. The data were prospectively entered in a computer database and retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: As a follow-up, 1167 CT scans were performed at a median of 54 months (IQR: 34-74 months) after EVAR. Twenty-seven patients exhibited postoperative AAA expansion (a 5-year expansion-free rate of 88+/-2%), and 57 patients underwent 78 postoperative re-interventions with a 5-year secondary success rate of 91+/-2%. Of the 279 patients, 26 (9.3%) undergoing imaging FU benefitted from the yearly CT scans, since they had re-interventions based on asymptomatic imaging findings: AAA diameter expansion with or without endoleaks (n=18), kink in the stent-graft limbs (n=4), endoleak type III due to stent-graft limb separation without simultaneous AAA expansion (n=2), isolated common iliac artery expansion (n=1) and superior mesenteric artery malperfusion due to partial coverage by the stent-graft fabric (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: Less than 10% of the patients benefit from the yearly CT-FU after EVAR. Only one re-intervention due to partial coverage of a branch by the stent-graft would have been delayed if routine FU had been based on simple diameter measurements and plain abdominal radiograph. This suggests that less-frequent CT is sufficient in the majority of patients, which may simplify the FU protocol, reduce radiation exposure and the total costs of EVAR. Contrast-enhanced CT scans continue, nevertheless, to be critical when re-interventions are planned.

Kissing stents in the aortic bifurcation--a valid reconstruction for aorto-iliac occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcome and patency predicting factors of kissingstent treatment for aorto iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). METHODS: Patients treated with kissingstents for AOID between 1995 and 2004 at a tertiary referral center were identified through local databases. Chart review and preoperative images were used for TASC and Fontaine classification. Follow-up consisted of clinical exams, ABI and/or duplex. Patency rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox multivariate regression was used to determine factors associated with patency. RESULTS: 173 consecutive patients (46% male, mean 64 years) were identified. TASC distribution was: A 15%, B 34%, C 10%, D 41%. Mean follow-up was 36 months (range: 1-144). 30-day mortality was 1% (2 patients), and 1-year survival was 91% (157 patients). 2 patients underwent late, open conversion and 13 patients suffered minor puncture site complications. Primary, assisted primary and secondary patency was: 97%, 99% and 100%, and 83%, 90% and 95% at twelve and 36 months respectively. There was no significant difference in patency between the TASC groups. Patency was significantly worse for patients in Fontaine class III. CONCLUSIONS: Aortoiliac kissing stents is a valid alternative to open repair for TASC A-D lesions. The procedure has low mortality and morbidity and good patency at 3 years.

What to do when evidence is lacking--implications on treatment of aortic ulcers, pseudoaneurysms and aorto-enteric fistulae.

UNLABELLED: Present knowledge on natural history and how to treat penetrating aortic ulcers or different forms of pseudoaneurysms with or without infection is limited as there are only case reports and small series of unusual aortic pathology and its treatment available. MATERIAL: From our centre we collected 65 patients treated with open (n = 15) or endovascular reconstruction (n= 50) during a 20-year period in the abdominal aorta. These patients are presented including a review of contemporary treatment. RESULTS: Endovascular reconstructions seem to reduce morbidity and mortality compared to otherwise extensive open surgery. Even for patients with infectious etiology (mycotic aneurysms, aorto-enteric fistula) endovascular treatment may be a first-hand option bridging to a more elective open repair. However, a large proportion of patients being unfit for further open surgery were solely treated endovascularly and had no major infectious complications in the follow-up. Registers of cases with unusual aortic pathology, not only of those treated but also of those managed conservatively, are needed to define who to treat and if endovascular or open repair should be recommended. CONCLUSION: Endovascular technique is a promising technique for treatment of aortic pseudoaneurysms of different etiologies. We firmly recommend, despite the lack of evidence, that the work up of patients with penetrating aortic ulcers, mycotic or other types of pseudoanerysms as well as aorto-enteric fistulae should enclose both endovascular and open (or combined) treatment modalities. However, our knowledge of the natural history is limited. Therefore, registers of cases with unusual aortic pathology, not only of those treated but also of those managed conservatively, are needed to define who to treat and if endovascular or open repair should be recommended.

EVAR of aortoiliac aneurysms with branched stent-grafts.

INTRODUCTION: Branched iliac stent-grafts (bSG) have recently been developed in order to preserve internal iliac artery (IIA) flow in patients with aneurysmal or short common iliac arteries. The aim of this study is to evaluate a single-center experience with bSG for the IIA. METHODS: Twenty-two male patients (70 (IQR 65-79) years old) underwent EVAR with 23 bSG (1 bilateral repair) between September 2002 and August 2007. Median AAA diameter was 52 (37-60) mm while common iliac diameter on the side of the bSG was 34 (27-41) mm. Two in-house modified Zenith SG and subsequently 21 commercially available bSG (18 Zenith Iliac Side and 3 Helical Branches) were used. Follow-up (FU) included CT at one month and yearly thereafter. Data was prospectively entered in a database. RESULTS: Primary technical success was 91% (21 bSG). Median FU duration was 20 (8-31) months. One patient (5 %) died after discharge from acute myocardial infarction on day 13. Another patient died 30 months after EVAR of an unrelated cause. The overall bSG patency was 74% due to 6 branch occlusions (2 intraoperative and 4 late). All patients with patent bSG were asymptomatic. Three occlusions were asymptomatic findings on CT, while the other three developed claudication (two patients with contralateral IIA occlusion and one with simultaneous occlusion of the external iliac). One patient (5%) developed an asymptomatic type III endoleak at 1 month and was successfully treated with a bridging SG. Overall, four patients (18%) required reinterventions (1 bilateral stenting of the external iliac arteries, 1 external and 1 internal SG extensions and 1 femoro-femoral cross-over bypass). Nine out of 16 patients (56%) with CT-FU>/=1 year had shrinking aneurysms. There were no postoperative aneurysm expansions. CONCLUSIONS: EVAR of aortoiliac aneurysms with IIA bSG is a good alternative to occlusion of the IIA in patients with challenging distal anatomy.

Endovascular aneurysm repair: current and future status.

Endovascular aneurysm repair has rapidly expanded since its introduction in the early 1990s. Early experiences were associated with high rates of complications including conversion to open repair. Perioperative morbidity and mortality results have improved but these concerns have been replaced by questions about long-term durability. Gradually, too, these problems have been addressed. Challenges of today include the ability to roll out the endovascular technique to patients with adverse aneurysm morphology. Fenestrated and branch stent-graft technology is in its infancy. Only now are we beginning to fully understand the advantages, limitations, and complications of such technology. This paper outlines some of the concepts and discusses the controversies and challenges facing clinicians involved in endovascular aneurysm surgery today and in the future.

Observations on the failure of stent-grafts in the aortic arch.

INTRODUCTION: The results of endovascular stent-grafts in the abdominal aorta and descending thoracic aorta have been encouraging. Expanding the use of thoracic stent-grafts in to the aortic arch has been associated with increasing numbers of complications. Recently isolated cases of stent-graft collapse have been reported. METHODS: This was a multi-centre European case series. Data was collected retrospectively on seven patients from five experienced endovascular centres with thoracic stent-graft collapse. RESULTS: Of the seven patients four were treated for traumatic aortic rupture. Six were male, median age 33 (range 17-54) years. During the ensuing 2 months all patients suffered stent-graft collapse. This was symptomatic in 3 patients and the rest were identified on CT. Endovascular management was possible in 6/7 patients using either a balloon expandable stent (n=6) or further stent-graft (n=1). Two patients had persistent type I endoleak despite treatment. Two of the 7 patients died, both of which presented with symptomatic thoracic stent-graft occlusion. Both deaths were a direct result of stent-graft collapse. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic stent-graft collapse may be asymptomatic underscoring the importance of stent-graft surveillance. Endovascular management of collapse is possible in most cases using a large balloon expandable stent. Symptomatic collapse is associated with high morbidity and mortality.