The Long-term Durability of Intra-operatively Placed Palmaz Stents for the Treatment of Type Ia Endoleaks After EVAR of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The objective was to analyze the long-term durability of intra-operatively placed Palmaz stents for type Ia endoleaks, and the evolution of aneurysm neck morphology. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary referral centre. Patients treated between 1998 and 2012 were reviewed with regard to pre-, intra-, and post-operative data. Crude and relative survival estimates were calculated, with the latter referring only to patients with ≥ 3 months' follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 125 patients were included (83 elective, 22 ruptures, 20 symptomatic). Nine patients died perioperatively (two elective, seven acute). Median follow-up was 43 months (range 15-72). Seven patients had late abdominal aortic aneurysm related deaths. There were 51 re-interventions (seven type Ia endoleak related). Five year crude primary, primary assisted, and secondary success rates were 55 ± 5%, 66 ± 5%, and 70 ± 5%, respectively. These crude rates were superior for elective patients (p = .008, p = .031, and p = .037, respectively), but the relative rates were not (p = .187, p = .640, p = .558, respectively). Primary and assisted freedom from type Ia endoleak 5 years post-operatively were 84 ± 4% and 89 ± 3%, respectively. These rates were superior in elective patients (p = .066 and p = .145, respectively), especially when relative rates were analysed (p = .025 and p = .063, respectively). The visceral aortic diameter increased significantly between the first and the last post-operative imaging in 15/91 (16%), 12/91 (13%), 34/91 (37%), and 30/91 (33%) patients at the levels of coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, lowest renal artery, and 9 mm distal to lowest renal artery, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intra-operatively placed Palmaz stents confer high long-term freedom from type Ia endoleak. Palmaz stents are an acceptable intra-operative bailout tool in the acute setting, but should not be used to extend elective infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair to more demanding anatomies.

Endoconduits with "Pave and Crack" Technique Avoid Open Ilio-femoral Conduits with Sustainable Mid-term Results.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and mid-term outcomes of endoconduits (EC) with the "pave and crack" technique during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of varying complexity. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. All patients undergoing EC between July 2009 and October 2015 were included. The primary endpoint was technical success of the EC defined as the ability to successfully deliver the aortic stent graft through the EC without rupture, dissection, or thrombosis of the iliac or femoral arteries, and with the absence of haemodynamically significant blood loss related to the EC. Secondary outcomes included EC patency and mortality. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent EVAR with EC (16 juxtarenal or thoraco-abdominal, two infrarenal and one thoracic; four were ruptured). Fourteen patients (73.7%) had TASC D lesions. In 10 cases (52.6%) adjunctive open/endovascular procedures to improve the femoral outflow were required. EC was technically successful in all cases and all EC were patent at EVAR completion. Thirty day mortality occurred in two cases (10.5%) One of these patients had been treated for rupture. One patient required two endovascular re-interventions at 1 and 5 years post-operatively to restore patency of the EC. No open re-interventions related to the EC were necessary. After a median follow-up period of 17 (interquartile range 5-37) months, the primary assisted patency of the EC was 88.9% (SE 10.5). No new onset of claudication or lower limb amputations occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: EC allows EVAR of varying complexity without the need for open surgical ilio-femoral conduits in patients with concomitant advanced iliac occlusive disease. Intra-operative haemodynamic instability was always avoided and mid-term patency was high.

Short-term outcome of spinal cord ischemia after endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence and short-term outcome of SCI after endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (eTAAA). METHODS: All patients undergoing eTAAA with branched and fenestrated stent grafts between 2008 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed concerning pre-, intra- and post-operative clinical data and imaging. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (53 males, 68 [64-73] years old) underwent eTAAA (51 elective, 21 acute including 7 ruptures). Patients were classified anatomically according to Crawford: type I (n=11), type II (n=26), type III (n=18), and type IV (n=17). Thirty-day mortality was 6.9 % (3.9% for elective, 7.1% for symptomatic and 28.6% for ruptures, including one intra-operative death). Twenty-two of the 71 patients who survived the operation (31.0%) developed SCI: type I (n=2, 20.0%), type II (n=13, 50.0 %), type III (n=3, 16.7%), type IV (n=4, 23.5%). SCI incidence decreased in the latter part of the experience (23.7% vs. 39.4%, p = .201). SCI development was independently associated with Crawford type II TAAA (OR 4.497 (1.331-15.195), p = .016) and higher contrast volume (OR 3.736 [1.054-13.242], p = .041). Fifteen of these 22 patients with SCI showed some improvement of their deficits before hospital discharge. The introduction of a standardized protocol in the last 38 patients aiming at the early diagnosis and treatment of SCI led to more frequent regression of SCI symptoms (100% vs. 46.2%, p = .017) and a higher rate of regaining ambulatory capacity (55.6% vs. 15.4%, p = .027). After the introduction of this protocol, the residual SCI rate at hospital discharge was 13.2% as opposed to 33.3% in the initial group. CONCLUSION: eTAAA has low peri-operative mortality, but SCI incidence is high albeit that it decreased with increasing experience. More extensive repair and use of larger volumes of contrast were associated with higher risk of SCI. Acute repair does not significantly increase SCI risk. A standardized protocol for early diagnosis and treatment of SCI leads to a higher recovery rate with a greater likelihood of regaining ambulatory capacity.

Endograft repair of complicated acute type B aortic dissections.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess patient outcomes and aortic remodelling following coverage of the proximal entry tear with an endograft in complicated acute type B aortic dissections (caTBADs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with caTBAD treated with a thoracic endograft in three high-volume vascular centres were retrospectively studied. Inclusion criteria were branch-vessel malperfusion, impending or overt aortic rupture, maximal aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm and persistent pain or uncontrolled hypertension despite maximum pharmacological treatment. Postoperative aortic remodelling was evaluated using computed tomography angiography (CTA) on a three-dimensional (3D) imaging workstation. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients (71% male, median age 65 years) were included in the study. Median inclusion criteria per patient were 2 (range 1-4). Branch-vessel malperfusion was diagnosed in 42% and impending aortic rupture in 33% of 52 patients. Median follow-up was 25 months (range 2-109 months). The 30-day mortality rate was 9.6% (5/52); patient survival according to the Kaplan-Meier method was 90.4% at 12 months and 87.6% at 24 months. Secondary interventions were performed in seven patients a median of 3 days after the initial procedure (range 2-865). Imaging follow-up at 12 months was performed in 36 patients (69%): 75% presented stable or shrinking (> 5 mm) maximal aortic diameters and 86% had a completely thrombosed false lumen (vs. 5% before initial procedure) at thoracic level. CONCLUSION: Endograft treatment of complicated caTBAD is associated with favourable early outcomes and possibly promotes aortic remodelling in the majority of patients.

Development of off-the-shelf stent grafts for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: The use of EVAR for more complex aneurysm anatomy has become more widespread over the past decade. Fenestrated and branched stent grafts for the visceral and iliac segment show promising short- and midterm outcome and these procedures have become routine in many vascular centers. However, at present, such grafts are customized to the individual patient and planning and manufacturing leads to significant treatment delay subjecting the patients to the risk of rupture during the waiting period. The purpose of this report is to describe the first experience in treating juxta/suprarenal aneurysms using the first version of a new fenestrated stent graft MATERIAL AND METHODS: A fenestrated device was designed with two renal fenestrations, an SMA fenestration and a scallop for the coeliac artery. The renal arteries were designed with an inner 6 mm fenestration and an outer 15 mm diameter creating a dome to allow renal artery catheterization for a range of renal artery distribution. Seven patients with complex visceral artery anatomy were treated with customized stent grafts containing these pivot renal fenestrations. RESULTS: Technical success was uniform with 100% target vessel catheterization and 0% 30-day mortality. In one case, the graft was displaced slightly during delivery resulting in a renal artery stent occlusion at 2 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The development of a modified fenestrated device has shown this to be feasible and it has the potential to reduce the need for extensive preoperative graft customization and establishing a true off the shelf platform for juxta- and suprarenal AAA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Optimizing imaging for aortic repair.

Imaging is an integral part of an aortic program. Careful preoperative planning is essential to successful evaluation and treatment of aortic pathology. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the dominant modality for such preoperative planning. The use of a dedicated workstation for 3D postprocessing is very favorable and is considered mandatory when treating complex aortic pathology. Intraoperative imaging during aortic repair still depends heavily on standard fluoroscopy and angiography. However, the introduction of image fusion has the potential to reduce the use of both contrast and radiation, for the benefit of both patients and operators. Using cross-sectional imaging intraoperatively also has the potential to reduce the need for early imaging follow-up and to reduce the technical failures of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Imaging follow-up after EVAR has changed dramatically since the introduction of minimally invasive aortic repair. CTA remains the gold standard but a significant shift towards ultrasound surveillance has occurred. With the introduction of newer generation EVAR devices, results have improved and a trend towards less rigorous follow-up is expected.

Changes in aneurysm morphology and stent-graft configuration after endovascular repair of aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to study changes in morphology and stent-graft configuration of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms after endovascular repair. METHODS: Twenty-three patients treated with custom-made stent-grafts were studied. The stent-graft consisted of continuous, stainless-steel Z stents mounted within a polyester graft. In the last 11 cases the stents were interconnected with 3 longitudinal wires. Contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography was performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and every 6 months postoperatively. Angiography was used preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up. Proximal and distal necks were assessed for diameter and length. Aneurysm diameter, endoleaks, stent-graft migration, and changes in stent-graft configuration were evaluated. RESULTS: During follow-up (median, 18 months; range, 1-48 months), excluded aneurysms decreased in diameter by 4 mm (0.5-10 mm, P =.0018). Endoleaks prevented size decrease. Five patients displayed neck dilatation, 4 at both the proximal and distal fixation sites and 1 only distally. In 7 (30%) patients there was proximal migration of the distal end of the stent-graft. Three (13%) patients displayed both distal migration of the proximal end of the stent-graft and proximal migration of the distal end of the stent-graft. There was a significant correlation between stent-graft kinking and appearance of proximal or distal stent-graft migration (P =.05 and P =.0007, respectively). In no case did the migration lead to appearance of an endoleak before intervention was performed. CONCLUSION: Excluded descending thoracic aortic aneurysms decrease in size on midterm follow-up. A subgroup of patients prone to neck dilatation might exist. A combination of neck dilatation and vector forces acting on stent-grafts in the tortuous thoracic aorta might lead to stent-graft migration.

[Endovascular treatment of aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta--a new therapeutic perspective]. / Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma da aorta torácica descendente--uma nova perspectiva terapêutica.

Endovascular treatment of aneurysmal disease of descending thoracic aorta and infra-renal abdominal aorta, has become an accepted technique, in selected cases due to the reduction of neurological morbidity, paraparesis or paraplegic and renal ischemia, associated with conventional surgery. The authors describe the first case performed in Portugal of a 75-year-old female with an expanding thoracic aneurysm managed by endovascular exclusion of the aneurysm with an EXCLUDER endoprosthesis, without any complications or evidence of endoleak, achieving complete exclusion of the aneurysm.

Long-term progression of contralateral carotid artery disease after endarterectomy: is there a need for Duplex surveillance?

AIM: The aim of this paper was to define the incidence of disease progression of the contralateral internal carotid artery (CICA) in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to identify factors influencing disease progression. METHODS: Patients from our primary catchment area that had undergone CEA between 2002 and 2005 were included. The study cohort was divided in four groups based on the preoperative stenosis grade (normal ICA <40%, N.=56; mild 40-60%, N.=41; moderate 61-80%, N.=12; severe 81-99%, N.=7). Patients initially planned or already submitted to contralateral CEA or with contralateral occlusion were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients were analysed. Disease progression occurred in 13 (11%) patients after a mean of 47.6 months (SD 1.6 months). A moderate preoperative CICA stenosis was associated with disease progression (P=0.017). Late neurologic events referable to the CICA independently of progression occurred in 13 (11%) patients. There were 4 (30.7%) events in the 13 carotids with progression and only 9 (7%) in the 117 without progression (P=0.060). .Moderate and severe preoperative CICA stenosis and renal insufficiency were associated with postoperative ipsilateral neurological symptoms (P=0.001 and 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: Disease progression of the CICA after CEA is not uncommon. The preoperative degree of CICA stenosis is related to subsequent disease progression and to the occurrence of symptoms. More studies are needed to identify risk factors influencing the progression of ICA disease.

Hemodynamics and jugular venous oxygen saturation during carotid endarterectomy: a comparison between general and locoregional anesthesia.

AIM: To study hemodynamic and blood oxygenation changes in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under general (GA) or locoregional (LRA) anesthesia. METHODS: Prospective non-randomized study including 50 patients undergoing CEA (31 men, mean age 72 (range 50-84) years-old under GA (N.=23) or LRA (N.=27). Systemic blood pressure, ECG, venous oxygen saturation in the ipsilateral jugular bulb and pulse-oximetry were monitored. Blood-gas analysis was done from blood obtained from the radial artery and ipsilateral jugular vein. RESULTS: Pulse rate and systemic systolic blood pressure were higher in LRA compared to the GA before, during and after cross clamping (P<0.05). Seven GA patients required dopamine-infusion to maintain systolic blood pressure >120 mmHg. Jugular venous saturation was initially identical in both groups, but decreased significantly upon cross clamping in LRA compared to GA (P<0.05). This difference remained at least 3 minutes after cross clamp release (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients under LRA seem to have increased sympathetic activity compared to patients under GA, as expressed by higher pulse rates and systolic blood pressures. Jugular venous saturation was lower during clamping of LRA patients. The differences were small and concur with the near-equality findings in studies analysing the clinical outcome.

Complicated acute type B dissections--an 8-years experience of endovascular stent-graft repair in a single centre.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the experience of a single centre using stent-grafts for treatment of complicated acute aortic type B-dissections (EVR-ABD). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients undergoing EVR-ABD between January 1997 and December 2004. METHODS: EVR-ABD was performed in 31 patients (20 males, median age 74 years (IQR: 64-79)). Indications for treatment were aortic rupture (22 patients), intractable pain and hypertension (six patients), acute bowel ischemia (two patients) and transient paraplegia, lower limb and renal ischemia in one patient. Initially home-made devices (five patients) and subsequently commercially available thoracic stent-grafts were used. RESULTS: Five patients (16%) died within 30 days of EVR-ABD. Postoperative complications occurred in 15 (48%) patients, including one paraplegia converted to paraparesis after cerebrospinal fluid drainage, five strokes, three lower limb ischemia, three myocardial infarction, two pneumonia and one colitis). Re-interventions were required in nine patients (29%). Six more deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 22 (IQR: 16-34) months, two related to the stent-graft and four due to cardiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-graft repair of complicated acute type B dissections seems to provide acceptable results and, therefore, it may be considered a valuable alternative to open surgery.

Endovascular management of isolated infrarenal aortic occlusive disease is safe and effective in selected patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety and efficacy of endovascular management of isolated infrarenal aortic occlusive disease within our centre. DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent endovascular treatment of occlusive disease that is confined to the infrarenal aorta between September 1993 and November 2004. RESULTS: Primary aortic stenting was carried out in 16 women and five men using self-expanding (12 patients) and balloon expanding stents to treat both occlusions (six) and stenoses (15). Indications included intermittent claudication (13), critical limb ischaemia (six), and distal embolisation (three). Significant postoperative complications within 30 days were noted in three, including one death. Fifteen patients completed 1-year follow-up with primary patency in 14 and secondary patency in the remaining patient. Clinical improvement was documented in all patients. CONCLUSION: Primary stenting for occlusive disease isolated in the infrarenal aorta is relatively safe in selected patients with encouraging early follow-up results.

Does the wide application of endovascular AAA repair affect the results of open surgery?

PURPOSE: to examine the effect of the adoption of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) on the outcome of open repair (OR). METHODS: between May 1998 and December 2001, EVAR (Zenith) was performed in 117 patients, and OR was performed because of anatomic restrictions in 40 (group A), and because of young age in 11 patients (group B). RESULTS: EVAR patients had higher ASA classifications (p < 0.0001). EVAR was associated with a 98.3% (115 patients) technical success rate, one conversion to OR and one fatal cardiac arrest. Thirty-day mortality was 2.6% (3 patients) in EVAR, 15% (6 patients) in group A and none in group B. There was no difference in late survival between the three groups. Late reinterventions, mainly endovascular, were more frequent in EVAR. At a median follow-up of 17 months one stent-graft had migrated 5 mm distally and five stents had fractured, but without clinical consequence. CONCLUSIONS: EVAR provides good results even with inclusion of high-risk patients. The adoption of EVAR may adversely affect the results of OR offered to patients because of anatomic considerations. However, OR continues to be the first option for low-risk young patients.