Bifurcated Stent-Graft for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The purpose of this study was to examine bifurcated stent-graft implantation for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Fifty-seven patients were treated and followed with serial computed tomography scans for up to 3 years. Patients were allocated to three groups (first 20, second 20, last 17) according to when the repair was performed. Successful treatment is defined as exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation, based on contrast computed tomography. Success rates in the three groups were 55%, 70% and 100%. Perigraft leak (endoleak) was present on initial assessment in 4/20, 2/20 and 1/17. Two of these aneurysms ruptured early in the postoperative period. Thereafter, leaks were sought and treated aggressively. Kinking and thrombosis occurred in six of the first 20 patients, but did not occur in any of the last 37 patients, in whom the graft limbs were routinely stent-supported throughout. Infrarenal implantation in very a short neck (< 10 mm), or a thrombus-lined neck was associated with proximal stent migration. In conclusion, changes in patient selection and technique have led to a steady rise in the short-term success rate of the stent-grafted implantation.