Relocation of the Iliac Artery Bifurcation to Facilitate Endoluminal Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

PURPOSE: To report a surgical technique to preserve the internal iliac arteries (IIAs) and facilitate endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with extensive iliac artery involvement. TECHNIQUE: A new iliac artery bifurcation is created surgically through an 8-cm lower left abdominal incision by implanting the IIA onto the distal external iliac artery either directly or by using a tube graft interposition. Careful technique is required to avoid embolic complications, but after relocating the bifurcation, aortic endografting can be performed, either simultaneously or staged, depending upon patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Relocation of the iliac artery bifurcation appears to be a good alternative to preserve pelvic arterial flow in selected candidates for endoluminal AAA repair.