Outcomes and morphologic changes after endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms with a severely angulated neck- a device-specific analysis.

BACKGROUND

With respect to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), the development of advanced techniques and devices, namely, Cook Zenith and Gore Excluder, has helped overcome device-related problems, including device migration. Deformities of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) can influence the long-term outcome of EVAR. The post-implantation behavior of stent grafts in AAAs with a severely angulated neck (SAN) was examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among 190 AAA patients who underwent EVAR, 46 had SAN of more than 60 degrees. The post-implantation angle and adverse events were evaluated. Forty-one patients (89%) showed straightening of the neck angle immediately after the operation (early), with 2 types of subsequent (late) configuration changes - recoil and additional straightening. Among 34 Excluder patients, 29 showed immediate straightening, without additional straightening and 8 exhibited recoil. All 12 Zenith patients showed immediate straightening; 7 subsequently exhibited additional straightening, and none of them showed recoil. A difference (P=0.04) was noted between the 2 devices in the late angle changes. In all cases, no migration was observed at the proximal sites.

CONCLUSIONS

The post-implantation configuration changes in stent placement in AAA patients with SAN were different for Excluder and Zenith. Appropriate device selection and proper planning of the procedure is necessary for EVAR.