Covered stents in iliac artery occlusive disease: what is the evidence?

The last two decades have seen a revolution in the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Acceptable safety and durability outcomes have now been realized with endovascular treatments, which is increasingly finding a place in the treatment of AIOD. Evolution of stent technologies and endovascular techniques is seeing an expansion of AIOD lesions indicated for primary endovascular treatment. The literature evidence basis is continuously evolving, and questions remain as to the optimal form of vessel treatment. Covered stents have been increasingly promoted for their long-term durability, particularly in extensive, challenging AIOD lesions. Here, we explore the seminal evidence basis for covered stents in the treatment of AIOD, and aim to provide a sound evidence based argument for their use.