Early complications of femorofemoral crossover bypass grafts after aorta uni-iliac endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE

The following procedures are the 3 main methods of endovascular repair (EVR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA): aorto-aortic bypass grafting, bifurcated bypass grafting, and aorta uni-iliac grafts. The latter method has the potential disadvantage of requiring an extra anatomic graft (ie, a femorofemoral crossover bypass graft) to maintain contralateral pelvic and limb perfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the complications associated with the femorofemoral crossover bypass graft after aorta uni-iliac EVR of AAA.

METHOD

A prospective review was conducted of the complications attributable to the femorofemoral crossover bypass graft in 136 patients who underwent EVR of AAA with an aorta uni-iliac device.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 7 months (range, 0 to 36 months), 4 patients had superficial wound infections that required antibiotic treatment and 2 patients had bypass graft infections. Nine hematomas developed: 7 (5%) groin hematomas (6 in patients with Dacron bypass grafts), 1 scrotal hematoma, and 1 perigraft hematoma. One bypass graft thrombus developed.

CONCLUSION

The femorofemoral crossover bypass graft is a safe and a durable component of EVR of AAA with an aorta uni-iliac device. The results are similar to those with bifurcated devices.