Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

In September 1999, the Food and Drug Administration approved two devices for the endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The endografts are placed from within the arteries using fluoroscopic guidance. The minimally invasive technique is performed using bilateral femoral artery cut-downs and has significant advantages over open surgical repair, including a reduction in morbidity, hospital stay and blood loss, with a much quicker return to normal activities. Endoleaks are the main complication following endovascular repair, and close follow-up of patients with CT is recommended to confirm adequate exclusion of the aneurysm.