Abdominal aortic aneurysm-repair devices

Traditional open aneurysm repair is associated with significant perioperative morbidity. The development of abdominal aneurysm-repair devices has provided a minimally invasive alternative to open repairs. The field of aneurysm-repair devices is burgeoning since the approval of the first device in 1999. A clear perioperative survival advantage and lower perioperative morbidity has been reported by multiple studies. In addition to benefiting the normal risk aortic aneurysm patient, this new technology is making the repair of aneurysms in older patients with high operative risk factors possible. Modifications to devices are introduced rapidly to overcome anatomical limitations and to improve on device-related complications such as endoleaks and migration. Limited long-term outcomes are available for newer devices, and life-long surveillance is still recommended for all patients. Patient selection and preoperative planning are the cornerstones to successful endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.