Current status of endovascular aneurysm repair: 20 years of learning

Parodi first introduced endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in 1991 and since that time it has been shown to have a lower 30-day morbididty and mortality compared to open surgery. Anatomic constraints governed by the need for adequate access vessels, and sufficient proximal and distal landing zones, as well as the need for long-term surveillance, have been the main limitations of this technology. Anatomic factors were initially estimated to exclude 40% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The rapid extension of EVAR technology has been complimented by improved access to both high-quality imaging modalities and a variety of endografts. These developments have led EVAR to become a more practical alternative for patients with ruptured AAA. Early data in this setting is encouraging with even more profound reductions in morbidity and mortality than seen in the elective repair.