Endovascular strategies for infrarenal aneurysms with short necks

The aim of this paper was to review the current options for endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with short infrarenal neck. Studies reporting endovascular treatment of AAAs with short proximal neck were reviewed. Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (F-EVAR) is most frequently reported for the treatment of patients with short neck AAA, with high technical success rates (≥ 99%), low operative mortality (≤ 3.5%) and excellent mid- and long-term results in terms of target vessel patency (≥ 97%). Chimney-EVAR (Ch-EVAR) is far less reported, but also presents with high technical success rates (>97%), varying operative mortality rates (0-12.5%), and excellent short- and mid-term target vessel patency (≥ 96%). Ch-EVAR, however, seems to be associated with high postoperative stroke up to 6.3%, and increased proximal type I endoleak (5-31%). Standard EVAR performed outside manufacturers' instructions for use (IFU) is also documented in the treatment of short proximal neck AAA, but is associated with increased operative mortality and morbidity, type I endoleak, and migration, compared to standard EVAR in AAA with longer proximal neck length. F-EVAR currently represents the most validated and reliable endovascular option for the treatment of short-neck AAA. Ch-EVAR is feasible, but lacks long-term data. Its use seems only favored in acute high surgical risk patients, in elective cases complicated with unintentional renal artery coverage or in anatomies unsuitable for F-EVAR. Standard EVAR in short neck AAA is associated with poorer outcomes and should not be recommended as first choice.