The EVT tube and bifurcated endograft systems: technical considerations and clinical summary. EVI Investigators

Endovascular exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is an investigational technique under scrutiny around the world. The tube and bifurcated versions of the Endovascular Grafting System (EGS) developed by Endovascular Technologies are the subjects of FDA-approved multicenter trials in the United States (US). Similar studies are under way in Europe, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This review details the implantation techniques for the EGS device and summarizes the important clinical findings published through 1996. Although the EGS was voluntarily removed from the US trial when fractures were discovered in the graft attachment system, subsequent experience with the re-engineered EGS has been positive. Successfully implanted EGS tube grafts have been associated with aneurysm shrinkage after 1 year in AAAs initially excluded or with sealed endoleaks. Aneurysm enlargement has been seen in EGS tube grafts with persistent endoleak.