The Perth HLB bifurcated endoluminal graft: a review of the experience and intermediate results

Endoluminal grafting for abdominal aortic aneurysm based upon Dacron-coated Z stents was commenced in March 1993. A modular system for treatment of infrarenal aorto-iliac aneurysmal disease was developed in 1994. The experimental model, method of delivery, graft construction and initial results were reported. Since 1994, 108 bifurcated HLB (Perth) endografts for infrarenal aorto-iliac aneurysmal disease have been implemented. Initial technical success in deployment and exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 94 (87%) cases. Secondary endovascular procedures were performed in six cases and were successful in excluding the aneurysm. Ninety patients are alive currently. Twelve have died of co-morbid conditions. Six have died of aneurysmal disease, either from rupture or the result of treatment attempts. Fifteen early endoleaks (within 30 days) have been detected with three persisting. Four have sealed without further intervention, six after the secondary procedure and two patients have died. Conversion to open aneurysmal repair has been performed in five cases: three early and two late. Two of the early group but none of the late intervention group died. No graft infections have been detected to date. With increasing experience criteria for patient selection for endoluminal grafting and the type of graft to be inserted, have been developed. These criteria, lessons learnt and technical points of importance are discussed.