Is endoluminal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair using an aortoaortic (tube) device a durable procedure?

Endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is being adopted as a less invasive alternative to conventional open repair in many centers worldwide. Although the initial results are encouraging, the long-term durability of this procedure remains unknown. Endoluminal AAA repair in 29 patients using three different devices (EVT tube Endograft(R), aortouniiliac device, and Stentortrade mark bifurcated system) is described. Overall, 24 procedures (83%) were completed successfully. Complications included two deaths due to microembolization, five early conversions, two chest infections, three patients with buttock claudication, and three patients with trashed foot. Perigraft leaks were detected in four patients (three proximal, one distal) treated with the EVT tube Endograft. Continued aneurysm expansion was observed in three of the patients. One of the leaks was discovered at the 1-year follow-up. In this patient the aneurysmal process was not retarded by endoluminal repair. The findings in this patient may have implications for the durability of this technique. Therefore, careful long-term evaluation of this procedure is recommended prior to its widespread use.