Overview of one decade developments of an EVAR endograft

This thesis focusses on three different aspects of abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) disease. First, pathogenesis and aetiology was elucidated stressing the importance of various factors related to the chance of rupture. These factors are of importance as they are directly related to the decision whether to intervene or not. As such a more patient tailored approach can be offered. Some of these factors can be visualized with computerized tomography scanning, which is also required to define whether endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is possible, and to draw planning and sizing of theendograft. Obvious interobserver variability of EVAR suitability assessment using the CTA measurements determines accuracy of planning and sizing and may have consequences for final results with the chosen endograft, which is discussed in the second part of the thesis. The third part entirely focusses on one specific endograft, i.e. the Anaconda™ AAA Stent Graft System. During the years three generations of the device have entered the market. Outcome of EVAR in routine and challenging circumstances is studied. We aimed to find reasons why some of the endografts failed. As a consequence, changes to the device were introduced which in turn have influenced outcome. To study the consequences of these changes a comparison between the generations is made