Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with Complex Anatomy: Preliminary Results of the Second-Generation Stent Graft with a Dual-Ring Design

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDEndovascular treatment has revolutionized the therapeutic approach to abdominal aortic aneurysms due to its low morbidity and mortality rates. Despite the technological advances, there still are anatomical limitations on the use of stent grafts. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate clinical results in patients with complex abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with a second generation stent graft.METHODSThis is an observational, prospective, non-randomized, single-center study in a series of patients undergoing endovascular repair of complex infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms, using a stent graft with a dual-ring stent design (Anaconda™ – Vascutek, Terumo, Inchinnan, Scotland). Clinical and angiographic characteristics, technical and therapeutic success rates, morbidity and mortality and perioperative reintervention rates were evaluated.RESULTSBetween February 2010 and December 2011, 108 consecutive patients with aortic aneurysms were treated, of whom 16 had complex abdominal aortic aneurysms, treated with the Anaconda™ AAA Stent Graft System. Mean age was 76±7 years and 75% were males. Technical success was observed in 94% and therapeutic success in 75% of cases. There was one postoperative death. The most prevalent perioperative complication was surgical wound bleeding (2/16) and peripheral embolism (2/16). Reinterventions were required in 12.5% of the patients during follow-up.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, the second-generation Anaconda™ Stent Graft System was effective and provided satisfactory immediate results in the treatment of complex infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms