Three year single centre experience with the AneuRx aortic stent graft

Objectives: to report the mid-term single-centre experience with the AneuRx self-expandable nitinol stentgraft for endovascular aneurysm repair. Patients and Methods: between December 1996 and January 2000 a total of 128 patients were treated with an AneuRx bifurcated stentgraft. Of these, 77 patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Patient operative and follow-up data were prospectively gathered. Results: two (3%) conversions were necessary. Median hospital stay was 3 days. One superficial wound infection occurred. Periprocedural (30 days) mortality was 5% (four patients). Three graft occlusions were noted of which two required treatment. Fifteen patients developed 18 endoleaks (six type 1, eight type 2 and four type 3). Type 1 and type 3 endoleaks were treated by extension cuffs. Four type 2 endoleaks were treated with embolisation or direct lumbar puncture. Two-year freedom from endoleak was 76%. Graft migration occurred in six cases, resulting in a 2-year freedom from migration of 90%, kinking only once. Conclusions: endovascular AAA treatment is feasible and so far mid-term results are without major problems. Extensive follow-up is essential as secondary problems may occur later. Long-term results are to be awaited.