The perth bifurcated endovascular graft for infrarenal aortic aneurysms

This article reviews the characteristics and clinical results of the Perth bifurcated endovascular graft for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Since 1993, 1 08 bifurcated grafts have been placed in 108 patients. Selection criteria i nclude aneurysms larger than 5 cm in diameter; age greater than 80 years; h igh risk for conventional surgical repair due to comorbid conditions; proxi mal neck longer than 1.5 cm; maximum diameter of neck 28 mm. Median follow- up is 18 months (range 1 to 36 months). Primary success was defined as a su ccessfully deployed, patent graft without endoleak at the time of discharge . Primary success was achieved in 94 cases (87%). Failures included 9 acute endoleaks, 3 failed graft deployments, and 2 perioperative deaths. At 6 we eks there were 15 endoleaks, of which 7 were treated percutaneously and 4 h ave sealed spontaneously. Three cases of graft limb occlusion have occurred , as well as 3 conversions to open repair (1 early, 2 late). Endovascular r epair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is feasible.