ENDOLUMINAL REPAIR - A BETTER OPTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF COMPLEX FALSE ANEURYSMS

Background: The aim of the present paper is to present the utility of endoluminal repair in the management of complex false aneurysms at var ious sites throughout the body. Methods: Between May 1992 and May 1997 the endoluminal method was used to repair 183 aneurysms at various si tes throughout the body. In six patients the pathology was that of fal se aneurysm and these are the basis of the present report. In two of t he patients the false aneurysm was situated between the renal arteries and the proximal end of a previous aortic graft. The other false aneu rysms were situated in the right subclavian, the popliteal and interna l carotid arteries, in addition to one situated at the junction of two longstanding bypass grafts in the groin. The technique involved deliv ery of an endograft into the artery from which the false aneurysm had arisen via a sheath inserted through an artery of access which was sup erficial and remote from the site of the aneurysm. A laparotomy was av oided in the first two cases and thoracotomy avoided in the third case . Opening of the popliteal fossa, which had been the site of a recent knee replacement in the fourth patient, was also avoided. Results: Pos t-procedure angiography confirmed exclusion of the false aneurysm from the general circulation in all six patients. There were no deaths and the mean length of hospital stay was 6 days. Conclusions: Endoluminal repair of false aneurysms is feasible and avoids the difficulty and m orbidity associated with laparotomy, thoracotomy and operations at sit es with scarring from previous interventions.