Covered stent implantation by the puncture method for the treatment of a small aneurysm of the common iliac artery

A method to repair endovascular aneurysms with covered stents has recently been developed. In the present paper, the implantation of a covered stent t hrough a 12Fr sheath by the puncture method for the treatment of an isolate d aneurysm of the right common iliac artery is reported. The aneurysm was l ess than 3 cm in diameter, and computed tomography showed no signs of aneur ysm rupture, but the patient nonetheless complained of right lower abdomina l pain and constipation. It was decided to implant a covered stent in lieu of surgical repair because it was difficult to prove a causal relationship between the aneurysm and the patient's complaints. Fortunately, after impla ntation, the symptoms were resolved. In conclusion, it is possible to choos e this less invasive type of therapy for the treatment of an isolated iliac artery aneurysm if the patient complains only of general malaise and there are no certain signs of an impending rupture, although surgery should be i ndicated regardless of aneurysm size.