Patient selection for endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms

Purpose: This study was conducted to establish criteria to aid in the selec tion of patients for endovascular repair of aorto-iliac aneurysms. Methods: Characterization of pertinent factors used to determine whether a patient is eligible to undergo stent-graft repair of an aorto-iliac aneurys m. Principal findings and conclusions: The determinant factor that dictates wh ether or not one is eligible to undergo endovascular repair of aorto-iliac aneurysm is the arterial anatomy of the affected area and its surrounding v essels. Some of the initial limitations imposed in this technology have cha nged such as an acceptance of much shorter neck than initially conceptualiz ed, by the use of supra-renal stent deployment. However. unsolved issues re main regarding the differentiation of thrombus and atherosclerotic plaque i n the infra-renal aortic region, iliac artery disease, and the need to have an enhanced flexibility of the delivery system for proper deployment in to rtuous aortic necks. The question of long-term device durability remains th e most important issue that has to be taken into consideration before one c hooses minimally invasive endovascular approaches. (C) 2000 The Internation al Society for Cardiovascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.