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 p
atients 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 da
ys. One superficial wound infection occurred. Periprocedural (30 days) mort
ality was 5% (four- patients). Three graft occlusions were noted of which t
wo required treatment. Fifteen patients developed 18 endoleaks (six type 1,
eight type 2 and four type 3). Type I and type 3 endoleaks were treated by
extension cuffs. Four type 2 endoleaks were treated with embolisation or d
irect lumbar puncture. Two-year freedom from endoleak was 76%. Graft migrat
ion 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 res
ults are without major problems. Extensive follow-tip is essential as secon
dary problems may occur later. Long-term results are to be awaited.