Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Therapy

Long-Term Results after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) with the Zenith Stent Graft

The device-specific long-term results of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is limited as most of the studies are large multicentre trials reporting the combined results of different devices. The main concern regarding endovascular approach for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has been the high complication and re-intervention rates after EVAR compared to open repair (OR). This concern has led to a recommendation of lifelong surveillance. However, almost 80% of EVAR patients undergo re-intervention-free surveillance. Therefore, the annual monitoring of all EVAR patients is, therefore, unnecessary. The fatal AAA rupture after EVAR is rare, but an annual rupture risk of 0.49% remains despite the systematic follow-up. The most common cause of death after EVAR is the cardiac event. The overall survival among these patients is poor as multiple comorbidities diminish the life expectancy. Approximately only half of the EVAR-treated patients reach the 5-year followup. At the same time, every tenth patient lives up to 16 years and over thus highlighting the importance of durability of the stent grafts. The basic features of the Cook Zenith stent graft haven´t changed much over the years. Available long-term data can, therefore, be used in decision making when considering AAA treatment with Zenith device and discussing the treatment options with the patient.

Author(s):

Suvi Väärämäki, Ilkka Uurto and Velipekka Suominen

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