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The design of the Excluder, which is considered a 3rd generation device for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, is described. Based on a literature search, clinical short- to mid-term results are reviewed. So far, efficacy and safety of the Excluder for elective and emergent aneurysm repair have been demonstrated. In none of the studies perioperative conversion to open surgery or late aneurysm rupture has been reported. The cumulative 30-day-mortality rate was below 1%. Compared to the other commercial devices, aneurysm shrinkage is less marked after repair with the Excluder. Whether this is inconvenient remains to be proven on long-term follow-up.

Bilateral common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms are rare, but more frequently symptomatic than abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). In elderly patients with coexisting medical problems, transluminal and/or endovascular procedures are preferred to avoid the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with further general anesthesia and surgery. However, bilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) occlusion during endovascular repair might be associated with significant morbidity, including gluteal claudicatio, and ischemia of the sigmoid colon and perineum. In the presented case report we describe the successful repair of bilateral CIA aneurysms by a total transluminal and endovascular approach. The potentially reversible embolisation of the less diseased IIA with detachable latex balloons preceded the implantation of a bilateral endovascular Y-stent. Both CIA aneurysms were successfully excluded from circulation. No complications were noted and the patient could be discharged four days after surgery. Probationary detachable balloon embolisation of the IIA followed by implantation of an endovascular bifurcated stentgraft is a safe technique. It allows clinical monitoring of acute ischemic complications before bilateral IIA occlusion by the stentgraft. In comparison to coil embolisation these balloons may be easier to remove if for instance, an external-internal iliac artery bypass is needed. Percutaneous balloon puncture might be another option to reverse acute ischemia.

The therapeutical approach to diseases of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta has dramatically changed over the last decade due to new stent-graft-based endoluminal techniques. In particular elderly patients with a variety of diseases, such as ruptured and asymptomatic aneurysms, acute B-dissections, acute penetrating ulcers, mycotic aneurysms or traumatic aortic injuries will benefit from these minimally invasive alternatives, which can be performed under local anesthesia. As the durability of these devices is not yet proven the patients undergoing endoluminal aortic repair will need life-long clinical and imaging follow-up.

Introduction: acute haemodynamic changes and/or loss of abdominal muscle tone can occur during induction of general anaesthesia and may be the Achilles' tendon in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of ruptured aortoiliac aneurysms (rAIA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of local anaesthesia (LA) for EVAR to overcome these limitations., Methods: twenty-one consecutive patients with rAIA are included in this study. Twenty patients underwent EVAR under LA, and 1 patient was treated under general anaesthesia. Haemodynamics were stabilised during assessment of EVAR feasibility by CT-scan and during the procedure itself by controlled hypotension (MAP 50-60 mmHg) and moderate fluid resuscitation., Results: median procedure time was 120 min. Haemodynamics remained stable in all but 3 patients who required transfemoral balloon occlusion of the supra-renal aorta. Perioperative intubation was necessary in 5 patients because of respiratory distress (n=3), or retroperitoneal access (n=2). Temporary deterioration of renal function occurred in 6 patients, with 2 requiring hemofiltration. CT-scan confirmed sealing of the rAIA in all patients at discharge. 30-day mortality was 9.5% (2 deaths). In the median follow-up of 19 months, there were no deaths, but 3 endovascularre-interventions, 1 crossover femoro-femoral bypass, and 1 open surgical graft repair., Discussion: our series is the first to show that EVAR for rAIA can be safely performed under LA. This approach allows implantation of commercially available bifurcated SG and improves patient outcome., (Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.)

Background: To evaluate spiral computed tomography (SCT) angiography for assessment of feasibility of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with ruptured aortoiliac aneurysm (AAA)., Patients and Methods: 24 patients (mean age 74 years; range, 69 to 82 years) with suspicion of ruptured AAA and stable hemodynamics were preoperatively examined by using a SCT scanner in the emergency room. SCT angiography was performed from the suprarenal aorta to the femoral bifurcation after a fixed injection delay time of 30 seconds. After that a venous phase SCT scan, beginning at the last image position and ending at the upper thoracic aperture, was performed., Results: The mean acquisition time of the SCT scan was 80 seconds (range 70 to 100 seconds), the mean overall procedure time, including image reconstruction, 5 minutes (range, 4 to 6 minutes). 2D images were directly evaluated during CT data acquisition, and 3D image reconstructions within 10 minutes (range, 8 to 11 minutes) after the SCT scan. AAA rupture was assessed in 14/24 patients (58%): in 10/14 patients (71%) rupture was contained to the retroperitoneum, and in 4/14 patients (29%) intraperitoneal rupture was observed. Successful EVAR was performed in 6/14 patients (43%) with ruptured AAA, and in 8/10 patients (80%) without ruptured AAA. Open surgery was exclusively performed in 6/24 patients (25%) with inappropriate anatomy for EVAR and in 4/24 patients (17%) with intraperitoneal rupture., Conclusions: Spiral computed tomography angiography is a reliable technique to assess feasibility of endovascular aneurysm repair in patients with ruptured aortic aneurysm. However, it can only be recommended for patients with stable hemodynamics, despite of the short acquisition time.

Temporary asystole induced with adenosine or electrically induced ventricular fibrillation has previously been proposed to prevent hypertension during transluminal placement of thoracic endovascular stent-grafts. Nitroglycerin is a safe and less invasive alternative to control blood pressure and, in contrast to the methods mentioned, can also be used during stent-grafting performed under local anesthesia.