Use of iliac branch devices for endovascular repair of aneurysmal distal seal zones after EVAR.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and midterm outcomes of iliac branch devices (IBD) for the treatment of aneurysmal distal seal zones after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods: Between January 2005 and January 2014, 188 patients with aortic aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation underwent IBD implantation; of these, 18 consecutive patients (17 men; mean age 70±10 years) were treated for aneurysmal degeneration of 22 distal seal zones (mean 36±6-mm diameter) after EVAR. The main outcome measure was technical success. Further outcomes were primary and assisted primary patency of the internal iliac branch, types Ib/III endoleaks, reintervention, and all-cause mortality.

Results: The technical success rate was 100%. The primary patency rate was 100% over a median follow-up of 15 months (interquartile range 4-25). None of the patients developed type Ib or III endoleak. During surveillance, two device-related reinterventions were performed (thrombectomy of an occluded external iliac artery and angioplasty with stenting of a stenotic common iliac artery). One patient died due to metastatic prostate cancer.

Conclusions: Iliac side branch endografting showed excellent feasibility and encouraging midterm outcomes for the challenging endovascular repair of aneurysmal distal seal zones post EVAR.