How Safe is Bilateral Internal Iliac Artery Embolization Prior to EVAR?

Endovascular treatment of bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms using bifurcated-unibody stent grafts

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAA) is a promising alternative to open surgical repair. However, endovascular treatment is challenging when the CIAAs have short proximal necks and internal iliac artery needs to be preserved.

METHODS/RESULTS

We report a case of a 62-year-old man who presented with bilateral CIAA with short proximal necks, with the right-side aneurysm extended into the internal iliac artery. The aneurysms were successfully excluded by using a bifurcated-unibody stent graft on the left with preservation of its internal iliac artery; a conventional tubular covered stent was used on the right with occlusion of its internal iliac artery. In addition, an aorta-bi-iliac artery stent was used to provide extended proximal landing zones for the iliac stents.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular repair using an iliac bifurcated-unibody stent graft can be a useful approach for the treatment of CIAAs. An aorta-bi-iliac endograft may also be needed to provide a reliable landing zone when the proximal neck of the iliac aneurysm is short.

Rectourethral fistula secondary to a bowel management system

A 67-year-old Caucasian male was admitted under the vascular team with critical lower limb ischaemia. Bypass surgery was performed and he was admitted to the intensive care unit post-operatively. The patient experienced a turbulent post-operative recovery complicated by pneumonia, poor respiratory wean and faecal incontinence. A bowel management system was inserted but after 18 days it was reported faecal matter was bypassing his catheter. A CT scan demonstrated an area of necrosis where the bowel management system had been sited which formed a rectourethral fistula. Bowel management systems are frequently used in intensive care unit settings where a high proportion of patients suffer from faecal incontinence. If used correctly they can reduce skin contamination, infection and maintain patient hygiene. However, appropriate assessment and investigations should be addressed before inserting such devices. This case report highlights serious adverse effects of these devices and describes the first documented case of these devices causing a rectourethral fistula.

Technical and outcome considerations of endovascular treatment for internal iliac artery aneurysms

PURPOSE

This study was designed to analyze the outcomes of endovascular treatment for internal iliac artery aneurysm (IIAA) at mid-term follow-up.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 33 patients (28 males, mean age 77.4 years) who underwent endovascular treatment of 35 IIAAs (mean diameter 39.8 mm) from 2002 to 2012. We attempted to completely and selectively embolize all distal branches with permanent embolic materials, followed by proximal controls either by stent-graft placement (type 1) or coil embolization (type 2).

RESULTS

Procedural success rate was 97.1% (n = 34). Complete permanent distal branches embolization was achieved in 27 (79.4%), type 1 in 24 (70.6%), and type 2 in 10 (29.4%) cases. During mean follow-up period of 29.1 months (range, 1.2-92.8), no IIAA-related mortality and stent/stent-graft related complications occurred. Pelvic ischemia occurred and resolved in 8 (25%) patients. Among 32 cases followed by CT, the aneurysm diameter was stable in 18 (56.3%), shrank in 11 (34.4%), and enlarged in 3 (9.4%) cases. In 22 assessed by contrast-enhanced CT, secondary endoleak occurred in 3 (13.6%) cases and 2 required secondary interventions (2/32, 6.3%). Type 1 procedure tends to have better mid-term outcomes. Incomplete permanent distal branches embolization was associated with enlargement and secondary intervention (p = 0.007 and p = 0.042, respectively). The secondary intervention-free rate at 3 years in the complete and incomplete distal embolization group was 100 and 83.3%, respectively (p = 0.128).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment for IIAA is feasible and safe. Complete permanent distal branches embolization is important to achieve satisfactory mid-term outcomes.

Embolization of the internal iliac artery before EVAR: is it effective? Is it safe? Which technique should be used?

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical outcomes of internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization before endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2011, 88 patients underwent IIA embolization prior to EVAR. Sixty-five patients underwent unilateral and 23 underwent bilateral IIA embolization. A total of 111 IIAs were embolized: 56 were embolized with coils, 41 with Amplatzer plugs, and 14 with a combination of embolic agents. The outcomes were assessed retrospectively by reviewing medical records and follow-up imaging.

RESULTS

IIA embolization was technically successful in 95.7% of cases. Type 2 endoleak from previously embolized IIAs was seen in 4 cases, and in 1 case this was significant necessitating re-intervention. Buttock claudication was reported in 38% of cases, whereas new onset erectile dysfunction occurred in 10% of cases. No severe ischemic complications, such as spinal cord ischaemia or buttock necrosis, were reported. Analysis comparing unilateral versus bilateral embolization, simultaneous versus sequential embolization, and the type of embolic material used showed no statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

IIA embolization is technically successful and effective in preventing significant type 2 endoleak in the majority of cases. It is a relatively safe procedure without major complications, but the incidence of buttock claudication and erectile dysfunction remain relatively high, and patients should be consented appropriately. There is no significant benefit for adopting a particular embolization technique, but there is a tendency towards reduced pelvic ischaemia with proximal embolization. Four cases of type II endoleak occurring after technically successful IIA embolization supports the school of thought that IIA should be embolized prior to coverage and extension of the distal landing zone.

Endovascular reconstruction of iliac artery bifurcation atherosclerotic disease with the kissing technique

A 71-year-old male patient with severe left buttock and lower-extremity claudication due to iliac artery bifurcation stenoses was referred to our institution for endovascular treatment. A 'kissing' technique was used in order to dilate the proximal parts of both internal and external iliac arteries and avoid compromization of the internal iliac artery during proximal external iliac artery stenting. A balloon expandable stent was inserted via a left ipsilateral retrograde access to the narrowed origin of the left external iliacartery and a balloon catheter via a right contralateral access inside the origin of the left internal iliac artery. Simultaneous balloons inflation restored full patency of both vessels. Twelve months later the patient is doing well, free of buttock or lower-extremity claudication symptoms. For iliac artery bifurcation atherosclerotic disease, endovascular repair with the 'kissing' technique can achieve a complete bifurcation reconstruction offering significant clinical benefit in selected patients.

Challenging the evidence for pre-emptive coil embolisation of the internal iliac artery during endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVES

We retrospectively analysed the results of a strategy in which coverage of the internal iliac artery (IIA) during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was routinely performed without coil embolisation.

METHODS

From January 2010 until May 2012, 32 patients (96.9% men; mean age 73.0 years, range 52-89 years) underwent EVAR with stent grafts extended into the external iliac artery (EIA), all without prior coil embolisation. Aneurysm morphology was determined on preoperative computed tomography (CT) images. During follow-up, patients were interviewed about buttock claudication, and the occurrence of endoleaks and evolution of aneurysm diameter were recorded.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mid-common iliac artery (CIA) diameter was 33.5 ± 16.8 mm and seven patients presented with ruptured aneurysms. Mean follow-up was 14.3 ± 7.4 months. There were eight deaths, none related to IIA coverage. Buttock claudication occurred in seven (22.6%) patients, which persisted after 6 months in two cases of bilateral IIA coverage. No Type-I or -II endoleaks occurred related to IIA coverage. Aneurysm growth was not observed.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of aortoiliac and iliac aneurysm without pre-emptive coil embolisation of the IIA appears safe and effective. No IIA-related endoleaks or re-interventions occurred in our series. This approach saves operating time, contrast load and costs and may reduce complications. However, a larger population and longer follow-up is required to confirm our findings.

Endovascular treatment of an anastomotic iliac pseudoaneurysm after surgical aortic repair using a Cardiatis multilayer stent

The Cardiatis multilayer stent (Cardiatis, Isnes, Belgium) is a cobalt, self-expandable bare stent made of two interconnected layers without any covering that allows a pressure decrease and thrombus formation into an aneurysmal sac, while improving laminar flow in the main artery and surrounding vital branches. We report a case of an anastomotic iliac pseudoaneurysm successfully treated with the deployment of a Cardiatis multilayer stent.

Quality improvement guidelines for imaging detection and treatment of endoleaks following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)

Major concerns after aortic aneurysm repair are caused by the presence of endoleaks, which are defined as persistent perigraft flow within the aortic aneurysm sac. Diagnosis of endoleaks can be performed with various imaging modalities, and indications for treatment are based on further subclassifications. Early detection and correct classification of endoleaks are crucial for planning patient management. The vast majority of endoleaks can be treated successfully by interventional means. Guidelines for Imaging Detection and Treatment of endoleaks are described in this article.

A comparative study of the bell-bottom technique vs hypogastric exclusion for the treatment of aneurysmal extension to the iliac bifurcation

INTRODUCTION

A significant proportion of patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) have common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAA). Aneurysmal involvement at the iliac bifurcation potentially undermines long-term durability.

METHODS

Patients with CIAA who underwent EVAR were identified in two teaching hospitals. Bell-bottom technique (BBT; iliac limb ≥20 mm) or internal iliac artery embolization and limb extension to the external iliac artery (IIE + EE) were used. Outcome between these two approaches was compared.

RESULTS

We identified 185 patients. Indication for EVAR included asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in 157, symptomatic or ruptured aneurysm in 19, and CIAA in nine. Mean AAA diameter was 59 mm. Among 260 large CIAAs that were treated, BBT was used to treat 166 CIAA limbs, and 94 limbs underwent IIE + EE. Total reintervention rates were 11% for BBT (n = 19) and 19.1% for IIE + EE (n = 18; P = .149). Rates of reintervention for type Ib or III endoleak were 4% for BBT (n = 7) and 4% for IIE + EE (n = 4; P > .99). The difference in limb patency rates was not significant. The 30-day mortality rate was 1%. Median follow-up was 22 months. Complications did not differ significantly between the two groups; however, the combined incidence of perioperative complications and reinterventions was higher in the IIE + EE group (49% vs 22%; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined incidence of perioperative complications and reinterventions is significantly higher with IIE + EE than with BBT; therefore, when feasible, BBT is desirable.

Buttock Claudication After Interventional Occlusion of the Hypogastric Artery—A Mid-Term Follow-Up

Background. Interventional occlusion of the hypogastric artery (HA) can be used for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the iliac arteries. Most frequent ischemic complication is buttock claudication (BC). Aim. To investigate the frequency and progression of BC after interventional occlusion of the HA prior to EVAR. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed in patients with EVAR and occlusion of the HA between September 2004 and August 2010. Acute and persistent BC symptoms were assessed. Results. Fifty-four catheter occlusions of the HA were performed. In 10 cases, claudication could not be evaluated. During a mean follow-up of 17 months, 23 occlusions (52.3%) of the HA showed BC, in 52% symptoms were persistent. Of the 5 patients, 3 patients who underwent bilateral occlusion had BC and in 2 cases, persistent in the follow-up. Conclusion. Buttock claudication after occlusion of the HA prior to EVAR is a frequent complication, which often persists during follow-up. Alternatives that maintain pelvic perfusion should be considered.

Report of a case of ischemic colitis with bilaterally patent internal iliac arteries after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair

During endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), interruption of the internal iliac arteries (IIAs) or the inferior mesenteric artery by stents or embolization is thought to cause colon ischemia. To minimize this risk, attempts have been made to preserve the IIAs using iliac branch devices or IIA revascularization. Here we present our experience of colon ischemia after EVAR in a patient with bilaterally patent IIAs without evidence of embolism. A 70-year-old man had abdominal pain and a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm was found. We performed EVAR with custom-made tube grafts preserving the bilateral IIAs. On postoperative day 2, the patient complained of abdominal pain, a sigmoidoscopy was performed revealing colon ischemia. On laparotomy, transmural infarction of the sigmoid colon was found and resected. Because IIA preservation cannot guarantee protection against colon ischemia, surgeons should maintain a high level of suspicion and use surveillance liberally after EVAR for early diagnosis of colon ischemia, even if both IIAs are preserved.

Femoral-femoral stabilizing buddy wire for embolization of the internal iliac artery

Internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization is performed in a variety of clinical scenarios, most commonly in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with an iliac artery aneurysm or inadequate distal landing zone. In these patients, IIA embolization with iliac limb extension is often performed. While IIA embolization can be routinely performed with either ipsilateral or contralateral femoral arterial access, it can be challenging in some patients with an acutely angulated aortic or iliac bifurcation and in patients with short or ectatic common iliac arteries. In this select group of patients with difficult anatomy, IIA embolization can be challenging and may lead to increased radiation exposure and contrast administration. Having a sheath precisely positioned and stabilized at the internal iliac artery origin will facilitate embolization of the IIA. This report describes a novel technique in which crossover femoral-femoral artery buddy wire placement achieves stable positioning of large sheaths for concurrent IIA embolization at the time of EVAR.

Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms combined with bilateral common and internal iliac aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

Combined aneurysms of aortic and iliac arteries are rare with a prevalence of less than 0.1%. However, these combined aneurysms are associated with a high incidence of thrombosis, distal embolism, or rupture. Endovascular repair is a therapeutic option and includes embolization of the internal iliac artery in numerous cases. Embolization of the internal iliac artery may cause severe ischemia with hip and buttock complications in 2-5%. Therefore, preservation of internal iliac arteries is essential to reduce complications.

PATIENT AND METHOD

We describe in detail an endovascular procedure for combined abdominal aortic (diameter of 8.6 cm) and bilateral common and internal iliac aneurysm (diameter of the left side: 6.4 cm; diameter of the right side: 4.3 cm) in a 44-year-old patient caused by media necrosis Erdheim-Gsell. The blood flow of both internal arteries was preserved in this patient.

RESULT

Operation was done without any complications. Conversion to an open procedure was not necessary. During follow up (3, 6, and 12 months after operation) the patient did not develop any signs of severe hip and buttock complications. Furthermore, sonography and CT angiography revealed a good blood flow via the internal and external iliac arteries.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms combined with bilateral common and internal iliac aneurysms offers a promising minimal invasive procedure. Most importantly, this technique is less invasive than open operations and reduces complications by preserving the pelvic perfusion.

Iliac branch graft in the treatment of complex aortoiliac aneurysms: early results from a North American institution

PURPOSE

To describe early experience with the use of iliac branch grafts (IBGs) in aortoiliac aneurysm repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From July 2007 to August 2009 (25 months), 14 patients (13 men, one woman) with a mean age of 70.1 years (range, 59.3-80.0 y) were treated with IBGs. Indications were abdominal aneurysm with common iliac artery (CIA) involvement (n = 11), juxtarenal aortic aneurysm with CIA involvement (n = 1), and bilateral CIA and internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysms (n = 1). Postoperative endoleaks and patency rate were determined with computed tomography within 1 month of implantation and 1 year thereafter, with concurrent clinical evaluation for pelvic ischemia. Mean follow-up period was 18.7 months (range, 6-35 mo).

RESULTS

Technical success rate, as defined by successful implantation of IBG with no intraprocedural type I or type III endoleak, was 86% (12 of 14). A total of 14 IBGs were successfully deployed in 12 patients. Two cases of technical failure were related to excessive iliac tortuosity. The mean hospitalization duration was 6.5 days (range, 3-14 d), with zero mortality at 30 days. There were two cases of type II endoleak treated conservatively and a single case of IBG-related type III endoleak that required repeat intervention. The rest of the stent-implanted aortic and iliac aneurysms remained stable in size, with no aneurysm rupture or death recorded. All stent-implanted iliac branches remained patent on follow-up. None of the patients who received IBGs had new symptoms of pelvic ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Iliac branch graft placement is a feasible technique with excellent short-term results in the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms.

Spinal cord ischemia after endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm: a rare complication

Neurologic deficit secondary to spinal cord ischemia after elective infrarenal, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), consists a rare and rather disastrous complication. The etiology of such neurologic complication seems to be multifactorial, making this event unpredictable and foremost unpreventable. We report a case of paraparesis and bladder dysfunction that occurred immediately after the EVAR procedure. Prompt management by conservative or invasive methods seems to be important for the reversal of the neurologic deficit and the optimization of patient's outcome.

Spinal cord, bowel, and buttock ischemia after endovascular aneurysm repair

A 66-year-old man with multiple comorbidities presented with a juxtarenal perianastomotic aortic aneurysm 10 years after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The aneurysmal disease also involved both iliac bifurcations, the right internal iliac artery, the left common femoral artery (CFA) up to its bifurcation, and the homolateral popliteal artery. We performed bilateral internal iliac artery coil embolization 1-month apart. Later, we performed aortouniiliac endografting extending to the right external iliac artery and placement of an endovascular plug in the left external iliac artery. A right CFA to left femoral bifurcation bypass graft was then constructed after ligation of the left CFA aneurysm. After recovering from anesthesia and despite sequential hypogastric embolization, the patient developed postoperative paraplegia, buttock ischemia, and ischemic colitis and died on postoperative day 5. The possible pathogenic mechanisms involved in the onset of these ischemic complications are discussed in this article.

Intraoperative angioembolization in the management of pelvic-fracture related hemodynamic instability

Background

This case series report discusses patients presenting with hemorrhage and hemodymanic compromise due to severe pelvic fractures and undergoing intraoperative angioembolization (IAE) with other resuscitative procedures.

Methods

We used portable digital subtraction fluoroscopy units for IAE in patients with severe pelvic hemorrhage and hemodynamic instability (5/03-4/09). Data was collected on demographics, injury severity, resource utilization, and outcomes at our Level 1 trauma center.

Results

There were 6,538 adult admissions with 912 having pelvic fractures and 65 of these undergoing pelvic angioembolization. Twelve hemodynamically compromised patients (10 males, 2 females) had intraoperative pelvic angiography (age: 22-79 years; mean 51.3 ± 17.4). Injury severity score (ISS) was 37.5 ± 8.4 (22-50). Mean emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) was 57.4 min ± 47.9 with 10 patients transported directly to the OR and 2 to the SICU prior to OR. Ten of 12 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy followed by angioembolization. Mortality was 50%. Among the 6 survivors (ISS 22 - 50), all had a pre-op CT scan, five had an initial base deficit <13, and four were transfused ≤ 6 units pre-incision/pre-procedure. Four of the 6 survivors had unilateral embolization. In contrast, all 6 non-survivors (ISS 29-41) required massive transfusion prior to OR (>6 units PRBCs) with 4 having a based deficit >13. Three of these patients bypassed CT and five underwent bilateral internal iliac embolization (BIIE).

Conclusions

IAE for severe pelvic hemorrhage can be successfully performed concurrently with exploratory laparotomy, pelvic packing or other resuscitative procedures. Patients most likely to benefit have a base deficit <13, and do not require massive transfusion prior to IAE or suffer from a vertically unstable pelvis fracture.

Selective embolization of the internal iliac arteries for the treatment of intractable hemorrhage in children with malignancies

Purpose

Acute internal hemorrhage is an occasionally life-threatening complication in pediatric cancer patients. Many therapeutic approaches have been used to control bleeding with various degrees of success. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of selective internal iliac artery embolization for controlling acute intractable bleeding in children with malignancies.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the cases of 6 children with various malignancies (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and rhabdomyosarcoma), who had undergone selective arterial embolization (SAE) of the internal iliac artery at the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital between January 2004 and December 2009. SAE was performed by an interventional radiologist using Gelfoam® and/or Tornado® coils.

Results

The patients were 5 boys and 1 girl with median age of 6.9 years (range, 0.7-14.8 years) at the time of SAE. SAE was performed once in 4 patients and twice in 2, and the procedure was unilateral in 2 and bilateral in 4. The causes of hemorrhage were as follows: hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in 3 patients, procedure-related internal iliac artery injuries in 2 patients, and tumor rupture in 1 patient. Initial attempt at conservative management was unsuccessful. Of the 6 patients, 5 (83.3%) showed improvement after SAE without complications.

Conclusion

SAE may be a safe and effective procedure for controlling acute intractable hemorrhage in pediatric malignancy patients. This procedure may obviate the need for surgery, which carries an attendant risk of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients with critical conditions.

Endovascular aneurysm repair with preservation of the internal iliac artery using the iliac branch graft device

OBJECTIVES

Aortoiliac aneurysms comprise up to 43% of the specialist endovascular caseload. In such cases endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) requires distal extension of the aortoiliac endograft beyond the ostium of the internal iliac artery (IIA) and into the external iliac artery, conventionally necessitating the embolisation of one or both IIA. This has been associated with a wide range of complications, and the use of an Iliac Branch-graft Device (IBD) offers an appealing endovascular solution.

DESIGN

Medline, trial registries, conference proceedings and article reference lists were searched to identify case series reporting IBD use. Data were extracted for review.

RESULTS

Nine series have reported the use of IBD in a total of 196 patients. Technical success was 85-100%. Median operating times were 101-290min and median contrast dose was 58-208g, with no aneurysm-related mortality. Claudication developed in 12/24 patients after IBD occlusion. One type I endoleak and two type III endoleaks occurred and were managed endovascularly. Re-occlusion occurred in 24/196 patients.

CONCLUSION

IBD was performed with high technical success rates and encouraging mid-term patency. Formalised risk stratification and morphological data are required to identify the group of patients who will benefit most. Cost-effectiveness appraisals are needed for this technique.

External-to-internal iliac stent-graft: medium-term patency following exclusion of a retrogradely perfused common iliac aneurysm

Following complicated aortic aneurysm surgery a complete left iliac occlusion resulted in buttock claudication. A retrogradely perfused right common iliac aneurysm expanded. Exclusion was by external-to-internal iliac stent-graft. No deterioration in claudication occurred with medium-term stent-graft patency.

Aneurisma de artéria ilíaca interna roto: relato de caso

Aneurismas isolados da artéria ilíaca interna são raros, acometem 0,1% da população e correspondem a 1% dos aneurismas aorto-ilíacos. Na maioria das vezes, os pacientes são assintomáticos, mas podem apresentar dor abdominal, massa pulsátil no hipogástrio ou na fossa ilíaca, sintomas compressivos urinários, gastrointestinais ou neurológicos. Podem ocasionar quadro de abdome agudo, principalmente quando há ruptura. O diagnóstico precoce dos aneurismas isolados de artéria ilíaca interna é incomum, sendo identificados quando mais volumosos ou rotos, o que aumenta significativamente sua morbimortalidade e torna seu prognóstico mais reservado. Dessa forma, representam um desafio terapêutico. A ligadura cirúrgica tem sido o tratamento mais comum, entretanto a cirurgia endovascular tem mostrado bons resultados, inclusive nos aneurismas rotos. É relatado caso de aneurisma de artéria ilíaca interna isolado roto diagnosticado durante laparotomia para abordagem de abdome agudo.

External-to-internal iliac artery endografting for the exclusion of iliac artery aneurysms: an alternative technique for preservation of pelvic flow?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe an alternative endovascular procedure to exclude iliac artery aneurysms, preserving perfusion to the internal iliac artery.

CASES

Two patients, considered unfit for open repair, underwent endovascular repair of iliac artery aneurysms. One of these occurred after previous placement of a bifurcated prosthesis. In both cases the aneurysms were excluded using a nitinol stent covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene from the external to the internal iliac artery. Using this technique, the internal iliac arteries were perfused in a retrograde manner. Both interventions were technically successful. The external-to-internal endograft remained patent after 6 and 16 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular placement of a stent-graft from the external iliac artery into the internal iliac artery may offer an alternative and minimal invasive alternative for the management of common and internal iliac artery aneurysms. With the use of this technique, pelvic perfusion is preserved. Further studies are warranted to appraise the advantages and risk of this approach for iliac artery aneurysms.

Endovascular aneurysm repair: current and future status

Endovascular aneurysm repair has rapidly expanded since its introduction in the early 1990s. Early experiences were associated with high rates of complications including conversion to open repair. Perioperative morbidity and mortality results have improved but these concerns have been replaced by questions about long-term durability. Gradually, too, these problems have been addressed. Challenges of today include the ability to roll out the endovascular technique to patients with adverse aneurysm morphology. Fenestrated and branch stent-graft technology is in its infancy. Only now are we beginning to fully understand the advantages, limitations, and complications of such technology. This paper outlines some of the concepts and discusses the controversies and challenges facing clinicians involved in endovascular aneurysm surgery today and in the future.