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

Effectiveness of the Rotarex Excisional Atherectomy System in Both Subacute and Chronic Aortoiliac Endograft Thrombosis: An Innovative Option for the Modern Endovascular Surgeon Toolkit

PURPOSE

To report a successful revascularization case using the Rotarex™S atherothrombectomy system in a recent iliac limb thrombosis, and chronic hypogastric stent obstruction after previous aortoiliac aneurysm endovascular repair (EVAR).

CASE REPORT

A 72-year-old patient was treated for recent right iliac limb thrombosis and left iliac branch chronic hypogastric stent occlusion, 5 years after EVAR. A total endovascular approach, using both upper extremity and femoral vascular access, was settled with 2 Rotarex™S (6Fr and 10Fr) devices. The Rotarex™S catheters removed most of the intraluminal material, allowing additional endografts and bare metal stents to be deployed to support a new healthy lumen surface.

CONCLUSION

The total endovascular approach provided by the Rotarex™S device appears to be safe and effective in treating aortoiliac endografts occlusions, both in subacute and chronic phases. Larger studies could highlight differences and eventual advantages compared with more traditional solutions.

Midterm Results of a Surgeon-Modified Device to Preserve the Flow of the Internal Iliac Artery During Endovascular Repair of Aneurysm: Single-Center Experiences

BACKGROUND

During endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), commercial iliac branch devices (IBDs) have become an inescapable alternative for preserving antegrade internal iliac artery (IIA) blood flow. Due to the different morphological features of aneurysms, commercial IBDs may not be suitable for all patients. Reported experience with the implantation of the new surgeon-modified IBD (sm IBD) is limited. This investigation describes the indications, efficacy, and safety of the sm IBD.

METHODS

Data from consecutive elective implantations of IBDs in patients between March 2011 and May 2021 in a single center were incorporated. The sm IBDs were indicated in patients with common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) and with a challenging anatomy and in those patients with or without abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (15 male, mean age 67.6 ± 7.9 years) were included. Fifteen sm IBDs were implanted in 1 procedure (100%). Fourteen (93.3%) patients had simultaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and 1 (6.7%) patient previously had a bilateral CIAAs repair by EVAR. The mean common iliac artery (CIA) diameter was 36.6 ± 12.5 mm. Technical success was obtained in all patients (100%). The median operation time was 189.7 ± 78.6 min, with a median fluoroscopy time of 45.3 ± 15.9 min. Axillary artery access was used in 11 (73.3%) procedures. The mean total hospital stay was 5.6 ± 2.8 days, and the postoperative follow-up was 35.4 months (range 2-120). The estimated IIA bridge stent patency at 1 year after operation was 100% and 85.7% ± 13.2% 5 years postoperatively. One (6.7%) IIA branch was occluded, and this patient remained asymptomatic. One patient (6.7%) needed reintervention, and another (6.7%) patient had type II leakage, which is currently under close surveillance.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an IBD to maintain the pelvic blood flow is an effective and feasible intravascular technique, especially for patients with an abnormal iliac artery anatomy. This novel technique has similar midterm procedural success rate compared to the use of commercial IBDs. Therefore, these devices are more suitable for patients with certain anatomic challenges and can be used as an alternative treatment.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical effectiveness and safety of unilateral versus bilateral iliac branch devices for aortoiliac and iliac artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

Iliac branch devices (IBDs) have been utilized in the treatment of aortoiliac and isolated iliac artery aneurysms. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of IBDs.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted by identifying studies in the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases regarding the outcomes of IBDs in aortoiliac or isolated iliac artery aneurysms between May 2006 and December 2020. Individual studies were evaluated for the following major outcomes: technical success, 30-day mortality, primary patency, endoleak, reintervention, and rates of pelvic ischemia. Furthermore, sub-group meta-analyses were performed to compare the pelvic ischemic events in patients with bilateral IBDs, unilateral IBDs and bilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization/coverage.

RESULTS

45 studies with a total of 2736 patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral IBDs met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The pooled technical success rate of IBD was 98.0% (CI: 97.3-98.7%). Following IBD treatment, the 30-day mortality rate was 0.4% (CI: 0.07-0.70%); 30-day patency was 98.4% (CI: 97.7-99.0%); buttock claudication developed in 1.84% (CI: 1.26-2.41%); endoleak occurred in 11.9% (CI: 9.2-14.7%) and re-intervention in 7.6% (CI: 5.65-9.58%). Furthermore, in the patients with bilateral iliac artery involvement the pooled estimate rates of buttock claudication were 0.7% in bilateral IBD group, 7.9% in unilateral IBD with contralateral IIA embolization patients and 33.8% in bilateral IIA embolization/coverage patients, which were statistically significant among the three groups. Sexual dysfunction was 5.0% in bilateral IIA occlusion group, which was significantly higher than that in IBD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of IBDs in treatment of aortoiliac or isolated iliac artery aneurysms is associated with high technical success rates as well as low incidences of pelvic ischemia. The risk of postoperative buttock claudication can be further decreased with both IIA preservation if patients are anatomically suitable for bilateral IBDs.

Hypogastric Preservation Using a Retrograde Endovascular Bypass in a Patient with Ruptured AAA and Concomitant Bilateral Common Iliac Aneurysms: A Feasible Option in the Acute Setting

Preservation of the hypogastric circulation is of major clinical importance in cases of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). Pelvic ischemia can be detrimental and significantly increase post-operative morbidity and mortality. However, the application of a side branch device or a bell-bottom graft is not possible in ruptured aortoiliac aneurysms (due to off-the-shelf unavailability and/or prolonged operative time) and in most cases pelvic circulation may have to be sacrificed. We report a case of a rAAA with bilateral common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms that was successfully repaired with an aorto-uni-iliac (AUI) endograft, a cross-femoral bypass, and an inverted-U shaped contralateral EIA to IIA endovascular bypass. The procedure is described in detail and certain technical points are further discussed. The steps in cases where the aneurysm has ruptured are different compared to elective repairs and vascular surgeons need to be aware of certain pitfalls. This strategy may be feasible in the acute setting and permits preservation of the hypogastric circulation with the combination of standard techniques and grafts that are readily available in most institutions.

Endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysmal disease with internal iliac artery preservation: a review of two different approaches

INTRODUCTION

The feasibility of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is often challenged by the concurrent presence of common iliac artery aneurysms, which prevent the attainment of a successful distal sealing. The present review aims to portray the safety and efficacy of two internal iliac artery (IIA) preservation strategies in the endovascular treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms: the iliac branch extension device (IBED) and the parallel graft - "sandwich" technique (PG-ST).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify publications on endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysmal disease using IBED or PG-ST. Primary endpoints were freedom from endoleak, IIA branch occlusion and secondary interventions.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twenty-eight studies were selected for analysis describing a total of 1316 patients, 1169 in the IBED group and 147 in the PG-ST group. The technical success rates were akin for IBED and PG-ST (83.9-100% versus 81.3-100%). The defined primary endpoints were reported by fourteen articles. Freedom from endoleak, IIA branch occlusion and reintervention, at 6 months, were as follows: 82-100% versus 86%, 90-94% versus 88%, and 90-98% versus 87%, respectively for IBED and PG-ST. Later outcomes were only recorded in the IBED group, and freedom from endoleak, IIA branch occlusion and reintervention, at 9 years, were 83%, 81-90%, and 64-75%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both IBED and PG-ST have proven to be safe and valid approaches. However, while IBED has established as a durable procedure, mid-term data lacks on PGs performance and further studies are required to attest durability of the latter procedure.

Initial Experience with the E-liac® Iliac Branch Device for the Endovascular Aortic Repair of Aorto-iliac Aneurysm

PURPOSE

Occlusion of internal iliac arteries during endovascular treatment (EVAR) of abdominal aortic (AAA) and common iliac artery aneurysms might be associated with ischemic pelvic complications. This study evaluates technical and clinical success, safety and mid-term results of a novel iliac branch device (IBD) for revascularization of the internal iliac artery (IIA) during EVAR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospectively, we identified 21 men (mean age 73.3 ± 6.2 years) treated for aorto-iliac aneurysms by use of a novel IBD (E-liac^®, Jotec Hechingen, Germany). We analyzed safety (30-day survival), technical (no type I and III endoleaks, "EL"), clinical (no ischemic complications) success, mid-term patency of this IBD, peri-procedural complications, occurrence of type II ELs, rate of re-interventions and additional treatment of the revascularized IIA for landing zone preparation.

RESULTS

Twenty-three IBDs were implanted. Aneurysms of the ipsilateral IIA were present in 6/23 IIAs (26.1%). Super-selective branch embolization was performed in these patients and the landing zone for the iliac sidebranch stent-graft was within the superior gluteal artery. Mean follow-up was 341 days (range 4-1103 days). Technical success and 30-day survival were 100%. Clinical success was 95.2%. Primary patency of the IBDs was 100% at 12 months. Peri-procedural complications occurred in 3/21 patients (14.3%), none of them related to the IBD. AAA-related type II ELs were found in 6 patients (28.6%), IBD-related ELs in 4/23 IBDs (17.4%) (two type Ib, two type II endoleaks). Overall re-intervention rate was 23.8%, IBD-related 8.7%.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of the E-liac^® IBD is safe and effective for the treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Internal Iliac Artery Branched Endovascular Stent Grafts

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to describe our institutional experience using iliac branch grafts (IBGs) in aortoiliac aneurysm repair.

METHODS

From October 2009 to April 2016, 41 consecutive patients (all men), mean age 71.7 years (range 55-87), underwent IBG implantation. Abdominal aortic aneurysm with common iliac artery involvement (n = 21) or bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (n = 20) were indications. Computed tomography was used to evaluate patency and postoperative endoleaks within 1 month of implantation and after 1 year.

RESULTS

A total of 42 IBGs were deployed in 41 patients successfully. One hundred percent of grafts implanted were patent at 1 month and at annual follow-up. There was 1 mortality at 30 days, due to acute renal failure. Sixteen type II and 1 type Ib endoleaks were found, for which 3 reinterventions were performed and the remainder treated conservatively. Five patients had complications which required reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

IBG placement has excellent short-term outcomes and potential to limit buttock claudication in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms involving the iliac arteries.

Early Experiences of Sandwich Technique to Preserve Pelvic Circulation during Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Purpose

To report experiences of the sandwich technique (ST) for preservation of pelvic flow during endovascular repair of complex aortic or aortoiliac aneurysms.

Materials and Methods

Eight patients underwent elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the ST between March 2013 and February 2017. The anatomic indications for the ST were complex aortoiliac aneurysms (5 cases), abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with non-diseased short common iliac arteries (2 cases) and AAA with unilateral occluded iliac artery (1 case). The ST was performed through both femoral and brachial approach. Patient clinical and radiologic data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Eight patients (7 male; mean age, 73.4 years) were followed over a mean period of 277 days (range, 9–1,106 days). The technical success rate was 100%. The primary patency rate of the iliac stent-grafts was 88% (14/16 cases). One internal iliac and 1 external iliac stent-graft occlusion was observed during the early postoperative period. There was 1 gutter endoleak which disappeared spontaneously within 4 days, and there were 2 type II endoleaks: one treated by coil embolization after 13 months, and the other observed without treatment. There were no cases of sac growth or aneurysm-related deaths, and no cases of buttock claudication or impotence.

Conclusion

The ST is a safe and feasible technique to preserve pelvic circulation during endovascular treatment of complex aortoiliac aneurysms. The need to expand the indications for complex EVARs with adjunctive procedures, such as the ST is highlighted in situations where branched/fenestrated device availability is limited.

Accentuation of Insufficient Landing Zone Using High-volume Three-dimensional Coils during Iliac Aneurysm Stent Grafting for Hypogastric Artery Preservation

We describe the technique using high-volume three-dimensional coils to "augment" an insufficient stent-graft landing zone. This was performed to preserve hypogastric artery perfusion in the case of common iliac artery aneurysm which resides next to the internal iliac artery.

Outcome after Interruption or Preservation of Internal Iliac Artery Flow During Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aorto-iliac Aneurysms

AIM

The aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature investigating outcomes after interruption or preservation of the internal iliac artery (IIA) during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies reporting IIA management during EVAR. The search identified 57 articles: 30 reported on IIA interruption (1468 patients) and 27 on IIA preservation (816 patients).

RESULTS

The pooled 30 day buttock claudication (BC) rate was 29.2% (95% CI 24.2-34.7). Patients undergoing bilateral IIA interruption had a higher incidence of BC than patients with unilateral IIA interruption (36.5% vs. 27.2%, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.11-2.6, p = .01). During a median follow up of 17 months, the pooled rate of persistent BC was 20.5% (95% CI 15.7-26.2). Of the patients, 93.9% underwent an endovascular revascularization procedure for IIA preservation. Most patients (87.6%) had an iliac branched device, and technical success was 96.2%. Within 30 days of EVAR, 4.3% of internal iliac branches occluded. During a median follow up of 15 months, the pooled occlusion rate at the site of IIA revascularization was 8.8% (95% CI 6.8-11.3). In patients treated with an iliac-branched device, 5.2% of internal iliac branches and 1.7% of external iliac arteries occluded. The pooled BC rate on the side of the IIA revascularization during follow up was 4.1% (95% CI 2.9-5.9). Pooled rates of late device related endoleak type I or III and secondary procedures on the side of the previous IIA revascularization were 4.6% (95% CI 3.2-6.5) and 7.8% (95% CI 5.7-10.7) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Unilateral or bilateral IIA occlusion during EVAR seems to carry a substantial risk of significant ischemic complications in nearly one quarter of patients. Bilateral IIA occlusion was related to a significantly higher rate of BC. IIA preservation techniques represent a significant improvement in the treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms and have been associated with high technical success and low morbidity.

Endovascular anatomic reconstruction of the iliac bifurcation with covered stentgrafts in sandwich-technique for the treatment of complex aorto-iliac aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular anatomic reconstruction of iliac artery bifurcation in aorto-iliac aneurysms using commercial stentgrafts in sandwich-technique by bilateral transfemoral approach.

METHODS

24 patients (mean 73.8±standard deviation 6.8years) with complex aorto-iliac aneurysms (AAA): n=17; diameter 64±15 [48-100]mm; common-iliac-artery (CIA): n=27; 43±15 [30-87]mm; internal-iliac-artery (IIA): n=14; 28±8 [15-43]mm) were prospectively enrolled for EVAR with preservation of the IIA (n=31; bi-lateral n=7). Maintenance of antegrade flow to IIA by iliac reconstruction was performed in sandwich-technique prior to EVAR. Follow-up of 15.0±10.8 [1-40]months included contrast-enhanced ultrasound and computed-tomography after 1week, 3, 6 and every 12months.

RESULTS

Initial technical success for anatomic reconstruction of the iliac arteries in 31 instances was 100%. Primary patency of iliac neo-bifurcations was 90.9% (20/22) at 6months and 84.2% (16/19) at 1year. Postprocedural gutter-endoleaks type 1b were obvious in 6.5% (2/31) of cases, which disappeared 3months later. Aortic/iliac aneurysm-size after 1year decreased (>5mm) in 61.5% of patients. No aneurysm-size increase or late rupture occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular reconstruction of the iliac bifurcation with commercial standard stentgrafts is safe and effective. Transfemoral approach allows extension of distal landing zone for EVAR while preserving the internal iliac artery blood-flow, even in unfavorable iliac anatomy.

Endovascular treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms: From intentional occlusion of the internal iliac artery to branch iliac stent graft

Approximately 20%-40% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms can have unilateral or bilateral iliac artery aneurysms and/or ectasia. This influences and compromises the distal sealing zone during endovascular aneurysm repair. There are a few endovascular techniques that are used to treat these types of aneurysms, including intentional occlusion/over-stenting of the internal iliac artery on one or both sides, the “bell-bottom” technique, and the more recent method of using an iliac branch stent graft. In some cases, other options include the “snorkel and sandwich” technique and hybrid interventions. Pelvic ischemia, represented as buttock claudication, has been reported in 16%-55% of cases; this is followed by impotence, which has been described in 10%-17% of cases following internal iliac artery occlusion. The bell-bottom technique can be used for a common iliac artery up to 24 mm in diameter given that the largest diameter of the stent graft is 28 mm. There is a paucity of data and evidence regarding the “snorkel and sandwich” technique, which can be used in a few clinical scenarios. The hybrid intervention is comprised of a surgical operation, and is not purely endovascular. The newest branch stent graft technology enables preservation of the anterograde flow of important side branches. Technical success with the newest technique ranges from 85%-96.3%, and in some small series, technical success is 100%. Buttock claudication was reported in up to 4% of patients treated with a branch stent graft at 5-year follow-up. Mid- and short-term follow-up results showed branch patency of up to 88% during the 5-6-year period. Furthermore, branch graft occlusion is a potential complication, and it has been described to occur in 1.2%-11% of cases. Iliac branch stent graft placement represents a further development in endovascular medicine, and it has a high technical success rate without serious complications.

Crossover chimney technique to preserve the internal iliac artery during endovascular repair of iliac or aortoiliac aneurysms: midterm results

PURPOSE

To report our midterm results of the crossover chimney technique to preserve the internal iliac artery (IIA) in patients with aortoiliac aneurysms (AIA) and isolated common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAA).

METHODS

Between May 2012 and January 2014, 14 consecutive patients (mean age 77.3 years; all men) with 17 AIA, isolated CIAAs, or abdominal aortic aneurysms with short CIAs underwent elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with the crossover chimney technique to preserve the IIA. Follow-up assessment, including computed tomographic angiography or duplex ultrasound, was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter.

RESULTS

Technical success, defined as successful preservation of IIA without intraoperative type I or III endoleak, was 100%. Over a mean 14.3 months (range 6-21), primary patency was 92.8%. There was no early or late procedure-related mortality. Among the 17 iliac aneurysms excluded, the sac diameter significantly (at least 5 mm) decreased in 3, decreased <5 mm in 10, and did not change in 4.

CONCLUSION

The crossover chimney technique is a simple and safe alternative for IIA endovascular revascularization with high technical success and acceptable midterm patency.

Treatment of Aortoiliac Aneurysms With the Iliac Bifurcated Device for Preservation of Internal Iliac Artery Flow

Introduction:

The iliac bifurcated device (IBD) is an innovative endovascular device for aortoiliac aneurysm repair. The objective of this study is to provide further evidence on the efficacy and safety of the device.

Study Design:

Case series study with retrospective analysis of prospectively collected nonrandomized data.

Methods:

Between 2007 and 2010, all consecutive IBD placements were analyzed. The main outcomes included (1) technical failure; (2) morbidity and mortality; and (3) late outcomes. Prospective follow-up was performed by interval computed tomography scanning.

Results:

In all, 27 consecutive patients had elective placement of 28 IBDs. Mean operating time was 251.1 ± 65.4 minutes, mean fluoroscopy time was 63.9 ± 27.2 minutes, and mean contrast volume used was 186.2 ± 106.7 mL. Periprocedural type I endoleak occurred in 2 patients. No aneurysm-related adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate that IBDs can be used in patients with aortoiliac aneurysms and are associated with satisfactory medium-term results as expressed by high patency and low reintervention rates.

Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms involving iliac bifurcation: role of iliac branch graft device in prevention of buttock claudication

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe our early experience with the use of iliac branch grafts (IBGs) in aortoiliac aneurysm repair at our institution and to evaluate the technical feasibility, short-term patency rate, and potential clinical benefits, with special focus on prevention of buttock claudication.

METHODS

From March 2009 to November 2010, 9 consecutive patients (all men), mean age 71.1 years (range 62-80 years), underwent IBG implantation at our institution. Indications were abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with common iliac artery (CIA) involvement (n = 7), bilateral CIA aneurysm (n = 1), and AAA with bilateral CIA and unilateral IIA involvement (n = 1). Postoperative endoleaks and patency rate were determined with computed tomography (CT) within 1 month of implantation and 1 year thereafter, with concurrent clinical evaluation for pelvic ischemia. Mean follow-up period was 14.7 (range 9-29) months.

RESULTS

Technical success rate, as defined by successful implantation of the iliac branch graft (IBG) with no intraprocedural type I or type III endoleak, was 100%. The mean hospitalization duration was 4 days (range 3-6 days), with 0% mortality at 30 days. There were 3 cases of type II endoleak detected perioperatively, which were treated conservatively. Two endoleaks sealed spontaneously on the 1-month CT scan and 1 persists without aneurysm sac expansion. All stent-implanted aortic and iliac aneurysms remained stable in size during follow-up, with no aneurysm rupture or death recorded. All stent-implanted iliac branches remained patent on follow-up and all patients were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

Iliac branch graft placement is a feasible technique with excellent short-term results in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation. This technique can efficiently prevent buttock claudication.

Technical considerations and performance of bridging stent-grafts for iliac side branched devices based on a pooled analysis of single-center experiences

PURPOSE

To report a pooled analysis of single-center experiences designed to determine the performance of self-expanding vs. balloon-expandable bridging stent-grafts used in iliac branch devices (IBDs) for the repair of iliac artery aneurysms.

METHODS

The English-language literature in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was searched for articles published between 2006 and 1 March 2012 on the performance of bridging stent-grafts in the internal iliac artery. Studies were eligible for the analysis if they contained the type of bridging stent-grafts used and the time and cause of any occlusion of the bridging devices. Eight of the 13 studies published between 2006 and 2011 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The outcome measure was the patency of bridging stent-grafts defined as absence of occlusion of the side branch in the internal iliac artery. Additionally, the performance of the self-expanding stent-grafts vs. balloon-expandable stent-grafts used in conjunction with the IBDs was compared.

RESULTS

In the 8 studies, 100 (42%) self-expanding stent-grafts and 136 (58%) balloon-expandable stent-grafts were placed in 185 patients. Of these 236 bridging stent-grafts, 15 (6%) occluded in 13 (7%) patients: 10 within 30 days after the intervention [2 (1.5%) balloon-expandable and 8 (8%) self-expanding stent-grafts] and 5 beyond 30 days [2 (1.5%) balloon-expandable and 3 (3%) self-expanding stent-grafts]. Symptomatic presentation (hip and/or buttock claudication) of the occluded iliac branch was recorded in 7 of the 13 patients.

CONCLUSION

The current literature does not support robust conclusions about the performance of bridging endografts of IBDs due to the heterogeneity of the studies. However, the occlusion rate of the bridging stent-grafts was low, especially for balloon-expandable stent-grafts compared to self-expanding devices.

Long-term results of iliac aneurysm repair with iliac branched endograft: a 5-year experience on 100 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Iliac branch device (IBD) technique has been introduced as an appealing and effective solution to avoid complications occurring during repair of aorto-iliac aneurysm with extensive iliac involvement. Nevertheless, no large series with long-term follow-up of IBD are available. The aim of this study was to analyse safety and long-term efficacy of IBD in a consecutive series of patients.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2011, 100 consecutive patients were enrolled in a prospective database on IBD. Indications included unilateral or bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms combined or not with abdominal aneurysms. Patients were routinely followed up with computed tomography. Data were reported according to the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

There were 96 males, mean age 74.1 years. Preoperative median common iliac aneurysm diameter was 40 mm (interquartile range (IQR): 35-44 mm). Sixty-seven patients had abdominal aortic aneurysm >35 mm (IQR: 40-57 mm) associated with iliac aneurysm. Eleven patients presented hypogastric aneurysm. Twelve patients underwent isolated iliac repair with IBD and 88 patients received associated endovascular aortic repair. Periprocedural technical success rate was 95%, with no mortality. Two patients experienced external iliac occlusion in the first month. At a median follow-up of 21 months (range 1-60) aneurysm growth >3 mm was detected in four iliac (4%) arteries. Iliac endoleak (one type III and two distal type I) developed in three patients and buttock claudication in four patients. Estimated patency rate of internal iliac branch was 91.4% at 1 and 5 years. Freedom from any reintervention rate was 90% at 1 year and 81.4% at 5 years. No late ruptures occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term results show that IBD use can ensure persistent iliac aneurysm exclusion at 5 years, with low risk of reintervention. This technique can be considered as a first endovascular option in patients with extensive iliac aneurysm disease and favourable anatomy.

Common iliac artery aneurysms in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and to evaluate the relationship between AAA and CIA diameter.

METHODS

Spiral CT angiography was used to measure the maximum diameters of the abdominal aorta and the common iliac arteries of 215 patients with AAA.

RESULTS

The median CIA diameter was 1.7 cm--significantly greater than the published mean of 1.25 (2 S.D. = 0.85-1.65) cm of an age-matched, non-vascular population. Thirty-four patients (16%) had unilateral and 26 patients (12%) bilateral CIA aneurysms > or = 2.4 cm diameter. Eight-six vessels (20%) were affected. Right CIA diameters were wider than left CIA diameters (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test). The correlation between AAA size and CIA diameter was weak.

CONCLUSIONS

The AAA population has abnormally dilated common iliac arteries. In this population, common iliac artery aneurysms should be defined as those greater than 2.4 cm diameter. 20% of CIAs in patients with AAA are aneurysmal according to this definition.