Midterm outcome of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians: A single institution's experience

The Safety and Outcomes of Elective Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in the Elderly: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) increases with age. Previous trials confirm that elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is an effective intervention for AAA. However, few elderly patients were recruited into randomized trials, whereas in contemporary clinical practice, elective repair is commonly performed on octogenarians. We evaluated the safety and outcome of elective EVAR in elderly patients to inform clinical practice and vascular service provision.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting risk of complications and death in patients undergoing elective EVAR was performed (PROSPERO CRD: 42022308423). Observational studies and interventional arms of randomized trials were included if the outcome rates or raw data were provided. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were longer-term mortality, 30-day major adverse events, and aneurysm-related mortality. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between octogenarians and non-octogenarians. Exclusion criteria were emergency procedures, non-infrarenal aneurysms, and lack of octogenarian data.

RESULTS

A total of 41 studies were eligible from 10 099 citations, including 10 national and 5 international registries, 26 retrospective studies, and our own prospective cohort. The analysis included 208 997 non-octogenarians (mean age=70.19 [SD=0.62]) and 106 188 octogenarians (mean age=83.75 [SD=0.35]). The 30-day mortality post-elective EVAR was higher in octogenarians (1.08% in non-octogenarians, 2.31% in octogenarians, odds ratio [OR]=2.27 [2.08-2.47], p<0.0001). Linear regression demonstrated a 0.83% increase in 30-day mortality for every 10-year age increase above 60 years old. Mortality for octogenarians increased significantly during follow-up: 11.35% (OR=1.87 [1.65-2.13], p<0.001), 22.80% (OR=1.89 [1.52-2.35], p<0.001), 32.00% (OR=1.98 [1.66-2.37], p<0.001), 47.53%, and 51.08% (OR=2.40 [1.90-3.03], p<0.001) at 1-through-5-year follow-up, respectively. The 30-day major adverse events after elective EVAR were higher in octogenarians (OR=1.75-2.83, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarians experience higher but acceptable peri-operative morbidity and mortality compared with younger patients. However, 3-year to 5-year survival is very low among octogenarians. Our findings challenge the notion of routine intervention in elderly patients and support very careful selection for elective EVAR. Many octogenarians with peri-threshold (<6 cm) AAAs may derive no benefit from EVAR due to limited 3-year to 5-year overall survival and low risk of aneurysm rupture with conservative management. An adjusted threshold for intervention in octogenarians may be warranted.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Octogenarians with infra-renal AAA are increasingly managed with elective EVAR. Previous studies have demonstrated that EVAR is safer than open repair for octogenarians, with lower peri-operative mortality and major adverse events. However, randomised trials, on which much of contemporary evidence is based, recruited a relatively younger population of participants. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a contemporary synthesis of the literature comparing outcomes in octogenarians to younger patients. The results of this analysis, together with low rupture rates amongst octogenarians in existing literature, question the benefit of routine elective intervention for peri-threshold aneurysms and an adjusted threshold for intervention in octogenarians may be warranted.

Prospective evaluation of automated vascular analysis for ilio-femoral artery lesions before and after percutaneous endovascular aortic repair

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the differences between pre- and postoperative access conditions in percutaneous endovascular aortic repair (PEVAR).

METHODS

Between December 2021 and October 2023, PEVAR was performed on 61 patients using the Perclose ProStyle (Abbott Vascular). Enhanced computed tomography and ankle-brachial index tests were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. The inner diameter and area of the iliofemoral artery were automatically measured, and the pre- and postoperative values were compared (114 legs). The same analysis was performed on 12 legs with previous groin operations; open surgical EVAR was performed in 9 legs, an endarterectomy of the femoral artery in 1, and a femoropopliteal bypass in the other leg.

RESULTS

All patients were discharged without surgical site infections, lymphatic fistulas, or retroperitoneal haematomas. There were no significant differences between the pre-and postoperative inner diameter and inner area of the external iliac artery and common femoral artery. There were no significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative ankle-brachial index tests. In 12 legs with a previous groin operation, the postoperative ankle-brachial index tests and inner diameter and area of the external iliac artery and common femoral artery were statistically equal to the preoperative values.

CONCLUSIONS

This study can support the safety of percutaneous endovascular aortic repair, even in patients with redo groin operations.

Endovascular Aortic Repair in Patients of Advanced Age

PURPOSE

Treatment decisions for the elderly with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are challenging. With advancing age, the risk of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) increases while life expectancy decreases, which may nullify the benefit of EVAR. The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of EVAR on 1-year mortality in patients of advanced age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2003-2020 Vascular Quality Initiative Database was utilized to identify patients who underwent EVAR for AAAs. Patients were included if they were 80 years of age or older. Exclusions included non-elective surgery or missing aortic diameter data. Predicted 1-year mortality of untreated AAAs was calculated based on a validated comorbidity score that predicts 1-year mortality (Gagne Index, excluding the component associated with AAAs) plus the 1-year aneurysm-related mortality without repair. The primary outcome for the study was 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 11 829 patients met study criteria. The median age was 84 years [81, 86] with 9014 (76.2%) being male. Maximal AAA diameters were apportioned as follows: 39.6% were <5.5 cm, 28.6% were 5.5-5.9 cm, 21.3% were 6.0-6.9 cm, and 10.6% were ≥7.0 cm. The predicted 1-year mortality rate without EVAR was 11.9%, which was significantly higher than the actual 1-year mortality rate with EVAR (8.2%; p<0.001). The overall rate of perioperative MACE was 4.4% (n = 516). Patients with an aneurysm diameter <5.5cm had worse actual 1-year mortality rates with EVAR compared to predicted 1-year mortality rates without EVAR. In contrast, those with larger aneurysms (≥5.5cm) had better actual 1-year mortality rates with EVAR. The benefit from EVAR for those with Gagne Indices 2-5 was largely restricted to those with AAAs ≥ 7.0cm; whereas those with Gagne Indices 0-1 experience a survival benefit for AAAs larger than 5.5 cm.

CONCLUSION

The current data suggest that EVAR decreases 1-year mortality rates for patients of advanced age compared to non-operative management in the elderly. However, the survival benefit is largely limited to those with Gagne Indices 0-1 with AAAs ≥ 5.5 cm and Gagne Indices 2-5 with AAAs ≥ 7.0 cm. Those of advanced age may benefit from EVAR, but realizing this benefit requires careful patient selection.

Outcome of elective endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms in octogenarians

AIM

The need to adjust the indications of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair among patients with a limited life-span deserves a specific evaluation for octogenarians. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative results and the long-term survival after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic and/or iliac aneurysms (EVAR) in octogenarians compared with patients under 80 years of age.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 241 consecutive patients who underwent an elective EVAR between 2000 and 2017. EVAR was not considered among patients with clear life-limiting conditions. Patients receiving other than commercially standard infra-renal endoprostheses were excluded.

RESULTS

Seventy patients (29.0%) were octogenarians. They had a lower rate of active smoking (10.0% vs. 30.4%, P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of previous cerebrovascular disease (21.4% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.055) than younger patients. Thirty-day/in-hospital complication and mortality rates were not significantly higher among octogenarians when compared with younger patients (24.3% vs. 16.9% and 2.9% vs. 2.4%, respectively). Octogenarians had a lower long-term survival at 1, 3 and 5 years (92.6% vs. 93.3%, 67.7% vs. 78.0% and 39.3% vs. 60.6%, P = 0.039) in the bivariate analysis. However, an age ≥ 80 years per se was not an independent predictor of survival after adjustment for confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

An age above 80 years was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications or long-term mortality. Our results suggest that EVAR can be considered in elderly patients without a clear life-limiting condition and with a suitable aneurysm anatomy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 392-397.

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm in octogenarians: clinical outcomes and complications

Background

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is associated with decreased perioperative morbidity and mortaliy in comparison with open repair, and thus octagenarians are traditionally offered EVAR given their age and medical comorbidities. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes and predictors of complications associated with EVAR in octogenarians.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients aged 80 years and older who received an EVAR between August 2010 and January 2017 at a single centre in Toronto, Ontario. We conducted univariate comparisons and then completed logistic regression to determine predictors of complications. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to explore survival times.

Results

A total of 154 octogenarians underwent an EVAR during the study period for an infrarenal aneurysm with a mean size of 64.8 (standard deviation [SD] 12.7) mm. The mean age of the patients was 84.1 (SD 3.7) years, and most patients (81%) were men. Eighteen patients presented with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Ninety-five (62%) patients sustained a complication. Fifty percent of patients experienced an intraoperative complication. A majority of these (77%) resulted in an endoleak, with type II endoleaks requiring no further intervenion being the most common (58%, n = 45). The remaining complications (n = 70) occurred postoperatively, with myocardial ischemia (n = 24) and dysrhythmias (n = 10) being the most common. Past aortic surgery (χ2 = 8.62, p = 0.014, Cramer V = 0.27) was found to be a multivariate predictor of complications. Most patients (88%) continued follow-up to an average of 20.9 months. Twenty-one patients (13%) died. Nine of these deaths (43%) occurred during the index admission and involved a ruptured AAA. Past aortic surgery was the only predictor of vascular complications. The mean survival time after EVAR was 57.63 months for patients without events.

Conclusion

Endovascular aneurysm repair in octogenarians is a suitable form of therapy with acceptable short- and long-term results in the elective setting. Past aortic surgery was a predictor of complications in this population.

Survival After Uncomplicated EVAR in Octogenarians is Similar to the General Population of Octogenarians Without an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

Long term survival after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in octogenarians remains unclear. This was evaluated by comparing octogenarians after EVAR with a matched group of octogenarians without an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) from the Rotterdam Study (RS). The influence of complications after EVAR on survival was also studied with the aim of identifying risk factors for the development of complications in octogenarians.

METHODS

Using propensity score matching (PSM), 83 EVAR octogenarians were matched for comorbidities with 83 octogenarians from the RS, and survival was compared between these two groups using Cox proportional hazard analysis. Then, complications were studied, defined as cardiac or pulmonary, renal deterioration, access site bleeding, acute limb ischaemia or bowel ischaemia, within 30 days of surgery between 83 EVAR octogenarians and 475 EVAR non-octogenarians. Also, the difference in baseline characteristics between the octogenarians with and without complications after EVAR were studied, and survival was compared between the RS controls and the complicated and uncomplicated EVAR octogenarians separately.

RESULTS

The total EVAR octogenarian population did not show an increased mortality risk compared with RS octogenarian controls (hazard ratio [HR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.97). Post-operative complications occurred in 22 octogenarians (27%) and 59 non-octogenarians (12.4%, p < .001), mainly cardiac, pulmonary, and bleeding complications. All baseline characteristics were similar in the complicated EVAR octogenarians compared with the uncomplicated EVAR octogenarians. After uncomplicated EVAR, octogenarians had a similar survival compared with the RS controls (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.68-1.77), but after complicated EVAR their mortality risk increased significantly (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.06-3.54).

CONCLUSION

After standard EVAR, the life expectancy of octogenarians is the same as that of a matched group from the general population without an AAA, provided they do not develop early post-operative complications. Patient selection and meticulous peri-operative care are key.

Endovascular Treatment of Asymptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Octogenarians: Factors Influencing Long-term Survival

BACKGROUND

Beyond the age of 80 years, the preventive treatment of an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has to be decided in light of the life expectancy which it is difficult to evaluate, but it is important to determine who in this population will benefit from it. The objective of our study was to determine the factors influencing short-term mortality and long-term survival in patients aged 80 years and older after the endovascular treatment of AAAs (EVAR).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present a retrospective analysis of the prospective databases of 4 French academic departments of vascular surgery, bringing together the data of all the patients presenting an AAA who were treated by EVAR between 1998 and 2011. Logistic regression and multivariate analysis with a Cox survival model were used to determine the factors influencing perioperative and long-term mortality. The cumulative rate of events for the measurement of survival was calculated with the technique of Kaplan-Meier.

RESULTS

We treated 345 octogenarians and 339 younger patients. The average follow-up was 40 months. Average survival was 75% at 36 months and 49% at 60 months. There was no evidence of any risk factor influencing mortality at 30 days in the octogenarians. However, chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR] = 3.95, P <0.001) and chronic respiratory failure (OR = 2.62, P <0.001) proved to be independent factors of a poor long-term prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment by stent graft in octogenarians is effective in the long term. The presence of an impaired renal function or respiratory failure in this population could put into question the operative indication.

Aortic aneurysm trials in octogenarians: Are we really measuring the outcomes that matter?

Purpose

This study is a systematic review to determine the types of outcomes reported in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) studies of patients aged 80 and over. Specifically, it determines the types of patient-centered outcomes reported.

Method

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 2000 to 2014 for studies on AAA surgery with outcome data on patients aged 80 and over. Outcomes were categorized according to Donabedian’s framework for health quality indicators, with further classification as procedural, complication, resource or patient-centered outcome indicators.

Findings

Forty studies were reviewed. Patient-centered outcomes were infrequently reported (13%, n=5), with limited outcomes specifically relevant to older patients. No studies reported physical function, activities of daily living or cognition using validated assessment methods. Short-term mortality (95%, n=38) and complications (85%, n=34) were reported most frequently.

Conclusion

Reporting of aortic surgery outcomes in patients aged 80 and over requires a focus upon outcomes of primary importance to people of this age.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians is associated with higher mortality compared with nonoctogenarians

OBJECTIVE

Age is a well-known independent risk factor for death after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. However, there is significant debate about the utility of AAA repair in older patients. In this study, mortality outcomes after endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) and open AAA repair (OAR) in octogenarians (aged ≥80 years) were compared with younger patients (aged <80 years).

METHODS

All patients recorded in the Vascular Quality Initiative database (2002-2012) who underwent infrarenal AAA repair were included. Univariable and multivariable statistics were used to compare perioperative (30-day) and 1-year mortality outcomes between octogenarians vs nonoctogenarians for OAR and EVAR.

RESULTS

During the study period, 21,874 patients underwent AAA repair (OAR, 5765; EVAR, 16,109), including 4839 octogenarians (OAR, 765; EVAR, 4074) and 17,035 nonoctogenarians (OAR, 5000; EVAR, 12,035). Octogenarians (mean age, 83.0 ± 0.1 years) were less frequently male (66% vs 75%) and had a higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (9.9% vs 7.1%), chronic renal insufficiency (12.2% vs 7.5%), and a history of aortic surgery (14.3% vs 7.7%) compared with nonoctogenarians (P < .01 for all). Intraoperative use of blood transfusions and vasopressors was more common in octogenarians for OAR (blood: 3.3 ± 4.4 vs 1.8 ± 3.7 units; vasopressors: 45.2% vs 32.8%) and EVAR (blood: 0.43 ± 1.7 vs 0.31 ± 1.6 units; vasopressors: 7.6% vs 5.7%; P < .01 for all). Contrast dye volumes used during EVAR were similar in octogenarians and nonoctogenarians (108 ± 71 vs 107 ± 68 mL; P = .18). Perioperative mortality after OAR was 20.1% in octogenarians compared with 7.1% in nonoctogenarians (P < .01). Perioperative mortality after EVAR was 3.8% in the octogenarians compared with 1.6% in nonoctogenarians (P < .01). One-year mortality among octogenarians vs nonoctogenarians was 26% vs 9.7% for OAR and 8.9% vs 4.3% for EVAR (log-rank test, P < .01 for both). Multivariable analysis controlling for baseline and intraoperative differences between groups demonstrated that age ≥80 years increased the risk of 30-day and 1-year mortality after AAA repair by 223% and 187%, respectively (P < .01 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

AAA repair should be approached with extreme caution in octogenarians. Perioperative and 1-year mortality rates after OAR are particularly high in the older population, suggesting that the appropriate aneurysm size threshold for OAR might be larger due to the greater operative risk in octogenarian patients.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Octogenarians versus Younger Patients in a Tertiary Referral Center

Operative survival is as high as 96% for elective abdominal aortic aneursym (AAA) repair but as low as 10% for emergency repair. Our primary aim was to compare elective AAA repair in octogenarians with nonoperative management. Our secondary aim was to compare octogenarians with their younger counterparts.

From 1998 to 2003, 180 patients with AAA were treated operatively or nonoperatively. Factors determining treatment included American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≥ 4, inoperable malignancy, New York Heart Association class III, forced expiratory volume in 1 second < 35%, creatinine > 6.0 mg/dL, and patient and family choice. A parallel-group observational study was performed to assess age and treatment effects on outcome.

Seventy (39%) patients were repaired electively, 68 (38%) were managed nonoperatively, and 42 (23%) underwent emergency repair. Fifty-nine (33%) were octogenarians.

The octogenarian 5-year survival rate was 20% following emergency repair, 42% if treated nonoperatively, and 83% following elective repair. Younger cohort rates were 55% (emergency), 44% (nonoperative), and 76% (elective).

The octogenarian mean expansion rate was 0.26 cm/yr in those treated nonoperatively and 1.04 cm/yr in confirmed rupture. Rupture rate was related to expansion rate (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.59, r = .35, p = .01). The rates in the younger subgroup were 0.32 cm/yr and 1.14 cm/yr (95% CI −0.021–0.672}, r = .37, p = .03).

The octogenarian survival rate was highest following elective repair. Rupture was closely correlated with aneurysm expansion. Screening should reduce the incidence of octogenarian rupture of AAA and identify those patients most suitable for nonoperative management.

Use of Proximal Aortic Cuffs as an Adjunctive Procedure during Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and durability of additional proximal cuffs during endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). A retrospective review of 90 EVAR patients was conducted. Postoperative survival, proximal sealing zone–related complications, and secondary procedures were analyzed.

Additional proximal cuffs were used in 11%. Their use did not affect postoperative survival ( p = .58), type I endoleak rate (4.4%; p = .19), or the need for sealing zone–related secondary procedures (6.3%; p = .38) compared with patients without cuff placement but was related to a higher cumulative graft migration rate (2.2% overall p = .02). Two patients (2.5%; p = .79) underwent conversion to open surgery, both for proximal sealing zone–related complications.

Application of proximal cuffs appears to be an effective intraoperative adjunctive procedure to achieve a proximal seal during EVAR, with favorable midterm results. However, the risk of late endograft migrations may be elevated in this group.

Trends in Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Length of Stay over a Decade at a Tertiary Academic Institution

BACKGROUND

Length of stay (LOS) is used as a quality metric to reduce cost and improve value of delivery of care. We sought to analyze trends in endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) LOS at a tertiary academic institution over the last decade.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Infrarenal EVARs from 2001 to 2013 were divided into 3 groups: group I (2001-2004), EVARs were performed as part of clinical trials; group II (2005-2008), EVARs were referred to a tertiary referral center with the most experience with EVAR; group III (2009-2013), EVARs were referred to academic institutions in the presence of severe patient comorbidities. Trends in LOS and correlation with severity of illness (SOI) as based on All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups and admission and/or disposition status were analyzed. LOS index (LOSI) at our institution was then compared with University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) Hospitals over the past 3 years.

RESULTS

A total of 1,265 EVARs were performed during this time period: 325 in group I, 547 in group II, and 393 in group III. The median LOS was 4 days (inter quartile range [IQR], 2-6) vs. 3 days (IQR, 2-5) ± 0.28 vs. 4 days (IQR, 3-7), respectively (P < 0.01). Although moderate SOI was fairly constant over time (P = 0.66), major and/or extreme SOI constituted a greater proportion of patients in group I, was reduced in group II, and was again increased in group III, P < 0.01. The complication rate paralleled this pattern (group I, 15.2%; group II, 8.6%; group III, 10.4%; P = 0.02). The percentage of patients discharged to nursing home and/or rehab was 5.7% in group I, 8.2% in group II, 11.5% in group III (P = 0.03). Cases that were performed urgently and/or emergently increased over time: 11.6% in group I, 14.9% in group II, 21.6% in group III (P = 0.01). The risk-adjusted LOSI at our institution was significantly greater (1.25) when compared with UHC hospitals (0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests a relationship between time period of EVAR, SOI, complications, admission status, and LOS. Attention to these trends could be used to decrease LOS in an increasingly complex patient population.

A systematic review and meta-analysis indicates underreporting of renal dysfunction following endovascular aneurysm repair

Deterioration in renal function has been described after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVRs). The etiology is multifactorial and represents an important therapeutic target. A need exists to quantitatively summarize incidence and severity of renal dysfunction after EVR to allow better-informed attempts to preserve renal function and improve life expectancy. Here a systematic search was performed using Medline and Embase for renal function after EVR applying PRISMA statements. Univariate and multivariate random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate pooled postoperative changes in serum creatinine and creatinine clearance at four time points after EVR. Clinically relevant deterioration in renal function was also estimated at 1 year or more after EVR. Pooled probability of clinically relevant deterioration in renal function at 1 year or more was 18% (95% confidence interval of 14-23%, I2 of 82.5%). Serum creatinine increased after EVR by 0.05 mg/dl at 30 days/1 month, 0.09 mg/dl at 1 month to 1 year, and 0.11 mg/dl at 1 year or more (all significant). Creatinine clearance decreased after EVR by 5.65 ml/min at 1 month-1 year and by 6.58 ml/min at 1 year or more (both significant). Thus, renal dysfunction after EVR is common and merits attention.

A limited and customized follow-up seems justified after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair in octogenarians

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether long-term follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is justified in octogenarians.

METHODS

Between September 1996 and October 2011, all patients, including octogenarians, treated for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by EVAR were included in a prospective database. Patients older than 80 years and with a nonruptured infrarenal aneurysm treated electively or urgently were included in the study (study group [SG]). Patients with ruptured aneurysms and patients who died during surgery or within the first postoperative month were excluded from further analysis. The control group (CG) consisted of patients younger than 80 years, matched for gender and AAA diameter. All patients were evaluated 4 to 8 weeks after EVAR and then annually thereafter. Follow-up data were complemented by review of the computerized hospital registry and charts and by contact of the patient's general practitioner or referring hospital. Primary outcomes were stent- or aneurysm-related complications and interventions. Secondary outcomes were additional surgical complications and patient survival.

RESULTS

A total number of 193 patients (SG, n = 97; CG, n = 96) were included for analysis. Median age was 80 years, and 88.6% were male. Median follow-up time was 33.6 months (interquartile range [IQR], 12.9-68.3). Stent- and procedure-related postoperative complications were comparable between groups (SG, 41.2%; CG, 39.6%; P = .82). Median time to complication was 2.3 months (IQR, 0.2-19.4) in the SG compared with 18.1 months (IQR, 6.8-50.5) in the CG. The 2-year complication-free survival rates were 58% (SG) and 60% (CG). Interventions were performed significantly less frequently in octogenarians (SG, 8.2%; CG, 19.8%; P < .05). Median time to intervention was 11.1 months (IQR, 2.0-31.0) in the SG compared with 54.3 months (IQR, 15.0-93.2) in the CG. The 2-year intervention-free survival rates were 90% (SG) and 92% (CG). During follow-up, 98 patients died (SG, n = 54; CG, n = 44); median time to death was 31.8 months (IQR, 13.3-66.0) in the SG compared with 44.4 months (IQR, 15.0-77.7) in the CG. One aneurysm-related death occurred in the CG. The 2- and 5-year survival rates were 71% and 32% for the SG compared with 77% and 66% for the CG (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the low incidence of secondary procedures and AAA-related deaths in octogenarians, long-term and frequent follow-up after EVAR seems questionable. An adapted and shortened follow-up seems warranted in this patient group.

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the geriatric population

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a relatively common pathology among the elderly. More people above the age of 80 will have to undergo treatment of an AAA in the future. This review aims to summarize the literature focusing on endovascular repair of AAA in the geriatric population. A systematic review of the literature was performed, including results from endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) registries and studies comparing open repair and EVAR in those above the age of 80. A total of 15 studies were identified. EVAR in this population is efficient with a success rate exceeding 90% in all cases, and safe, with early mortality and morbidity being superior among patients undergoing EVAR against open repair. Late survival can be as high as 95% after 5 years. Aneurysm-related death over long-term follow-up was low after EVAR, ranging from 0 to 3.4%. Endovascular repair can be offered safely in the geriatric population and seems to compare favourably with open repair in all studies in the literature to date.

Effectiveness of treatment for octogenarians with acute abdominal aortic aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether advanced age may be a reason to refrain from treatment in patients with an acute abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAAA).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study that took place in a tertiary care university hospital with a 45-bed intensive care unit. Two hundred seventy-one patients with manifest AAAA, admitted and treated between January 2000 and February 2008, were included. Six patients died during operation and were included in the final analysis to ensure an intention-to-treat protocol, resulting in 234 men and 37 women with a mean age of 72 ± 7.8 years (range, 54-88 years). Forty-six patients (17%) were 80 years or older. Interventions involved open or endovascular AAAA repair.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 33 ± 30.4 months (including early deaths). Mean hospital length of stay was 16.9 ± 20 days for patients younger than 80 and 13 ± 16.7 days for patients older than 80 years of age. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significantly better survival for the younger patients (P < .05). Stratification based on urgency or type of treatment did not change the difference. Two-year actuarial survival was 70% for patients younger than 80 and 52% for those older than 80. At 5-year follow-up, these figures were 62% and 29%, respectively. Mean survival in patients older than 80 was 39.8 ± 6.8 months versus 64.5 ± 3.0 months in those younger than 80.

CONCLUSIONS

For octogenarians, our liberal strategy of treating patients with AAAA was associated with satisfactory short- and long-term outcome, with no difference with regard to disease- or procedure-related morbidity between the younger and older group. Assuming an integrated system for managing AAAA is in place, advanced age is not a reason to deny patients surgery.

Intermediate-term EVAR outcomes in octogenarians

OBJECTIVE

The utilization of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in suitable patients has resulted in decreased perioperative morbidity and mortality. Octogenarians as a subgroup have been more readily offered EVAR, as it is less invasive, and therefore presumably better tolerated than conventional open aortic repair. The purpose of this study is to investigate periprocedural and late EVAR outcomes in octogenarians compared with patients less than 80 years of age.

METHODS

From January 2003 to May 2008, 322 patients underwent EVAR. A total of 117 octogenarians were compared with 205 patients less than 80 years of age. A retrospective review of the demographic data, aneurysm details, perioperative morbidity, mortality, and late outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Octogenarians were significantly more likely to have a history of diabetes mellitus (51% vs 23%; P < .001), coronary artery disease (45% vs 32%; P = .0165), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (44% vs 30%; P = .0113), and renal insufficiency (57% vs 31%; P < .0001). There were no significant differences in the rates of perioperative myocardial infarction, stroke, death, intestinal, or arterial ischemic complications between the two groups. Octogenarians had a significant higher rate of pulmonary complications (5.1% vs 1%; P < .03) and access-site hematomas (12% vs 2.4%; P = .001) than younger patients. When all significant perioperative morbidity was combined, octogenarians were twice as likely to develop complications following EVAR than younger patients (27.4% vs 11.7%; P = .001). At 5-year follow-up, younger patients were twice as likely to develop type II endoleaks.

CONCLUSIONS

EVAR can be performed safely and effectively in octogenarians, and the incidence of major complications including myocardial infarction, stroke, and death is unchanged compared with younger patients. However, there is a significantly increased rate of access-site hematomas, pulmonary, and perioperative complications in octogenarians as a whole. Our findings suggest EVAR remains a suitable form of therapy in the elderly group provided there is an appropriate preoperative evaluation and perioperative monitoring following repair.

Laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians

OBJECTIVE

Open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in octogenarians is considered to have higher risks of mortality and systemic complications compared with younger patients. The purpose of our work is to present our experience with total laparoscopic repair for AAA in this subset of patients.

METHODS

From February 2002 to February 2008, 29 octogenarian patients underwent total laparoscopic AAA repair. Median age was 82 years (range, 80-85 years). Median aneurysm size was 52 mm (range, 40-85 mm). Disease was classified as American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class II in 12 patients and class III in 17 patients. Ten patients presented with past medical history of myocardial infarct (34.5%).

RESULTS

We implanted 12 tube grafts and 17 bifurcated grafts. Twenty-six procedures were totally laparoscopic (89.6 %). Median operative time and aortic clamping time were 280 min (range, 160-480 min) and 75 min (range, 22-125 min), respectively. Two patients with juxtarenal AAA underwent suprarenal clamping. Median blood loss was 1100 cc (range, 600-3000 cc). Four patients (13.8%) needed adjunctive vascular procedures because of intraoperative complications. Two patients died in the postoperative course (6.9%). Four patients developed severe systemic non-lethal complications (14.8%, pneumopathies). Mild or moderate systemic complications were observed in 14 patients (51.8%) including transient renal insufficiencies without dialysis (13) and cardiac arrhythmia (1). Postoperative creatinine levels returned to baseline before discharge in all patients. Liquid diet was reintroduced after a median duration of 2 days (range, 1-10 days) and most patients were ambulatory by day four (range, 3-30 days). Median stays in intensive care unit and hospital were 72 hours (range, 12-1368 hours) and 11 days (range, 6-74 days), respectively. Sixteen patients (59.2%) were discharged directly to home with complete recovery. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 2-48 months), 23 patients are still alive and regained their baseline status. Four patients died after hospital discharge of non-vascular etiologies.

CONCLUSION

Total laparoscopic AAA repair is a worthwhile but challenging procedure in octogenarians. Laparoscopy is complementary to open surgery and EVAR in this subset. These results encourage us to offer laparoscopic AAA repair in good surgical risk octogenarians.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery for octogenarians

PURPOSE

To define the indications for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery in octogenarians.

METHODS

We reviewed septuagenarians and octogenarians with a nonspecific AAA diagnosed at our hospital between January, 1990 and June, 2006.

RESULTS

Among a total 628 patients seen, 306 were in their 70s (group A) and 108 were in their 80s or older (group B). The mortality rate associated with elective surgery was 1.9% in group A and 7.0% in group B. Of the survivors, 12 (5.7%) of 210 in group A and 8 (15.1%) of 53 in group B died within 2 years. Of the patients who did not undergo surgery, 8 of 53 in group A and 8 of 31 in group B had AAAs greater than 6 cm in diameter. The rupture-free rates of AAAs greater than 6 cm in diameter were 64% at 1 year and 0% at 4 years in group A, and 88% at 1 year and 26% at 3 years in group B. The rupture-free rates of AAAs smaller than 6 cm in diameter were 95% at 3 years and 85% at 5 years in group A, and 100% at 5 years in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that AAAs over 6 cm in diameter were an appropriate indication for surgery in octogenarians.

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

The operative mortality following conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has not fallen significantly over the past two decades. Since its inception in 1991, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has provided an alternative to open AAA repair and perhaps an opportunity to improve operative mortality. Two recent large randomised trials have demonstrated the short and medium term benefit of EVAR over open AAA repair, although data on the long term efficacy of the technique are still lacking. This review aimed at providing an overview of EVAR and a discussion of the potential benefits and current limitations of the technique.

Large infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms: endovascular vs. open repair--single centre experience

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become an established alternative to open repair (OR). We present a consecutive series of 486 elective patients with large infra-renal aortic abdominal aneurysm, comparing OR with EVAR. Prospective data collected during an 8-year period from January 1997 to October 2005 was reviewed. Statistical analysis performed using SPSS data editor with chi(2) tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests. There were 486 patients with 329 OR (293 males, 36 females) with median age of 72 years with median diameter 6.3 cm and 157 EVAR (148 males, 9 females) with median age 75 years with median diameter 6.1 cm. Mortality was 13 (4%) for OR and 5 (3.2%) for EVAR (three of whom were in the UK EVAR 2 trial). Blood loss was significantly less for EVAR 500 ml vs. 1500 ml for OR. Sixty-five (19.8%) patients with OR had significantly more peri-operative complications compared with 14 (8.9%) with EVAR. The length of stay in hospital was significantly less for EVAR. This non-randomised study shows that although EVAR does not have a statistically significantly lower mortality, it does have statistically significantly lower complication rates compared with OR. EVAR can be achieved with good primary success, but long-term follow-up is essential to assess durability.

Performance of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in high-risk patients: Results from the Veterans Affairs National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

OBJECTIVE

Recent results after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) have brought into question its value in patients deemed at high-risk for surgical intervention. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is the largest prospectively collected and validated United States surgical database representing current clinical practice. The purpose of our study was to evaluate outcomes after elective EVAR performed in high-risk veterans.

METHODS

Using NSQIP data from 123 participating VA hospitals, we retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent elective aneurysm repair from May 2001 to December 2004. High-risk criteria were used to identify a cohort for analysis (EVAR, n = 788; open, n = 1580). High-risk criteria analyzed included age > or =60 years, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification 3 or 4, and the comorbidity variables of history of cardiac, respiratory, or hepatic disease, cardiac revascularization, renal insufficiency, and low serum albumin level. Our primary end points were 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality, and we evaluated a secondary end point of perioperative complications. Statistical analysis included univariate analysis and multivariate modeling.

RESULTS

Veterans who were classified as high-risk underwent elective EVAR with significantly lower 30-day (3.4% vs 5.2%, P = .047) and 1-year all-cause mortality (9.5% vs 12.4%, P = .038) than patients having open repair. EVAR was associated with a decrease in 30-day postoperative mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 1.03; P = .067) as well as 1-year mortality (adjusted OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.91; P = .0094) despite the presence of severe comorbid conditions. The risk of perioperative complications was significantly lower after EVAR (16.2% vs 31.0%; P < .0001; adjusted OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.52; P < .0001). A subset analysis of higher-risk patients (ASA 4 and the above comorbidity variables) still demonstrated an acceptable 30-day mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

In veterans deemed high-risk for surgical therapy, outcomes after elective EVAR are excellent, and the procedure is relatively safe in this special patient population. Our retrospective data demonstrate that patients with considerable medical comorbidities and infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms benefit from and should be considered for primary EVAR.

Experience With Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Nonagenarians

PURPOSE

To report a single-institution experience with endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR) in nonagenarians.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients >90 years old undergoing EVAR over an 8-year period at a major academic medical center. The patient population was investigated for the presence of various comorbidities, initial aneurysm size, successful aneurysm exclusion, perioperative complications, disposition, endoleaks, secondary interventions, and overall survival.

RESULTS

EVAR was performed in 18 male nonagenarians (mean age 92.4 years, range 90- 95). Mean aneurysm diameter was 7.3 cm (range 5.5-9.8). The cohort had an average of 3.2 comorbid conditions. Sixteen patients were treated electively, while 2 patients underwent emergent repair for contained rupture and bleeding aortoenteric fistula, respectively. Immediate technical success was 100%. Perioperative local/vascular complications occurred in 4 (22%) patients. Perioperative systemic complications occurred in 3 (17%) patients. There were 2 (11%) perioperative (<30 days) deaths. Three (17%) patients required secondary interventions. Mean survival in patients who expired during the follow-up period beyond the first 30 days was 34 months (range 8-78). Mean survival in 8 patients who are still alive is 17.4 months (range 9-39).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular AAA repair in nonagenarians is associated with a high rate of technical success and relatively low morbidity rate. Survival times following successful hospital discharge are significant. Suitable patients over 90 years of age may benefit from an endovascular AAA repair.

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms: CTA evaluation of contraindications

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is considered an acceptable alternative to open surgery in selected patients. Its feasibility depends mainly on anatomic factors that represent the important predictors of success and the most important exclusion criteria. Poor anatomic patient selection is generally associated with a higher risk for procedural complications and compromised long-term outcomes. Therefore pretreatment imaging is crucial for evaluating patient suitability for EVAR. Multidetector computed tomographic angiography represents the current standard of reference in the evaluation of the abdominal aorta and iliac axis anatomy because it provides all the details needed for selection of patients who are suitable for endograft and the choice of the appropriate device. This report identifies and reviews computed tomographic angiographic anatomic contraindications for EVAR.

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm in octogenarians: an analysis based on EUROSTAR data

PURPOSE

To investigate the early and late outcome after endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) in octogenarians compared with patients aged < 80 years.

METHODS

Patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with endovascular repair during the period 1996 to 2004 were collated in the EUROSTAR registry. This study group consisted of 697 patients aged > or = 80 years. Comparison was made with 4198 patients aged < 80 years with regard to the incidence of preoperative characteristics and outcomes of the procedure.

RESULTS

The proportion of octogenarians treated by EVAR increased during the study period, from 11% in the first year to 18% in the last year. Octogenarians more frequently had cardiac disease, impaired renal function, and pulmonary disease (P = .03, P < .0001 and P = .0001). Thirty-two percent of the octogenarians were recorded unfit for open surgery as opposed to 22% in younger patients (P < .0001); they also had a larger aneurysm diameter (62 vs 58 mm, respectively; P < .0001). The 30-day and in-hospital mortality in octogenarians was 5% vs 2% in the younger group (P < .0001). More device-related complications and systemic complications, including cardiac disease, were noted in octogenarians (7% vs 5% and 19% vs 11%, P = .03 and P < .0001, respectively). This group of patients also had a higher incidence of postoperative hemorrhagic complications, including hematoma (7% vs 3%, P < .0001, respectively). No differences in conversion to open repair and post-EVAR rupture rate were observed. Aneurysm-related mortality and late all-cause mortality was 7% vs 3% and 10% vs 7%, both P < .0001.

CONCLUSION

Our study supports that EVAR might be considered when treating elderly patients, provided their aneurysms are anatomically suited for the endovascular technique. The risk for late complications compared with open repair may be outweighed by a lower early mortality as well as a shorter time for physical recovery.

Elective Open Operation for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Octogenarians—Survival Analysis of 105 Patients

OBJECTIVES

To study early mortality and long-term survival of patients more than 80 years of age having elective open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter cohort study.

MATERIAL

One hundred and five patients, 23 women and 82 men, with a median age of 82 years, operated at three Norwegian hospitals during the period 1983-2002.

METHOD

Survival analyses were based on data from medical records and the Norwegian Registrar's Office of Births and Deaths. Expected survival was based on mortality rates of the general population, matched by age, sex, and calendar period. Relative survival was calculated as the ratio between the observed and the expected survival.

RESULTS

During the study period there has been a 10 fold increase in octogenarians treated with open operation for AAA. Early mortality (30-day) for the whole group of patients was 10.5% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 5.3-18.0), and similar for both genders. The 5-year survival rate was 47% (95% CI 35.9-57.4), and not significantly different from that of a matched group in the general population. Patients aged 84 years or more had a median survival time of 35 months (95% CI 18.5-51.6).

CONCLUSION

The number of AAA operations in octogenarians has increased considerably during 20 years. Octogenarians operated electively for AAA has higher 30-day mortality as compared to younger patients. Their long-term survival appears similar to a matched control group. The benefit of surgery must be carefully considered against the perioperative risk, especially for the oldest octogenarians.