Predictors of success following endovascular aneurysm repair: Mid-term results

Objective. Australian cases of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) performed between 1999 and 2001 have been evaluated to determine the mid-term (6 months to 5 years) safety and efficacy of the procedure. This study looks at predictors of success, based on mid-term follow-up data. Design of study. This study uses results obtained from a prospective semi-voluntary register (audit) of Australian data obtained from surgeons in the private and public sector. Results. Peri-operative mortality for patients enrolled in the audit was 1.8%. Ninety-three percent of procedures were technically successful (890/961). Nearly 13% of patients have had re-interventions (mostly endoluminal) at follow-up. Analysis of audit data shows that the likelihood of experiencing post-operative complications or requiring additional procedures increases with ASA rating, increasing age, large pre-operative aneurysm size, aneurysm angle > 45 degrees and number of co-morbid conditions diagnosed. Conclusions. This study confirms satisfactory mid-term results in a, national rather than unit specific, setting. Predictors of clinical failure or need for re-intervention include large aneurysm size, neck angulation >= 45 degrees and short infrarenal neck.