The perth bifurcated endovascular graft for infrarenal aortic aneurysms

This article reviews the characteristics and clinical results of the Perth bifurcated endovascular graft for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Since 1993, 108 bifurcated grafts have been placed in 108 patients. Selection criteria include aneurysms larger than 5 cm in diameter; age greater than 80 years; high risk for conventional surgical repair due to comorbid conditions; proximal neck longer than 1.5 cm; maximum diameter of neck 28 mm. Median follow-up is 18 months (range 1 to 36 months). Primary success was defined as a successfully deployed, patent graft without endoleak at the time of discharge. Primary success was achieved in 94 cases (87%). Failures included 9 acute endoleaks, 3 failed graft deployments, and 2 perioperative deaths. At 6 weeks there were 15 endoleaks, of which 7 were treated percutaneously and 4 have sealed spontaneously. Three cases of graft limb occlusion have occurred, as well as 3 conversions to open repair (1 early, 2 late). Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is feasible.