Shortening of endografts during deployment in endovascular AAA repair

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and extent of length changes during implantation of endovascular grafts in a prospective study of patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Methods: Data regarding the occurrence of intraoperative technical difficulties and device complications were recorded prospectively for the Vanguard or AneuRx self- expanding, bifurcated endovascular grafts in 64 patients (56 males; mean age 75 years). Graft length was measured in the sheath system before deployment and again immediately after deployment by fluoroscopic comparison to a graduated marking catheter. Results: Graft shortening ≥ 15 mm was documented in 22 (56%) of 39 Vanguard cases and 11 (44%) of 25 AneuRx endografts. Additional extension grafts were required to correct endoleak caused by inadequate graft length in 9 (14%) patients, but no conversion to open repair was necessary. Conclusions: There appears to be a high incidence of intraprocedural graft shortening with 2 current designs of self-expanding endoluminal grafts.