Endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms in Finland: The first four years' experience

Abstract

Background and aims: In this study the results of endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms in Finland are presented and compared to the results of the Eurostar registry. Material and methods: A total of 229 patients with aortic aneurysm were treated in five different Finnish centres during 1996-2000. The data of these patients were collected prospectively by surgeon or interventional radiologist involved. During the same period of time 2464 patients were registered in the Eurostar registry. Results: The procedure was performed successfully in 97 % of patients in Finland, and the 30-day mortality was 0,9 %. A graft limb thrombosis was detected in 9 % of the patients in Finland. A permanent primary endoleak at the first 30-day control was seen in 23 patients (10 %). During the follow-up 17 secondary endoleaks (7 %) were detected. A secondary intervention was necessary in 26 % of the patients. Three patients (1.3 %) had late rupture of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. Conclusions: According to the Finnish short-time results, endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms is safe and associated with relatively low morbidity and mortality. The mid-term results are more disappointing with relatively many graft thromboses and endoleaks, and a frequent need of secondary interventions.