Endotension in the absence of a demonstrable endoleak has been a major indication for late surgical conversion in patients treated with the Excluder endograft. Given the potential presence of an undetected endoleak and the possible effects of progressive sac enlargement on long-term device stability, continued close surveillance of patients with assumed endotension is required. Should changes in device design eliminate endotension, a further reduction in the already low incidence of late open conversion of the Excluder endograft can be anticipated.

No abstract

These results of the STAPLE-1 trial document the acute safety and feasibility of the Aptus Endograft and EndoStaples. Early follow-up demonstrates excellent 6-month and 1-year results. A pivotal phase II trial is underway at 25 US centers.

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The parallel endograft octopus technique described here, which has been applied successfully in 9 cases thus far, is a relatively simple method using currently available devices with no requirement for device modification or customization. Although this technique shows promise, long-term data will be required to prove efficacy. This technique demonstrates a concept for future development of branched graft technology.