We have not demonstrated any evidence for proximal neck dilatation after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The results suggest that the degree of bowel ischemia, endotoxemia, and cytokine generation following elective infrarenal AAA reconstruction may be reduced if the endovascular technique is used instead of conventional surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular repair (EVR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is feasible for selected patients. Placing an uncovered stent across the origins of the renal arteries may improve fixation and seal of the proximal end of the stent-graft. However, this has potential for problems (e.g. renal artery stenosis or microembolization). This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effect of a suprarenal stent on the function of the individual kidney. METHODS: In 30 patients undergoing EVR for AAA, renal function was assessed before and after operation by 99mTc-radiolabelled diethylenetriamine penta-acetate radionuclide renography and daily measurement of serum creatinine levels. Eleven patients had infrarenal stent-grafts using an aorta uni-iliac system (group 1); 19 patients had the device with an uncovered suprarenal stent (modified Gianturco Z stent), ten of which were aorta uni-iliac and nine bifurcated systems (group 2). Individual kidney function was expressed as the whole kidney transit time (WKTT). In addition, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured from serial blood samples following renography. RESULTS: [Table: see text] CONCLUSION: No result reached statistical significance. Placing an uncovered stent over the origins of the renal arteries does not appear to impair kidney function in the short term.

The results suggest that the degree of bowel ischemia, endotoxemia, and cytokine generation following elective infrarenal AAA reconstruction may be reduced if the endovascular technique is used instead of conventional surgery.