During a 5-year period, the postplacement cost of EVAR increases the global cost by 44%. The subgroups of patients with endoleaks and those requiring secondary procedures generate a disproportionate share of postplacement costs. Efforts at minimizing cost should emphasize technical and device modifications aimed at reducing endoleaks and the need for secondary procedures.

Despite a higher rate of initial maturation in basilic vein transpositions, brachial and basilic vein transpositions had comparable patency rates at 12 months. These preliminary results require further follow-up and a larger cohort of patients for confirmation. Broader use of the brachial vein transposition for dialysis appears justified and can increase the overall percentage of autogenous fistula placement.

AAA treatment has undergone a profound and sustained paradigm shift, now averaging 84% of repairs performed with EVAR between 2005 and 2008. Overall mortality from AAA repair, including ruptures, was reduced 64% (from 4.9% to 1.8%) during the 13-year study period. Although EVAR and open repair both had improved mortality in the latter half of the series, the primary driver in reduced mortality for AAA repair has been the shift to EVAR.

Endovascular debranching permits planned extension of the thoracic endograft over arch vessels while further minimizing the need for open reconstruction. Short-term results indicate technical feasibility of this approach. Long-term outcomes remain undefined.

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