Endovascular Treatment of Aortic Aneurysms in Finland: The First Four Years' Experience

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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.