Eversion Endarterectomy – An Alternative Approach to Occlusive External Iliac Artery disease

Abstract

While endovascular intervention is the recommended first option for management of common iliac artery (CIA) lesions, it lacks durable patency for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC)-II C and D lesions involving the external iliac artery (EIA). Aorto-femoral bypass is a durable option but is unsuitable in patients with significant co-morbidities. Eversion endarterectomy provides an alternative to both endovascular and extensive open aortoiliac reconstruction for occlusive EIA disease. A single-center, retrospective review (2000-2020) of all patients undergoing eversion endarterectomy for EIA disease was undertaken. Demographic, clinical, operative and follow-up data were recorded. Fifty eversion endarterectomies were performed in 47 patients. The median age was 65.0 years (range 46-82) and 66.6% were male. Sixty-eight percent (n=34) were ASA grade 3. Indications for intervention were disabling claudication (44%) and critical limb ischaemia (56%). Angiography demonstrated 22 TASC C and 28 TASC D lesions. The median follow-up was 18.5 months (range 0-149). The technical success rate was 100%, and 84% (n=42) experienced an immediate symptomatic improvement. Primary and primary-assisted patency at one, three and five years was 86%, 82% and 74%, and 100%, 96% and 92%, respectively. The five-year limb salvage rate was 96%. Eight limbs required reintervention to maintain patency, either by open (n=2), endovascular (n=3) or hybrid approach (n=3). Thirty-day mortality was 2% (n=1) with 10% (n=5) experiencing a procedure-related morbidity. All-cause mortality was 38% (n=19) during the follow-up period. Eversion endarterectomy is a safe, effective alternative treatment for occlusive EIA disease. This study reports durable patency at five years and low perioperative morbidity and mortality.