Extra-anatomic Bypass Surgery Research Articles

Aortoenteric fistulas - our experiences with surgeons' nightmare

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is a rare medical emergency, but one of the most difficult and threatening complications of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. A retrospective observational study was performed on patients hospitalised with GI bleeding and a definitive AEF diagnosis. We collected operative reports and medical records of patients operated on with an AEF diagnosis. The literature data and our data were analysed and discussed. We admitted eight patients who were definitively diagnosed with AEF after reviewing our hospital records. All patients were male except one. Their ages ranged from 28 to 82, with a mean of 64. All but two patients had secondary AEF (SAEF). Four SAEF cases had open aortic surgery and three had a history of endovascular procedure. The main complaints of the patients on admission were poor general condition, abdominal pain, and GI bleeding. Melena was found in all patients. Hematemesis and hematochezia were other significant GI bleeding findings. Infected grafts were removed in all but one patient; extra-anatomical bypass surgery and bowel repairs were performed. One patient underwent endovascular repair. In all patients, the 30-day in-hospital mortality rate was 50%. In patients presenting with GI bleeding, an aortoenteric fistula should be considered. The outcome depends on early diagnosis, the patient's medical status, the severity of infection, and the anatomic location of the affected aorta. A multidisciplinary approach, appropriate treatment planning and close follow-up after treatment lead to positive outcomes.

Clinical observation of endovascular thoracic aortic prosthetics in a patient with distal anastomosis aneurysm of a vascular prosthesis formed "end-to-side" after extraanatomic prosthetics

A clinical observation of successful prosthetics of an aneurysm of distal anastomosis of a vascular prosthesis of the thoracic aorta with a stent graft in a patient 24 years after extraanatomic bypass surgery with an end-to-side anastomosis for aortic coarctation is presented. During a routine examination, an aneurysm of the distal anastomosis of the vascular prosthesis was revealed in the patient. After further examination, thoracic aorta endoprosthesis was performed from vascular prosthesis to native aorta with Ankura 2020B120 stent graft (Lifetech Scientific Co., LTD. Shenzhen, China). Intraoperative results of endoprosthetics were assessed as good. The aneurysm of the distal anastomosis was not contrasted, the patency of the vessels of the aortic arch was preserved. According to the control computed tomography study performed 3 months after the operation, the aneurysm of the distal anastomosis is not contrasted, there is no dislocation of the prosthesis, there are no endolics. The above clinical observation demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of thoracic aortic endoprosthesis from a vascular prosthesis to a native aorta with anastomosis aneurysms of a vascular prosthesis, which allows avoiding complex and traumatic repeated open surgical intervention on the aorta and achieving good immediate and long-term treatment results. Received 25 November 2021. Revised 29 December 2021. Accepted 31 January 2022. Informed consent: The patient’s informed consent to use the records for medical purposes is obtained. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest. Contribution of the authors Literature review: N.S. GorshkovDrafting the article: N.S. Gorshkov, N.R. ChernayaCritical revision of the article: R.Sh. Muslimov, L.S. KokovSurgical treatment: N.S. Gorshkov, N.R. Chernaya, M.V. Parhomenko, V.S. SelyaevFinal approval of the version to be published: N.S. Gorshkov, N.R. Chernaya, M.V. Parhomenko, V.S. Selyaev, L.S. Kokov

Surgical 5-year Outcomes of Extra-Anatomical Bypass for Middle Aortic Syndrome: A Case Series.

Middle aortic syndrome is a rare disease. Several surgical treatments are available; however, the optimal treatment strategy and long-term outcomes remain unelucidated. We herein report the 5-year outcomes of six patients treated with extra-anatomical bypass surgery for middle aortic syndrome. Between 2013 and 2016, six patients underwent extra-anatomical bypass for middle aortic syndrome at our institute: three had Takayasu's arteritis, one had vessel vasculitis, and two had middle aortic hypoplastic syndrome of unknown origin. The patients included five women and one man, with a mean age of 59.7years. Four patients had uncontrolled hypertension and were receiving antihypertensive medications. The mean ankle-brachial pressure index was .61. The three patients with Takayasu's arteritis were hospitalized for congestive heart failure. These patients underwent bypass surgery from the descending aorta to the infrarenal abdominal aorta, and one also underwent concomitant heart surgery. The patient with microscopic polyangiitis underwent Y-grafting with an aortic aneurysmectomy. Subsequently, bypass surgery was performed from the descending aorta to the graft via the diaphragm. The two patients with unknown causes underwent bypass surgery from the proximal descending aorta to the distal descending thoracic aorta. There were no early or late deaths at the 5-year follow-up. We did not observe any changes in anastomotic site stenosis or new aneurysmal changes during the follow-up period. The number of antihypertensive medications was reduced in all cases, and critical symptoms, including headache, severe abdominal pain, claudication, and heart failure, improved in all patients. The ankle-brachial pressure index increased to 1.11 and did not change for five years. Renal function remained stable, and the brain natriuretic peptide level decreased from 302.8 to 74.5pg/mL at follow-up. Extra-anatomical bypass for middle aortic syndrome is safe and effective, and can help prevent renal failure, and relieve critical ischemic symptoms.

Acute abdominal aortic occlusion: A 16-year single-center experience

BackgroundAcute abdominal aortic occlusion (AAO) is a rare vascular emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we analyzed the clinical management and outcomes for a consecutive patient series during a 16-year period. MethodsWe included all patients with an acute AAO and bilateral acute limb ischemia who had been treated between 2004 and 2019. Patients with dissection, aneurysm rupture, or chronic occlusive disease were excluded. The patient characteristics, surgical procedures, and outcomes were extracted retrospectively from a prospective aortic database, electronic patient files, and outpatient examination records. The extent of ischemia was classified according to the TASC II (Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease) section on acute limb ischemia. The primary endpoints were 30-day mortality (safety endpoint) and the combined 6-month amputation and/or death rate (efficacy endpoint). The follow-up outcomes, amputation rates, and 30-day complications were evaluated as secondary endpoints. The patient cohort was divided into four 4-year groups (2004-2007, 2008-2011, 2012-2015, 2016-2019) to assess the outcome changes over time. Statistical analysis included χ2 tests and univariate and linear regression analyses. ResultsA total of 74 patients (57% male; median age, 64.5 years) with an acute AAO were identified. Arterial thrombosis was the most common etiology (66%). The extent of ischemia was TASC I, IIa, IIb, and III in 7%, 39%, 40%, and 14%, respectively. The patient numbers had increased significantly over time (P = .016). Of the patients, 42% had undergone open transfemoral recanalization (including hybrid procedures), 35% open aortic surgery, 15% extra-anatomic bypass surgery, and 5% (four patients) endovascular therapy alone. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 23%, and the 6-month amputation and/or death rate was 43%. The 30-day mortality rate had declined significantly from 54% for 2004 to 2007 to 10% for 2011 to 2015 (odds ratio [OR], 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.001-0.52) and 20% for 2016 to 2019 (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.90), a statistically nonsignificant trend showing that the relative decline in the use of open aortic procedures was associated with decreased 30-day mortality (P = .06). Univariate analysis indicated that elevated serum lactate on admission (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.06-10.48) and an advanced stage of limb ischemia (OR, 4.33), were strongly associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate. The incidence of severe postoperative systemic complications also indicated a greater incidence of both primary endpoints. The 6-month amputation and/or mortality rates were also affected by the presence of atrial fibrillation (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.34-9.79) and increased patient age (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.49-10.53). ConclusionsAcute AAO remains a life-threatening emergency. Immediate transfemoral open or endovascular techniques should be preferred, if technically possible and proper intraoperative imaging is available.

Is surgery necessary for adults with isolated interrupted aortic arch?: Case series with literature review.

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is defined as a complete interruption of aortic lumen between the ascending and descending aorta. It is an uncommon and complicated congenital heart disease. It is rare for patients with isolated IAA to survive to adulthood without operation. Here we present three rare cases with isolated IAA together with a review of the literature of IAA. Besides, we reviewed reported adult cases with isolated IAA in the last 20 years and summarized the relevant data of the isolated type. We retrospectively searched the hospital databases for adult patients with isolated IAA diagnosed at the Wuhan Union Hospital over the past 10 years. Cases related to adult isolated IAA published in last 20 years were identified by searching Pubmed. Three adult patients with isolated IAA were identified. Two were referred to us for hypertension management and were diagnosed with IAA. They declined surgical treatments and took antihypertensive medications. One patient was referred to our hospital for further treatment options after diagnosed with IAA at another hospital. He received an extra-anatomic bypass surgery. But his hypertension did not well resolve after surgery, and was subsequently managed by anti-hypertensives medications. 25 published adult patients with isolated IAA were identified in Pubmed and relevant details were summarized. Adult patients with isolated IAA usually have extensive collateral vessels joining the descending aorta. Anti-hypertensives medical management with long-term follow-up appears to be a reasonable treatment option for these patients, although surgical intervention is a good choice.

Clinical Outcome of Extraanatomic Bypass for Midaortic Syndrome Caused by Takayasu Arteritis

We investigated long-term outcomes and cardiac function after extraanatomic bypasssurgery for Takayasu arteritis and midaortic syndrome. Between 2007 and 2016, 14 patients underwent extraanatomic bypass for Takayasu arteritis. Median age was 56.6 years. Median systolic pressure gradient in the stenotic lesion was 79 mm Hg. Nine patients underwent bypass surgery from the ascending aorta to the infrarenal aorta, 2 from the ascending aorta to the distal descending thoracic aorta, 1 from the ascending aorta to the supraceliac abdominal aorta, 1 from the descending thoracic aorta to the infrarenal abdominal aorta, and 1 from the descending thoracic aorta to the descending thoracic aorta. Five underwent additional 6 peripheral bypass procedures, and 6 underwent concomitant heart surgery. There were no early deaths. Median hospital stay was 10.5 days. Median follow-up duration was 36.3 months, and late death occurred in 2 patients. One died at 1 year postoperatively because of an infection due to pancreatic injury and mediastinitis. The other was lost to follow-up, and death was confirmed through the national insurance database. No anastomotic site stenosis or aneurysmal change occurred. The number of antihypertensive medications was reduced significantly in all but 1 patient, and organ ischemia symptoms, including dizziness, visual disturbance, and claudication, improved in all patients. Interventricular septal diameter and left ventricular mass index decreased significantly. Serum creatinine level also decreased. Overall estimated 5-year survival was 79% ± 13%. Extraanatomic bypass for Takayasu arteritis is safe and effective and can be useful for left ventricular unloading and reduction of organ ischemia.

TORACOBIFEMORAL BYPASS IN A PATIENT WHO UNDERWENT REPEATED INTERVENTIONS ON THE AORTO-FEMORAL SEGMENT DUE TO ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS

Aortobifemoral bypass is still the gold standard treatment in surgery of the aortofemoral segment. The 1980s – 1990s classic publications showed that primary patency ranges from 76–95% in 5 years, and 75–85% in 10-years [1, 2]. Thrombosis of both branches of the bifurcation prosthesis occurs in 1–4% of patients. These patients may undergo thrombectomy with reconstruction of the distal anastomoses, re-aortofemoral prosthetics and, finally, extraanatomic bypass surgery.

Current status of endovascular treatment of aortoenteric fistula

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is one of the most challenging diagnostic and therapeutic entities in vascular surgery. AEF can occur either primarily involving the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract or, more commonly, secondary to previous aortic reconstructive surgery. Traditionally, the treatment of AEF includes graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass surgery or in situ graft replacement. However, recently endovascular repair has emerged as an alternative therapeutic option. In this article, we present published and current evidence for endovascular repair of primary and secondary AEF. When endovascular treatment is applied where appropriate, early outcomes seem to be superior compared to open surgery. This benefit may be lost during long-term follow-up, implying that a staged approach with early conversion to in situ grafting may realize the best patient survival and morbidity. Lifelong administration of antibiotics is associated with a reduction in re-infection. An endovascular approach used as a bridging procedure in unstable patients is recommended, followed by definitive open therapy, if feasible, in patients with good life expectancy.

Biosynthetic Versus Polytetrafluoroethylene Graft in Extra-anatomical Bypass Surgery of Takayasu Arteritis Patients With Supra-aortic Disease

Introduction: To evaluate treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis (TA), who underwent extra-anatomical bypass surgery using biosynthetic grafts. Methods: This retrospective study included 12 TA patients considered eligible for surgical revascularization between January 2005 and May 2011 from two vascular surgical units in Turkey. Control group consisted of 12 peripheral arterial disease patients who underwent supra-aortic extra-anatomical bypass surgery using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft. Preoperatively, all patients underwent Doppler ultrasound and arteriography. Patients were examined every 3 months for clinical findings after monthly follow-up during the first 6 months, first, second and third year controls. Graft patencies were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound at each visit. Results: The mean age was 38.6 ± 4.2 years and the mean follow-up time was 37.9 ± 6.9 months for the study group. In Biosynthetic Group, subclavian-subclavian (n = 2), axillo-axillary (n =9) and carotico-subclavian (n = 1) bypass operations were performed. In PTFE group, subclavian-subclavian (n = 3), axillo-axillary (n = 7), subclavian-left ulnar (n = 1), subclavian-distal brachial (n = 1) bypass operations were performed. Graft occlusion occurred in four patients in PTFE Group during follow-up period. These occlusive lesions were treated successfully according to the routine of each vascular unit. Conclusion: We concluded that in inflammatory diseases like TA, biosynthetic grafts have promising patency, postoperative clinical findings and lower rates of complications requiring reintervention in mid-term.

非解剖学的バイパス術を行った大動脈縮窄症再発の1例

大動脈縮窄症は術後遠隔期に再縮窄，高血圧，大動脈瘤，頭蓋内動脈瘤などを認め，たんに大動脈狭窄という形態異常だけでなく，血管の機能や構造異常を伴う全身性疾患と考えられている．われわれは大動脈縮窄症術後に再狭窄，脳動脈瘤破裂，高血圧症を合併した症例を経験したので報告する．症例は17歳の男性で上半身の高血圧で当院に紹介された．幼少期に大動脈縮窄症術後再縮窄と診断され，降圧剤治療で17年間経過観察されていた．突然の頭痛と意識障害で来院した．クモ膜下出血と診断され，脳動脈クリッピング術を行った．術後，大動脈縮窄に対してステント留置血管形成術を施行した．しかしrib notchを伴う発達した側副血行による解剖学的大動脈弓遠位部（左内頸動脈-再縮窄部）低形成のため，十分な拡張が得られず圧較差が残存した．21歳時に非解剖学的バイパス術（上行大動脈-胸部下行大動脈）を行ったが，その後も降圧剤を必要とする高血圧を認めた．

Vacuum-assisted closure therapy for salvaging a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected prosthetic graft

Infection of a vascular prosthesis after a bypass surgery is relatively rare. However, once developed, serious complications can occur, such as bleeding, sepsis, and organ ischemia, occasionally resulting in leg amputation or even death in some cases. The treatment of a vascular prosthesis infection involves the necessary removal of the infected graft; subsequently, an extra-anatomical bypass surgery is often considered. We herein report a case in which postoperative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection caused dehiscence of the femoral vessels and exposure of the graft vessel and anastomosed area. The infected tissue was surgically removed (debridement), and the patient's condition was successfully treated by the application of a nonadherent dressing and vacuum-assisted closure therapy combined with the bridging technique.

Successful Endovascular Treatment of Iliac Arteriovesical Fistula with Secondary Stent-Graft Infection

A 58-year-old woman initially presented with massive gross hematuria and iliac arteriovesical fistula (IAVF). Endovascular stent-graft repair achieved complete exclusion of the IAVF and controlled the bleeding, but sepsis subsequently developed because of endograft infection. Endovascular embolization of the infected stent graft was performed after extraanatomic bypass surgery. The patient recovered and showed no signs of graft infection or recurrent fistulization at 14 months after treatment. Endovascular embolization of infected stent grafts combined with extraanatomic bypass may be an acceptable treatment option for graft-related sepsis in cases that are resistant to conservative treatment and pose high surgical risk for graft excision.

A rare complication after axillofemoral bypass operation: disruption of the proximal anastomosis: single case after 12 years’ experience in extra-anatomic bypass surgery

Axillofemoral bypass operation is an alternative approach for patients at high risk for aortofemoral reconstruction and for patients with comorbid factors. Proximal anastomotic disruption, upper extremity thromboembolism, graft infection and seroma formation are known postoperative complications after axillofemoral bypass. Proximal anastomotic disruption is a severe complication in the early postoperative period and is usually secondary to technical errors in anastomosis, mechanical distress and infections. We performed a left axillofemoral bypass and left femoropopliteal bypass operation under general anesthesia by using an 8 mm full ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft. On the seventh postoperative day, patient complained a sudden pain and swelling on left subclavian incision after a hyperabduction of the left arm. Patient was taken into operation theatre just after this complaint for suspicion of disruption of the proximal anastomosis. We report a case with proximal anastomotic disruption after axillofemoral bypass operation in accordance with literature data.

Percutaneous treatment of severe diffuse stenosis in heavily calcified infrarenal abdominal aorta using iliac extender endoprosthesis

Severe, concentric calcific stenosis of the infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA) is an uncommon but technically challenging problem. In diffuse, heavily calcific lesions are generally not treated with balloon expandable or self-expanding stents. There is concern of aortic rupture, incomplete apposition, and underexpansion. Such lesions are mostly treated with aortobifemoral or extra-anatomic bypass surgery. Using three case examples, we describe the feasibility of endovascular treatment for severely calcific IAA with use of iliac extender limbs of commercially available aortic stent grafts and discuss the role of preprocedural CT scan in case planning.

Redo sternotomy for extra-anatomical correction of aortic coarctation and mitral repair in an adult after failed endovascular treatment

Recently, extra-anatomical bypass surgery has been widely used in complicated adult aortic coarctation cases with concomitant intracardiac repair. Stent implantation has been widely used for primary aortic coarctation as well. The procedure has been shown to be effective with long term follow ups. However, failed stent implantations like stent fracture and dislodgement may complicate the clinical status and subsequent surgical procedure. Extra-anatomic bypass can provide effective results and lower morbidity in cases with concomitant intracardiac problems and stent failure. Here we present an adult aortic coarctation patient who had undergone a Bentall operation and two unsuccessful stent implantations for recurrent aortic coarctation. The patient then got an extra-anatomic bypass for aortic coarctation and concomitant mitral valve commissurotomy through median sternotomy.

Extra-Anatomical bypass for arteriosclerosis obliterans

Between April, 1981, and May, 1991, 40 patients underwent extra-anatomical bypass surgery for 49 lesions. Thirty-six men and 4 women with a mean age of 68 years (range 48–81) presented with symptoms of aortoiliac occlusive diseases caused by atherosclerosis. Patients were followed up for 44 months (range 1 to 121 months) after surgery. The operative mortality rate was 2.5% (1/40) and there were 4 late deaths. Hypertension, cardiac disease (history of ischemic heart disease and abnormal ECG), cerebrovascular disturbance, and diabetes mellitus were common concomitant preoperative diseases. Forty-nine percent of the limbs (24/49) were classified as Fontaine’s class II, 32.7% (16/49) as class III, and the remaining 18.4% (9/49) as class IV. Surgical procedures were axillofemoral bypasses on 53.1% of the lesions (26/49) and femorofemoral bypasses on the other 46.9% (23/49). Graft materials consisted of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE) (31/49), Dacron (13/49), and modified human umbilical veins (5/49). The ten-year cumulative patency rate was 95% in the femorofemoral bypass group and 88% in the axillofemoral bypass group. The anticoagulant (coumarin derivatives) was given at the first postoperative day, and it was continued as long as possible. No complications were recognized regarding this therapy. The value of the thrombo test was maintained between 20% and 40% during the follow-up period. The extra-anatomical bypass grafting was considered to be a beneficial alternative surgery to anatomical bypass in elderly and high-risk patients. Postoperative anticoagulant therapy may contribute to the patency of grafts.

Anesthetic management of patients undergoing extra-anatomic renal bypass surgery for renovascular hypertension

Renal artery disease is the most common cause for surgically curable form of hypertension. In a small subset of patients with severe aortic disease where the aorta is not suitable for endovascular technique and to provide an arterial inflow, an extra-anatomic renal bypass surgery (EARBS) is an option. Anesthetic management of such procedures has not been described so far in the literature. We retrospectively analyzed the anesthetic techniques used in all patients who underwent EARBS between February 1998 and June 2008 at this institute. We also further analyzed data concerning blood pressure (BP) control and renal function response following surgery as outcome variable measures. A total of 11 patients underwent EARBS during this period. Five received oral clonidine with premedication. During laryngoscopy, esmolol was used in 4 patients, while lignocaine was used in remaining 7 patients. Of 11 patients, 7 showed significant hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation; among these, one had oral clonidine with premedicant, and 6 received lignocaine just before laryngoscopy. Intravenous vasodilators were used to maintain target BP within 20% of baseline during perioperative period. All patients received renal protective measures. During follow-up, 10% were considered cured, 70% had improved BP response, while 20% failed to show improvement in BP response. Renal functions improved in 54.5%, remain unchanged in 36.5%, and worsened in 9% of patients. Use of clonidine during premedication and esmolol before laryngoscopy were beneficial in attenuating hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy, while use of vasodilators to maintain target BP within 20% of baseline, and routine use of renal protective measures appear to be promising in patients undergoing EARBS.

Extra-anatomical bypass grafting – a single surgeon's experience

Extra-anatomical bypass grafting is a recognised method of lower limb re-vascularisation in high-risk patients who cannot tolerate aortic cross clamping, or in those with a hostile abdomen. We present a single surgeon series of such procedures and determine relevant outcomes. A retrospective review was performed on a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing femoro-femoral or axillo-femoral bypass surgery between 1986 and 2004. Patency rates for femoral (n = 28; 32%) versus axillary (n = 59; 68%) bypass procedures at 1 month, 1, 3 and 5 years were (92% vs 93%), (69% vs 85%), (60% vs 72%) and (55% vs 67%), respectively. Patient survival rates for the corresponding procedures and time intervals were (96% vs 90%), (96% vs 67%), (85% vs 45%) and (73% vs 38%) and revealed a significantly lower survival rate in those undergoing axillary procedures (P = 0.002). Limb salvage rates were calculated at (100% vs 91%), (96% vs 84%), (96% vs 81%) and (92% vs 81%) with no statistically significant difference found between the two groups (P = 0.124). Two-thirds of the patients who required major amputation died within 12 months of surgery. Acceptable 30-day morbidity, long-term primary patency and survival rates are obtainable in patients suitable for extra-anatomical bypass surgery despite having significant co-morbidities. We have shown 5-year patency rates in those that survive axillary procedures to be as good as those undergoing femoral procedures. Furthermore, surviving patients who evade amputation within a year have an excellent chance of long-term limb salvage.

Endovascular Treatment of Late Anastomotic Aneurysm Following Bypass Surgery for Atypical Aortic Coarctation due to Takayasu Arteritis

Extra-anatomic bypass surgery is a common procedure to treat atypical aortic coarctation due to Takayasu arteritis with the objective of preventing hypertensive heart failure and cerebrovascular accidents, and good long-term outcomes have been reported. However, problems at the anastomotic site are frequent, such as the late complication of anastomotic aneurysm, and such events impact on the outcome of this disease. Here, good results were obtained when thoracic endovascular aortic repair was applied for two Japanese patients who developed a late proximal anastomotic aneurysm following thoracic descending–abdominal aorta bypass surgery for repair of atypical coarctation of the aorta.

Endovascular Stent-Graft Treatment for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Short- to Midterm Results

To evaluate short- and midterm results of the endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) with the use of custom-made stent-grafts. Between May 1997 and May 2003, 40 patients with TAA (26 degenerative/atherosclerotic, seven dissection-related, three traumatic, two mycotic, one anastomotic, and one penetrating ulcer) underwent endovascular stent-graft placement. The mean age of the patients (29 male and 11 female) was 67.2 years. Twenty-four of the 40 patients (60%) were judged not to be good candidates for conventional open repair. Stent-graft placement was performed in the angiography suite with general anesthesia and transient cardiac arrest or induced hypotension. Custom-made stent-grafts were used in all patients. Four of the 40 patients (10%) underwent preliminary extra-anatomic bypass surgery to provide a sufficiently long landing zone. The mean follow-up period was 16.7 months (range, 1-65 months). The technical success rate was 97.5% and the early mortality rate was 2.5% (one out of 40 patients). There were four late deaths (two procedure-related). Survival rates were 84.2%+/-6.6% at 1 year and 84.2%+/-6.6% at 2 years. Survival rates were not significantly different between surgical candidates and non-surgical candidates (P =.423). Intraprocedural complications included access artery complications in nine patients and bleeding in three patients. Postoperative complications included early aneurysmal expansion in one patient, pneumonia in one patient, wound infection in one patient, stroke in three patients, paraplegia in one patient, respiratory insufficiency in two patients, aortoesophageal fistula in one patient, and late aneurysmal expansion in three patients. The rates of freedom from first additional intervention were 91.0%+/-6.7% at 1 year and 74.5%+/-11.9% at 2 years. The rates of freedom from second additional intervention was 100% at 2 years. The rates of freedom from treatment failure were 84.7%+/-7.6% at 1 year and 69.3%+/-11.6% at 2 years. Endovascular repair of TAA with a custom-made stent-graft is a safe and effective alternative to open repair and continues to play an important role. However, careful follow-up is mandatory to manage complications.