Background: The aim of the study was to assess the long term results of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms at the Helsinki University Central Hospital 1996-2004 with a special emphasis on elective conversion procedures and their outcome.
Methods: Treatment results and follow-up data of all 110 elective EVAR procedures performed in our institution were gathered prospectively and evaluated.
Results: Conversion to open surgery was performed in 23 (21%) of 110 EVAR patients. 30-day mortality after elective stent-graft deployment was 0% as it was also on elective conversions (n = 20). Secondary elective conversions were performed due to infection in two and after failing stent-graft treatment in 12 patients. Six of the conversions were performed primarily. Three urgent conversions (3% overall) were performed: two of these patients died, corresponding to an overall mortality of 9% (2/23) in all conversions. Five-year aneurysm-related mortality after EVAR among patients with elective conversion was 0% and 19% in patients with secondary procedures other than elective conversions.
Conclusions: As conversions seem to be hazardous only when performed in urgent situations, elective conversion could be an alternative treatment method in complex failing first-generation stent-grafts as it may reduce mortality associated with urgent conversions or repeated attempts to maintain graft integrity with endovascular procedures.