ABSTRACT
Parodi performed the first endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm over a decade ago (1). More than 25,000 aortic stent grafts have since been deployed worldwide, and preliminary results have been promising. However further follow-up and close monitoring to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of these devices has been recommended (2-6). Problems with deployment, stent-graft migration, endoleak, material failure, and aneurysm rupture have all been reported (7-11). Many of these problems were seen with first-generation stent grafts, suggesting parallel learning curves between the surgeons, device engineers, and manufacturers. Technical and mechanical device problems have been addressed and individual implants improved. However, new problems continue to be discovered as patients with second-generation stent grafts approach midterm follow-up. As an increasing number of explanted grafts become available for analysis, new and device-specific material failure is being identified.
