Long-term Results of Endovascular Treatment of TASC C and D Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Stent Graft

Background: The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the early and long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II class C and D (TASC II) aortoiliac occlusive disease with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene–covered stent graft. Methods: Between January 2006 and November 2017, 61 patients (53 males, 8 females), with symptomatic aortoiliac stenotic and/or occlusive disease, were treated with VIABAHN (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) at 2 University medical centers. The morphology of the lesions was evaluated and classified by contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography. Demographic data, operation details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Follow-up data were analyzed by a life-table analysis (Kaplan-Meier test). Results: Mean age of the patients was 64.89 ± 10.77 years (range 44–89). Thirty-seven patients (60.7%) presented with severe claudication (Rutherford 3), whereas 21 (34.4%) were in Rutherford class 4 and the remaining 3 patients (4.9%) suffered from necrotic lesions (Rutherford 5/6). Fifty-six patients were smokers (91.8%), 38 (62.3%) had hypertension, 23 (37.7%) had coronary artery disease, 30 (40.2%) had dyslipidemia, 18 (29.5%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 6 (9.5%) had renal insufficiency (serum creatinine>2.0 mg/dL) and 24 (39.3%) had diabetes. Technical success was achieved in 59/61 patients (96.7%) with 16 patients (26.2%) requiring combined percutaneous brachial access to obtain iliac recanalization. Perioperative mortality was 1.6%, whereas postoperative major complications occurred in 2 patients (3.6%). The mean number of VIABAHN placed was 1.77/patient. Mean follow-up was 31.5 months (range 1–108) and primary patency at 36 months was 94.9%. Two major amputations of the lower limbs occurred during the follow-up. Conclusions: Open surgery with the aortobifemoral bypass has been the gold standard treatment for complex aortoiliac occlusive disease although complications and mortality still remain significant issues. Our results suggest that endovascular therapy of TASC C and D iliac lesions using the VIABAHN stent graft is feasible, effective, and has good, long-term patency.