The GORE TAG thoracic endoprosthesis provides a safe alternative for the treatment of DTAs, with low mortality, relatively low morbidity, and excellent 2-year freedom from aneurysm-related death. Longitudinal spine fractures have so far been associated with rare clinical events.

In anatomically suitable patients, TAG treatment of thoracic aneurysms is superior to surgical repair at 5 years. Although sac enlargement is concerning, early modified device results indicate this issue may be resolved.

No abstract

Improvements in AAA management in the last decade have decreased aneurysm-related deaths and reduced the incidence of aneurysm ruptures, with a lower utilization of services. Women, however, continue to have a consistently higher mortality for open and ruptured AAA repair and are less likely to return to home after either.

Unsupported endografts with active fixation can yield excellent results in treating many medically compromised patients with hostile neck anatomy. Nonetheless, an unsuitable neck remains the most frequent cause for open abdominal AAA.

Endovascular repair of isolated IAAs appears safe and effective, with initial results similar to those after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

EVAR is replacing open surgery without an increase in overall case volume. EVAR is responsible for overall decrease in operative mortality even in ruptured aneurysms while decreasing utilization variables. Reimbursement to hospitals is shrinking, however.

The use of filters during carotid artery stenting provided no demonstrable reduction of microemboli, as expected. Routine use of cerebral protection filters should undergo a more critical assessment before mandatory universal adoption.