Authors' objectives:

This report aims: - To examine the current status of Endovascular grafts (EVG) technology for elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in Canada

- To critically review the literature comparing EVG with open repair or with a "wait and see" approach, in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Authors' recommendations: Survey Results: The response rate to the survey was 81% (104/129). Responding surgeons performed 3876 elective AAA repairs over a 12-month period. Of these, about 9% were managed using an EVG approach. Less than half (42/104) the responders had used EVG for elective AAA repair. Of those using EVG, 52% (22/42) considered it an investigational procedure. EVG is used predominantly for patients with appropriate anatomy, considered to be at moderate to high surgical risk. Reasons cited for not using EVG included (a) lack of resources, (b) lack of confidence that EVG offers an advantage over open repair, and (c) lack of training. Review of Evidence: EVG for AAA is still a new technology. Advances and modifications in device design have not been fully evaluated. EVG may offer a slight advantage over open repair in terms of perioperative mortality, however possible drawbacks must be weighed against potential gains. The evidence in the scientific literature at this time does not suggest that this technology is appropriate for all patients undergoing elective AAA repair.

Authors' methods: Survey, critical appraisal

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)