Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Increases Aortic Arterial Stiffness When Compared to Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Objectives: The initial survival advantage seen with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) over open repair does not persist in the long term. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness, and increased PWV is an independent risk factor for increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This prospective comparative pilot study examined the effect of implantation of an aortic graft on PWV in patients undergoing open or endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Patients and Methods: Thirty-four patients (15 open and 19 EVAR) were recruited. Patient demographics were similar in both the groups. Pulse wave velocity was calculated for all patients preoperatively and postoperatively using a standardized technique on a Philips IU22 Vascular Ultrasound machine and the results compared. Results: An increase in mean PWV following EVAR was demonstrated. The mean postprocedure PWV of 9.7 ( 4.5) cm/sec detected in the open group was significantly lower than the elevated 12.2 (+/- 4.5) cm/sec detected in the EVAR group. The surgical group also demonstrated a mean decrease of 0.2 (+/- 4.9) cm/sec in PWV following open repair compared to a mean increase of 3.3 (+/- 3.7) cm/sec in the EVAR group. Conclusion: EVAR patients have a significantly higher postoperative PWV measurement than those undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Patients who have undergone EVAR may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity in the long term. A larger scale study with a longer prospective follow-up is required.