Surveillance after endovascular aneurysm repair: Diagnostics, complications, and associated costs

The purpose of this study is to describe the diagnostic tests used, the complications that occurred the reinterventions performed, and the costs incurred after endovascular aneurysm repair. Retrospective review was performed of 77 consecutive individuals in whom endovascular aortic grafts had been successfully deployed. The series represents a single institution's experience with prospective application of a surveillance program using high-resolution CT scanning. Follow-up was available for all individuals. Mean interval of follow-up was 19.9 months (range 1-72 months), yielding a cumulative follow-up of 1540 months. There were no cases of aneurysm rupture. A total of 315 CT scans were performed during follow-up. On the basis of predetermined criteria, 28 interventions were performed in 21 patients. Indications for intervention included change in aneurysm sac volume (21 procedures), limb ischemia (5 procedures), and infection (2 procedures). Seven individuals were converted to open repair an average of 28.5 months after graft implantation (range 4-69 months). Twenty-one additional procedures were performed in 15 individuals after an average of 14.8 months (range 1-63 months). Cumulative risk of intervention and overall costs were estimated as a function time from implantation. Estimated costs at one and five years were $3631 and $9729. The cumulative risk of intervention at one year was 7.2%. The frequency and cost of post-implantation procedures after endovascular aortic intervention are substantial. As longer follow-up becomes available, continued postoperative expenses may cancel out the already marginal cost STET benefits of EVAR benefits of EVAR.