Evaluation of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: anatomical classification, procedural success, clinical assessment, and data collection

Abstract

Purpose: To detail a methodology for evaluation of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair that has been achieved through consensus of an international multidisciplinary team of investigators.

Methods: This schema features an anatomical classification for AAAs, a definition of procedural success, and a procedure for clinical assessment, as well as the necessary data collection forms. Patient data include demographics, procedural and clinical success, complications, and follow-up. Procedural details can be related to anatomic situations, comorbid processes, devices, and effective aneurysmal exclusion.

Results: These data would allow assessment of the procedures, physician learning curves, procedural indications, techniques, methodologies, the relationship of indications to success and complications, devices and subsequent graft patency, and aneurysmal exclusion.

Conclusions: The use of this standardized data collection system could enable physicians and industry to better understand endovascular AAA repair and ultimately improve patient care.