Devices for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide whose incidence is increasing. Traditionally these aneurysms have been repaired by a standard surgical approach. Over the past decade, spurred by the development of endovascular therapies for a variety of vascular pathologies, the endoluminal treatment of AAAs has rapidly proliferated. Early stent-grafts used to treat AAAs were primarily 'home-made'. Presently there are a number of industry-made devices available on both an investigational and approved for use basis and the number is growing. This review focuses on the types of stent-grafts currently available, indications for use and patient selection, as well as new patents issued over the years 1998 - 2000. The ideal stent-graft is yet to be developed and not all AAAs are amenable to endovascular treatment. This is a dynamic field where developments are likely to continue at a rapid pace.