Shogo Isomura, Hideaki Ohno, Yasuyuki Toyoda, Yu Matsumura, Fumitaka Yamaki
The standardized partial explantation strategy was feasible in selected patients undergoing LOC for noninfectious EVAR failure and was associated with acceptable perioperative outcomes and mid- to long-term reconstructive durability even in a low-volume, real-world setting.
OBJECTIVE: Late open conversion (LOC) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) remains challenging, and an optimal surgical strategy has not yet been established. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and mid- to long-term durability of surgical reconstruction using a standardized strategy for partial explantation in a regional, real-world setting.
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 29 consecutive patients who underwent LOC for noninfectious EVAR failure between July 2013 and December 2025. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using follow-up data available through April 2026. The primary surgical strategy consisted of elective conversion, infrarenal clamping, and partial endograft explantation with "neo-neck" creation whenever feasible.
RESULTS: Elective LOC was performed for progressive aneurysm sac enlargement in 27 patients (93.1%); type II endoleak was the predominant preoperative finding (n = 16; 55.2%). The remaining two patients underwent urgent LOC for bilateral endograft limb thrombosis with lower-extremity ischemia (n = 1) or symptomatic sac enlargement with suspected impending rupture (n = 1). Partial explantation was performed in 28 patients (96.6%). The 30-day mortality rate was 6.9% (n = 2). During the median follow-up period of 44 (range, 0-152) months, no late aortic-related events attributable to the retained endograft components were observed. The estimated 5-year overall survival and freedom from aortic-related events were 88.9% and 93.1%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The standardized partial explantation strategy was feasible in selected patients undergoing LOC for noninfectious EVAR failure and was associated with acceptable perioperative outcomes and mid- to long-term reconstructive durability even in a low-volume, real-world setting.