Branched endovascular iliac artery repair using the Zenith ® Branch Endovascular Iliac Bifurcation graft: outcomes and reinterventions in our retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the outcomes and the need for reinterventions following branched iliac artery repair using the Zenith® Branch Endovascular Iliac Bifurcation (ZBIS; Cook Medical Europe LTD, Limerick, Ireland) graft.

METHODS: Patient characteristics and follow-up data on 63 patients following branched iliac artery repair using the ZBIS device were evaluated and compared between patients with and without iliac reinterventions. A competing risk regression model was analyzed to identify independent predictors of reinterventions, and to predict the reintervention risk.

RESULTS: ZBIS implantation's technical success rate was 100%, and we observed no in-hospital mortality. Internal iliac artery patency was 93% during a median [first quartile, third quartile] follow-up of 19 [5, 39] months. Thirty-two iliac reinterventions were performed in 23 patients (37%) after a mean time of 3.0 months (IQR: 0.4-6.8) (time to first reintervention). Endoleaks type I and II were the most common indication for reinterventions (n=14, 61%). The internal iliac artery's diameter [subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR): 1.046; P=0.0015] and a prior abdominal aortic intervention (sHR: 0.3331; P=0.0370) were identified as significant variables in the competing risk regression model for a reintervention. The risk for reintervention was 33% (95% CI: 20-46%), and 46% (95% CI: 28-63%) after 12 and 36 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of degenerative iliac artery aneurysms with Zenith Branch Iliac Bifurcation device is a feasible and safe option. Perioperative morbidity and mortality are low with good graft patency rates. The risk for secondary iliac artery interventions is considerable and highlights the need for patients with iliac disease to undergo continuous follow-up in a dedicated vascular center.