The JOTEC iliac branch device for exclusion of hypogastric artery aneurysms: ABRAHAM study

Objective: Hypogastric artery aneurysms (HAAs) are rare but life-threatening in cases of rupture. Open or endovascular techniques traditionally aimed at occluding the hypogastric artery (HA) have considerable risk of pelvic ischemia. Iliac branch devices (IBDs) are indicated for aortoiliac aneurysms; however, they have also been used lately for HAAs. Currently, there are no reports about patient outcomes focusing on HAA therapy using IBDs. We retrospectively analyzed early and midterm outcomes using IBDs for HAAs. Methods: Patients who received IBDs for HAAs at our department from January 1, 2012, through March 1, 2018, were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: no HA involvement, emergency procedures, and HA stent grafting without IBD. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected from medical records. Results: There were 18 IBDs (only IBD, n = 4; IBD + endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR], n = 7; IBD +/- EVAR + side branch occlusion, n = 7) implanted into 14 male patients (76 +/- 4 [70-83] years). There were no intraoperative complications, and the technical success rate was 100%. After 19 6 11 (2-39) months of follow-up, two hybrid (external iliac artery occlusion, n = 1; EVAR graft kinking, n = 1) and four endovascular reinterventions due to two type IB (side branch coiling + stent graft extension) and two type IIIB (stent grafting) endoleaks were required. One IBD-related type II endoleak revealed constant aneurysm diameters during follow-up. One small type IB endoleak was self-limited. Estimated freedom from reintervention was 31% +/- 23% at 2.7 years. The clinical success and patency rate was 100%. The IBD-related mortality was 0%. Conclusions: The IBD for HAA shows good early and midterm results. Adequate sealing of HA landing zones and side branch occlusion are technically challenging but crucial to prevent type IB and type II endoleaks.