Repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms with the Excluder bifurcated stent-graft.

The design of the Excluder, which is considered a 3rd generation device for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, is described. Based on a literature search, clinical short- to mid-term results are reviewed. So far, efficacy and safety of the Excluder for elective and emergent aneurysm repair have been demonstrated. In none of the studies perioperative conversion to open surgery or late aneurysm rupture has been reported. The cumulative 30-day-mortality rate was below 1%. Compared to the other commercial devices, aneurysm shrinkage is less marked after repair with the Excluder. Whether this is inconvenient remains to be proven on long-term follow-up.