Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Antecedent Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Late aortic rupture following successful endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm still does occur. It represents the ultimate failure of endovascular aortic repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) and subjects patients to equivalent risk of death as de novo rupture. Unfortunately, it is difficult to identify patients at risk for post-EVAR rupture as many present with aortic rupture in the absence of any endograft-related complications. Continued surveillance and timely intervention are of paramount importance to assure rupture-free survival, the ultimate goal of any aneurysm treatment modality. The vascular surgeon needs to be prepared to provide the optimal therapy, whether open or endovascular, for this challenging cohort of patients.