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As surgeons have become more familiar with endovascular repair, the mortality rates associated with this procedure have decreased. In a study published in 2004 in the Journal of Vascular Surgery (Volume 39; pages 10-19), researchers reported that patients who underwent endovascular repair had significantly fewer postoperative complications and a higher survival rate as compared to patients who underwent open repair. The in-hospital mortality rate in this study was 4% for open repair and less than 1% for endovascular repair.

It has been estimated that the overall 5-year survival rate following any surgery for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is approximately 60%. Factors most associated with prolonged survival include:

• Age (higher survival rates for younger people)

• Absence of other underlying medical conditions including:

  • angina pectoris
  • congestive heart failure
  • arrhythmia
  • COPD
  • kidney failure

Another factor which the patient must keep in mind before making the decision regarding the type of surgery for repair of their AAA is that endovascular repair is considerably more expensive than open repair even though the hospital stay is approximately 50% shorter. Before making a final decision, patients should check with their health insurance carrier regarding reimbursement for each procedure.