Again, Similar Outcomes for Endovascular vs. Open Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Evidence is mixed on whether endovascular repair is associated with lower mortality than is open surgical repair in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). In a recent small trial, short-term mortality was similar with the two procedures (NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 27 2013). In this multicenter trial from the U.K., investigators compared 30-day mortality and hospital costs in 613 patients (age, >50; 78% men) with suspected ruptured AAAs who were randomized to endovascular repair (316 patients, 275 with confirmed ruptures and 174 anatomically suitable for endovascular repair) or open surgical repair (297 patients, 261 with confirmed ruptures).

At 30 days, mortality was 35% in the endovascular group and 37% in the open-repair group …