Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair during the Early Days of the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

Introduction: We report the results of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in three patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Three patients were diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm. All three patients were male and aged 68 years. The diameter of the aneurysm was larger than 65 mm and was considered suitable for EVAR. Thorax tomography was performed to exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection before the procedure. Results: We performed EVAR under general anesthesia. “Priority Level” was based on the guideline of the American College of Surgeons. The procedure was conducted in the angiography laboratory by taking advanced precautions. Intensive care admission was avoided. The postoperative period was uneventful, and all patients were discharged without any condition associated with COVID-19. There were no mortality, rupture, secondary intervention, major adverse event, limb occlusion, and 60-day read-mission. Conclusions: During the pandemic, EVAR can be performed for symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm with a diameter of more than 65 mm. Thorax tomography is safe to exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, tomographic angiography to monitor patients may be difficult during the pandemic.

Keywords

• abdominal aortic aneurysm
• endovascular aortic repair
• thorax tomography
• covid-19