Changes in arterial stiffness after AAA surgery- Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective evaluation of changes in arterial stiffness in patients undergoing surgical intervention for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
IRAS ID
133952
Contact name
Syed W Yusuf
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Arterial stiffness is a relatively new measurement which has been shown to be a useful and reliable marker of hardening and narrowing of the arteries. It does not fluctuate like other classic cardiovascular risk factors such as serum cholesterol and blood pressure. Several studies have shown a potential role for arterial stiffness measurements in predicting future cardiovascular events and mortality.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common and important disease that affects 1 in 25 men in England. The risk of aneurysm rupture remains low ( less than 1% per annum) for aneurysms less than 5.5 cm in maximum diameter. The rupture risk beyond 5.5 cm remains uncertain and patients are offered elective repair to prevent rupture beyond this threshold. The aim of surgical intervention is to prevent rupture. There are two ways of treating AAA surgically - by open surgery, or minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Both methods replace the weakened part of the aorta with a piece of synthetic tubing. Open surgery involves stitching a polyester synthetic tube or graft and EVAR involves implanting the same without stitching but with stents or metal springs inserted remotely via the groin artery.
We will assess the stiffness of the arteries in patients undergoing open or endovascular (EVAR) AAA repair by specific non-invasive blood flow measurements. These measurements will be taken before and after surgery. We will make a comparison between the measurements taken before and after surgery and analyse if there is a difference between patients in the open and EVAR groups. We are trying to find out whether AAA repair increases vascular stiffness and therefore increases the future risk of cardiovascular events.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
15/WA/0217
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion