Polymer Embolization and Anaphylactic Reaction during Implantation of an Ovation Stent Graft for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Exclusion

During implantation of an Ovation endograft for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) correction, a patient experienced anaphylactic reaction after polymer leakage outside the device circuit. Procedure was completed after hemodynamic stabilization. Since postoperative day 2, patient complained of loss of legs strength. Medullar injury was excluded by electromyography test, and the clinical signs attributed to muscular necrosis and peripheral nerve involvement after arterial embolization. Furthermore, immediately after surgery, a wide erythematous area appeared in the lumbar region. During the next few days, the lesion developed from extensive blisters and necrosis to deep loss of substance. The wound needed to be medicated 2 or 3 times per week. One year after surgery, the patient still needs crutches for deambulation, and the back injury is currently under treatment. In conclusion, surgeons performing aortic endovascular repair with the Ovation endograft, as well as anesthesiologists participating in the procedure, should be aware of the possibility of embolization and ready to promptly treat possible complications.