DREAM

400 patients, 23 sites, finalised 2007
After the introduction of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), both benefits and drawbacks of this new technique have been reported. To assess whether the new technique is an adequate substitute of conventional AAA treatment, the Dutch Randomised Endovascular Aneurysm Management (DREAM) trial was designed. The primary endpoint was combined operative mortality and morbidity. Secondary endpoints and additional assessments include event free survival, quality of life, length of hospital stay and costs. The DREAM-trial contributed to a safe and controlled introduction of a new technology. Also, the medical community obtained valid scientific evidence of the merits of endovascular AAA repair. Finally, it provided policy makers with accurate cost-effectiveness data for the Dutch healthcare system.
This randomised multicenter trial enrolled (between November 2000 and December 2003) 351 patients from 28 centers, to undergo either open repair or endovascular repair.

Publications:

Blankensteijn JD, de Jong SECA, Prinssen M, van der Ham AC, Buth J, van Sterkenburg SMM, HJM Verhagen, E Buskens, Grobbee DE. Two-Year Outcomes after Conventional or Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. N Engl J Med. 2005;352:2398-2405.