Cerebrovascular Complications After Upper Extremity Access for Complex Aortic Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Use of target vessel ballooning to facilitate endovascular treatment in the case of branched endovascular aneurysm repair with a retrograde approach

A case of a new technique for branched endovascular aneurysm repair with a retrograde approach and ostial stenosis of the target vessel is reported. An angioplasty balloon was placed within the target vessel and used to give added stability to catheter advancement to place the stiff guidewire needed for placement of a bridging stent graft. In brief, a standard guidewire was first placed inside the target vessel through the retrograde approach. Next, the balloon was placed from outside the stent graft, again through a contralateral retrograde approach. Then, the angioplasty balloon was inflated, and a support catheter was advanced to the balloon and then slowly deflated to allow the catheter to advance. Finally, the stiff guidewire was placed. Subsequently, the bridging stent was placed and deployed. This technique is feasible and can be used in selected cases to use a retrograde approach when ostial stenosis of the target vessel is present.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Access to the First Versus Third Segment of Axillary Artery During Aortic Procedures

PURPOSE

This article aims at investigating the outcomes of percutaneous access via the first versus third axillary artery (AXA) segments with closure devices during aortic procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients receiving percutaneous AXA access closed with Perclose ProGlide device (Abbott, Santa Clara, California) from 2008 to 2021 were included in a retrospective multicenter registry (NCT: 04589962). Efficacy endpoint was the technically successful percutaneous procedure (no open conversion). Safety endpoints were stroke and access complications according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 reporting standards. The first (AXA1) or third (AXA3) axillary puncture sites were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 412 percutaneous AXA accesses were included: 172 (42%) in AXA1 and 240 (58%) in AXA3. Left AXA was catheterized in 363 cases (76% of AXA1 vs 97% of AXA3, p<0.001) and 91% of fenestrated/branched endovascular repair (F/BEVAR) procedures were conducted from the left. A ≥12F internal diameter (ID) sheath was used in 49% of procedures. Open conversion rate was 1%, no major vascular complications occurred, and only one major non-vascular complication was recorded. Primary closure failure occurred in 18 AXA1 (11%) and 32 AXA3 accesses (13%), treated by covered (8.3%) or bare-metal (2.7%) stenting. Bailout stent patency was 100% at median follow-up of 12 months, with 6 of 6 stents still patent after >36 months of follow-up. Stroke rate was 4.4%. An introducer sheath >12F was independently associated with both access complications (p<0.001) and stroke (p=0.005), while a right-side access was associated with stroke only (p=0.034). Even after adjustment for covariates, AXA1 versus AXA3 showed an equal success rate (odds ratio [OR]=0.537, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.011-1.22 for AXA3, p=0.104). The combination of AXA3 and a >10F introducer sheath provided worse outcomes compared with >10F sheaths through AXA1 (OR for success=0.367, 95% CI=0.176-0.767, p=0.008). This was not confirmed for >12F sheaths, associated with similar outcomes (p=0.31 AXA 1 vs AXA 3).

CONCLUSION

Major local complications with the percutaneous axillary approach and ≤12F sheaths are infrequent and solvable by complementary endovascular interventions. Stroke risk remains an issue. First and third AXA segments are both amenable for access with good results, but larger sheaths (12F) perform better in AXA1.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Percutaneous access with vascular closure devices at the first or third axillary artery (AXA) segments during aortic procedures is burdened by a negligible risk of open conversion. Local complications with the percutaneous axillary approach are infrequent and solvable by complementary endovascular interventions. First and third AXA segments are both amenable to access with excellent results, but larger sheaths (12F) perform better in the wider first AXA segment. In this setting, bailout stenting does not appear to be associated with mid-term stent occlusion.

The Development of Totally Percutaneous Aortic Arch Repair With Inner-Branch Endografts: Experience From 2 Centers

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study is to present the experience of 2 centers undertaking total percutaneous aortic arch-branched graft endovascular repair using combination of femoral and axillary routes. The report summarizes the procedural steps, outcomes achieved, and the benefits of this approach, which eliminates the need for direct open surgical exposure of the carotid, subclavian, or axillary arteries, thereby reducing the unnecessary associated surgical risks.

METHODS

Retrospectively collected data of 18 consecutive patients (15M:3F) undergoing aortic arch endovascular repair using a branched device between February 2021 and June 2022 at 2 aortic units. Six patients were treated for a residual aortic arch aneurysm following previous type A dissection with size range of (58-67 mm in diameter), 10 were treated for saccular or fusiform degenerative atheromatous aneurysm with size range of (51.5-80 mm in diameter), and 2 were treated for penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) with size range of (50-55 mm). Technical success was defined as completion of the procedure and satisfactory placement of the bridging stent grafts (BSGs) in the supra-aortic vessels percutaneously including the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), left common carotid artery (LCCA), and left subclavian artery (LSA) without the need for carotid, subclavian, or axillary cut down. The primary technical success was examined as primary outcome well as any other related complications and reinterventions as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The primary technical success with our alternative approach was achieved in all 18 cases. There was one access site complication (groin haematoma), which was managed conservatively. There was no incidence of death, stroke, or cases of paraplegia. No other immediate complications were noted. Postoperative imaging confirmed supra-aortic branch patency, with satisfactory position of the BSGs and immediate aneurysm exclusion except in 4 patients who had type 1C endoleak (Innominate: 2, LSA 2) detected on the first postoperative scan. Three of them were treated with relining/extension, and 1 spontaneously resolved after 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Total percutaneous aortic arch repair with antegrade and retrograde inner-branch endografts can be performed with promising early results. Dedicated steerable sheaths and appropriate BSG would optimize the percutaneous approach for aortic arch endovascular repairs.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This article provides an alternative and innovative approach to improve the minimally invasive techniques in the endovascular treatment of the aortic arch conditions.

Comparison of upper extremity and transfemoral access for fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair

OBJECTIVE

The use of upper extremity (UE) access is an accepted and often implemented approach for fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR). The advent of steerable sheaths has enabled the performance of F-BEVAR using a total transfemoral (TF) approach without UE access, potentially decreasing the risks of cerebral embolic events. The purpose of the present study was to assess the outcomes of F-BEVAR using UE vs TF access.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from nine physician-sponsored investigational device exemption studies at U.S. centers were analyzed using a standardized database. All patients were treated for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (CAAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) using industry-manufactured fenestrated and branched stent grafts between 2005 and 2020. The outcomes were compared between patients who had undergone UE vs total TF access. The primary composite outcome was stroke or transient ischemia attack (TIA) and 30-day or in-patient mortality during the perioperative period. The secondary outcomes included technical success, local access-related complications, and perioperative mortality.

RESULTS

Among 1681 patients (71% men; mean age, 73.43 ± 7.8 years) who had undergone F-BEVAR, 502 had had CAAAs (30%), 535 had had extent IV TAAAs (32%), and 644 had had extent I to III TAAAs (38%). UE access was used for 1103 patients (67%). The right side was used for 395 patients (24%) and the left side for 705 patients (42%). UE access was preferentially used for TAAAs (74% vs 47%; P < .001). In contrast, TF access was used more frequently for CAAAs (53% vs 26%; P < .01). A total of 38 perioperative cerebrovascular events (2.5%), including 32 strokes (1.9%) and 6 TIAs (0.4%), had occurred. Perioperative cerebrovascular events had occurred more frequently with UE access than with TF access (2.8% vs 1.2%; P = .036). An individual component analysis of the primary composite outcome revealed a trend for more frequent strokes (2.3% vs 1.2%; P = .13) and TIAs (0.54% vs 0%; P = .10) in the UE access group. On multivariable analysis, total TF access was associated with a 60% reduction in the frequency of perioperative cerebrovascular events (odds ratio, 0.39; P = .029). No significant differences were observed between UE and TF access in the technical success rate (96.5% vs 96.8%; P = .72), perioperative mortality (2.9% vs 2.6%; P = .72), or local access-related complications (6.5% vs 5.5%; P = .43).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present large, multicenter, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, a total TF approach for F-BEVAR was associated with a lower rate of perioperative cerebrovascular events compared with UE access. Although the cerebrovascular event rate was low with UE access, the TF approach offered a lower risk of stroke and TIA. UE access will continue to play a role for appropriately selected patients requiring more complex repairs with anatomy not amenable to the TF approach.

Tightrope Technique for facilitating complex endovascular aortic repair in patients with severely angulated neck

An 84-year-old presented with a large, symptomatic juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Owing to severe angulation of the infrarenal neck, advancement of the distal bifurcated component caused dramatic lateral movement of the proximal physician-modified endovascular graft (PMEG) fenestrated device. This procedure risked aneurysm sac perforation and possible PMEG device displacement. To avoid this complication, the distal aspect of the PMEG device was tethered in place using endoscopic forceps to provide countertraction, similar to pulling a tightrope. This technique allowed for the uneventful placement of the distal bifurcated component without complication. This technique can overcome device placement challenges within an angulated aorta caused by large aneurysms.

Vascular Access Challenges in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

This review aims to comprehensively summarize access challenges in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) by describing vascular access routes, associated risks, outcomes, and complications.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted utilizing the PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Qualitative and quantitative data from selected studies are extracted and discussed according to available standards for narrative reviews.

RESULTS

In total, there were 109 eligible studies based on predefined inclusion- and exclusion criteria. There were 39 original articles or reviews and 57 case series or case reports. This article summarizes the evidence from these studies and discusses traditional retrograde access routes and techniques for TEVAR via a femoral or iliac route, with or without the use of conduits. Next, alternative antegrade access routes and techniques via a brachial, axillary, carotid, ascending aorta, transapical, transcaval, or another route are discussed. Vascular access complications are presented with specific attention to the importance of gender and alternative antegrade access routes.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple access routes and techniques are currently available to overcome access challenges associated with TEVAR, based on low grade evidence from heterogeneous studies. Future research that compares different access routes and techniques might help in the development of a tailored access protocol for specific patients with challenging TEVAR access.

Multicenter Experience of Upper Extremity Access in Complex Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

PURPOSE

Upper extremity access (UEA) for antegrade cannulation of aortic side branches is a relevant part of endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms and can be achieved using several techniques, sites and sides. The purpose of this study was to evaluate different UEA strategies in a multicenter registry of complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

In six aortic centers in the Netherlands, all endovascular aortic procedures from 2006 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who received upper extremity access during complex EVAR were included. Primary outcome was a composite endpoint of any access complication, excluding minor hematomas. Secondary outcomes were access characteristics, access complications considered individually, access reinterventions and incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular events.

RESULTS

417 patients underwent 437 UEA for 303 fenestrated/branched EVARs, and 114 chimney EVARs. Twenty patients had bilateral, 295 left-sided, and 102 right-sided UEA. 413 approaches were performed surgically and 24 percutaneously. Distal brachial access was used in 89 cases, medial brachial in 149, proximal brachial in 140 and axillary access in 59 cases. No significant differences regarding the composite endpoint of access complications were seen (DBA 11.3% vs. MBA 6.7% vs. PBA 13.6% vs. AA 10.2%; p=.29). Postoperative neuropathy occurred most after proximal brachial access (DBA 1.1% vs. MBA 1.3% vs. PBA 9.3 % vs. AA 5.1%; p=.003). There were no differences in cerebrovascular complications between access sides (right 5.9% vs. left 4.1% vs. bilateral 5%; p=.75). Significantly more overall access complications were seen after a percutaneous approach (29.2% vs. 6.8%; p=.002). In multivariate analysis the risk for access complications after open approach was decreased by male gender (OR 0.27; CI 95% 0.10 - 0.72; p= .009), while an increase in age per year (OR 1.08; CI 95% 1.004 - 1.179; p=.039) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (OR 3.70; CI 95% 1.20 - 11.41; p= .023) increased the risk.

CONCLUSION

Between the four access localizations, there were no differences in overall access complications. Female gender, diabetes mellitus type 2 and ageing increased the risk for access complications after surgical approach. Furthermore, a percutaneous upper extremity access resulted in higher complication rates than a surgical approach.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Chimney Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To provide an overview of the literature on the mid-term outcomes of chimney EVAR (ChEVAR) for the treatment of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAA).

METHODS

Different electronic databases were searched for published articles up to January 2020. The eligibility criteria were studies describing mid- or long-term outcomes of chimney EVAR (mean follow-up at least 1 year) for treatment of JAAA, including more than 10 cases, published in English, and with full text available. The outcomes measure were overall survival rate, target vessel patency, and freedom from reintervention at 3 years. Quality of the included studies was analyzed using the MINORS criteria. Pooled effect estimates were analyzed using random-effect models and heterogeneity was tested using I² statistics.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The included studies described 1,019 patients. According to the quality assessment, methodological quality was moderate to poor. The pooled overall survival, freedom from reintervention, and target vessel patency at 3 year was 81.4 % (95%CI 73.8-87.9), 85.7% (95%CI 75.6-93.5), and 95.1% (95%CI 89.3-98.7) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review show good to acceptable short and mid-term survival and good mid-term durability, which supports that ChEVAR as a suitable alternative in high-risk JAAA. However, proper patient selection for ChEVAR seems essential to attain good mid-term outcomes, and further large prospective and good quality studies are required to demonstrate its long-term results and enable conclusions on specific determinants for outcome.

Technical Note: Left Subclavian Artery Scallop Endografts to Facilitate a Proximal Landing Zone and Upper Extremity Access for Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair of Type II Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

PURPOSE

To describe the dual purpose of left subclavian artery (LSA) scallop endografts to create the proximal landing zone (PLZ) and facilitate antegrade left-sided upper extremity access for branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR) of Type II thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAA) with a short PLZ.

TECHNIQUE

Three patients with an inadequate (< 20 mm) PLZ underwent a 2-stage repair of Type II TAAA. Following femoral cut-down, a custom-made LSA scallop endograft was deployed into zone 2 to create the PLZ and maintain perfusion to the LSA. In a second procedure 36-96 days after insertion of the scalloped thoracic stent-graft, a branched abdominal stent-graft was subsequently deployed to dock into the proximal scallop endograft as the second stage. Via a left axillary conduit, a 12Fr sheath was used to cannulate the LSA scallop to facilitate selective catheterisation of antegrade branch cuffs and renovisceral target vessels, and insertion and deployment of bridging stents. The LSA scallop was also used to selectively catheterise and stent the perfusion branches via left-sided brachial puncture that were left open in each of the three cases 8-14 days after the second procedure to minimise the risk of spinal cord ischaemia. There were no neurological or endoleak complications.

CONCLUSION

LSA scallop endografts are a feasible and useful adjunct to create the PLZ and to provide antegrade access for visceral stenting of branches and target vessels through the LSA scallop in branched endovascular repair of Type II TAAA with short PLZ.

Steerable sheath for exclusively femoral bilateral extension of previous fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair with iliac branch devices

We report the treatment of type Ib endoleak after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) with iliac branch device (IBD) to allow exclusive transfemoral access without a femoral-to-femoral through-and-through wire. The patient was treated with fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and showed expansion of the aneurysm owing to a type Ib endoleak. An IBD was implanted by the use of a contralateral steerable sheath for internal iliac artery catheterizing. A computed tomography scan showed the patency of the target vessels and resolution of the endoleak. The use of a steerable sheath without femoral-to-femoral through-and-through wire to bridge the internal iliac artery in patients receiving an IBD after prior EVAR is feasible and avoids the risks associated with upper extremity access.

WILD Sheath Technique: "WIre Loop Directional" Sheath for Retrograde Femoral Access in Branched Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (BEVAR) necessitates upper limb access (ULA) to facilitate the antegrade cannulation of downward directional branches and the placement of the bridging stent grafts. Various technical solutions to avoid ULA have been proposed and successfully applied in a limited number of cases. This can be necessary in specific clinical scenarios such as hostile aortic arch and descending thoracic aortic anatomy, or in the case of previous aortic arch and supra-aortic vessels surgery complicating the conventional approach with ULA in BEVAR. Taking inspiration from the prior description of a precursory technique, we report the application of our technique in BEVAR procedures, using standard introducer sheaths as a directional stable platform to facilitate an "All Femoral Access" (AFA) approach without the need for ULA, snaring or commercial steerable sheaths. Our concept is based on utilizing a wire loop to form a directional sheath (WILD sheath technique).

Complications of endo-vascular aortic repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm: A retrospective single-centre experience

Background

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is obviously less invasive than open aortic repair (OAR) for the treatment of infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, it is not free of complications which can potentially result in severe morbidity or even mortality. The purpose of this study was to share our single-center experience with stent-graft related and systemic complications associated with EVAR.

Methods

Patients with infra-renal AAA treated by elective and emergency EVAR between March 2014 and November 2020 were retrospectively identified. Demographic data, risk factors, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, systemic complications, stent-graft related complications, surgical site complications, 30-day mortality, late EVAR related mortality, estimated blood loss, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS and follow-up durations were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 43 patients underwent EVAR during the period of study. There were 42 males (97.7%) and 1 female (2.3%). The mean age was 68.8 ± 6.2 years. Elective EVAR was performed in 36 (83.7%) and emergency EVAR in 7 (16.3%). Technical success was achieved in 42 patients (100%) with no conversion to OAR. Stent-graft related complications were (21.0%) endoleaks, (2.3%) graft limb occlusion, (0%) graft infection, and (2.3%) rupture-EVAR. Systemic complications were (2.3%) myocardial infarction (MI), (2.3%) stroke, (2.3%) spinal cord injury (SCI), (2.3%) respiratory failure, (19.0%) wound complications, and (2.3%) acute lower limb ischemia (ALI). The 30-day mortality was (2.3%) due to perioperative MI and the late graft related mortality was (2.3%) due to rupture-EVAR.

Conclusion

EVAR showed a high technical success rate with no conversion to OAR. The most common complications were type II and type I endoleaks followed by graft limb occlusion. The 30-day mortality was 2.3% due to perioperative MI. Only one late stent-graft related mortality was registered due to rupture-EVAR.

Anatomical feasibility of a new off-the-shelf inner branch stent graft (E-nside) for endovascular treatment of thoraco-abdominal aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

METHODS

Preoperative computed tomography scans of patients with atherosclerotic TAAA treated between 2007 and 2019 were reviewed, and the anatomical feasibility of the E-nside graft was verified by a retrospective study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03959670) based on the investigational manufacturer instructions for use. The anatomical factors determining overall feasibility were divided into vascular access (AC) feasibility, aortic (AO) feasibility and visceral vessels (VV) feasibility.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-eight patients with thoraco-abdominal aneurysms were analysed: the overall treatment feasibility was 43%. AC feasibility was 78%, AO feasibility 60% and VV feasibility 79%. An iliac diameter &lt;8.5 mm excluded 21% of the patients. Aortic feasibility was limited by infrarenal aortic diameter (16%) and size of aortic lumen at the level of visceral vessels (14%). Visceral vessels feasibility was mainly limited by inadequate number (8%) or diameter (12%) of target vessels. Height and orientation of target vessels were adequate in 97% of the cases. Overall feasibility was negatively influenced by female gender (Odds ratio: 3.89; 95% confidence interval 2.03–7.44; P &lt; 0.001): the limiting factors in this subgroup being iliac diameter, infrarenal aortic diameter and visceral vessels diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

The E-nside off-the-shelf stent graft can be theoretically employed in almost half of the cases from an all-comers cohort of patients with TAAA. Improvement of device profile and creation of a dedicated infrarenal component are warranted to increase overall feasibility. Female gender significantly affects the overall feasibility.

Clinicaltrials.gov

NCT03959670.

Use of a Steerable Sheath for Antegrade Catheterization of a Supra-aortic Branch of an Inner-Branched Arch Endograft via a Percutaneous Femoral Access

Purpose: To describe the use of a steerable sheath from a femoral access for antegrade catheterization of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) in an inner-branched arch endograft. Technique: This technique is demonstrated in a patient with residual aortic dissection after replacement of the ascending aorta for acute type A aortic dissection. He presented 4 years later with aneurysmal degeneration of the thoracoabdominal aorta and a proximal tear located in the aortic arch. A 2-stage hybrid approach was devised to treat the patient. An axilloaxillary crossover graft (left to right) with plug occlusion of the innominate artery was performed initially. Later, a dual-branched custom-made device was implanted. To avoid an additional LCCA cutdown for retrograde branch access, an 18-F steerable sheath was used through a percutaneous femoral access. Two wires were delivered within the steerable sheath: the first one was directed into the left subclavian artery to stabilize the sheath position in the ascending aorta; the second wire was used to catheterize the first inner branch and the LCCA to deploy the covered bridging stent. Conclusion: Transfemoral access to catheterize antegrade branches for supra-aortic vessels is feasible using a large steerable sheath in branched endovascular arch repair.

Stabilization of a steerable sheath during retrograde access to antegrade-oriented branches in complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

During branched endovascular aneurysm repair, cannulation of the visceral target vessels through antegrade branches and insertion of bridging stents are frequently done from an upper extremity access. A retrograde femoral approach is a challenging alternative when an antegrade approach is not preferred. Herein, we describe a technique to increase stability of a steerable sheath, using a single suture, for bridging antegrade-facing branches from a retrograde access. This technique secures the sheath's deflected tip and provides more pushability to the steerable sheath.

Anatomic feasibility of the investigational GORE EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE), off-the-shelf multibranched endograft for the treatment of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of pararenal aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) that could theoretically be treated with the investigational GORE EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) off-the-shelf multibranched endograft.

METHODS

The preoperative computed tomography scans of patients with pararenal aortic aneurysms and TAAAs treated at a single institution between 2007 and 2017 were reviewed. This cohort included both open and endovascular repairs performed in either elective or urgent/emergent settings. These studies were included in a retrospective feasibility study to verify anatomic feasibility of the TAMBE graft (with four antegrade portals) employed within the manufacturer's investigational instructions for use during the U.S. pivotal trial. The patient cohort was divided into two groups: extended thoracoabdominal aneurysm (E-TAA)-extent I, II, and III TAAA; and limited pararenal and thoracoabdominal aneurysm (L-TAA)-pararenal aortic aneurysm and extent IV TAAA. The anatomic factors determining the overall theoretical feasibility were further divided into three groups: vascular access feasibility, aortic feasibility, and visceral vessel feasibility.

RESULTS

Computed tomography scans of 227 patients with degenerative aneurysms were analyzed, 166 with E-TAA and 61 with L-TAA. In the L-TAA group, 49% of the cases could have been treated with the TAMBE endograft alone; access feasibility was 85%, aortic feasibility 74%, and visceral vessel feasibility 72%. In the E-TAA group, only 23% of the cases could have been treated with a TAMBE combined with a GORE CTAG proximal thoracic stent graft; access feasibility was 79%, aortic feasibility 48%, and visceral vessel feasibility 63%. The different feasibility rate was related to a difference in aortic feasibility between L-TAA and E-TAA (74% vs 48%; P = .0008) because of the lack of a dedicated tapered thoracic component.

CONCLUSIONS

The TAMBE multibranched endograft can theoretically be employed in half of an all-comers cohort of patients with degenerative L-TAA. Development of a dedicated tapered thoracic component is warranted to increase the feasibility for E-TAA, and comparative studies are required to investigate differences with other available off-the-shelf stent grafts.

Percutaneous AXillary Artery (PAXA) Access at the First Segment During Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Procedures

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of percutaneous axillary access with vessel closure device closure after puncturing the first segment during endovascular treatment of complex aneurysms with fenestrated and branched endografts (F/BEVAR).

METHODS

The PAXA (Percutaneous AXillary Access) study is a physician initiated, single centre, ambispective, non-randomised study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03223311). The primary endpoint was the closure success rate defined as the absence of any vascular injury to achieve haemostasis at the puncture site, requiring any treatment other than manual compression or adjunctive endovascular ballooning. The secondary endpoints were minor access complications, cerebrovascular complication rate, short term access vessel patency, and study cohort anatomical evaluation of the axillary artery.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients required an upper extremity access during F/BEVAR procedure during study period (November 2016 to July 2019) and were screened for the PAXA study: 59 patients (47 males; median age: 75 years, IQR 69-78) met the study inclusion criteria and were enrolled (one patient had bilateral access). Closure success was obtained in 54 cases (90%) with no open conversion required: five patients received a bare or covered stenting to the AXA and in one patient mechanical failure of the delivery system was recorded. No 30 day permanent peripheral nerve injuries and two non-ipsilateral ischaemic strokes (3.4%) were recorded. Seven patients (12%) had access haematomas managed conservatively associated with closure failure (p = .002), oral anticoagulants therapy (p = .005) and procedure length (p = .028). At short term follow up (6 months), no late complications were observed, and all access vessels were patent.

CONCLUSION

PAXA on the first segment using a large sheath (10-16F) is technically feasible, relatively safe with no need for open conversion but it may require access related secondary endovascular procedures. Further prospective studies are needed to modify the device instruction for use and to put the procedure on label.