Aneurysm shrinkage after endovascular repair of aortic diseases

Aneurysm Sac Pressure Measurement with a Pressure Sensor in Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Aortic endograft surveillance is a necessity for the lifetime of a patient owing to the risk of endoleaks and device complications. The current standard of care for surveillance is radiologic imaging. The most commonly used modality is computed tomographic angiography. Magnetic resonance angiography and ultrasonography have also been used as surveillance tools. These imaging techniques have risks and limitations, and alternative surveillance tools are being investigated. Remote pressure sensing is a promising technology that can provide adjunctive support to the current imaging modalities. The technology is applicable to both abdominal and thoracic endograft implantation and surveillance. It has recently gained clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for acute aneurysm exclusion during an abdominal endograft insertion. As more data are accumulated, it may be possible for remote pressure sensing to replace current imaging techniques as the sole modality for endograft surveillance.

Preprocedural planning for endovascular stent-graft placement

Endovascular stent grafts have become a viable treatment for aortic thoracic and abdominal aneurysms in both elective and emergent situations. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography is the primary tool for determining eligibility for this procedure. This article discuses the preprocedural evaluation of an endovascular stent candidate. Evaluation begins with identification of the aneurysm pathology and its relationship to treatment efficacy. The radiologist must evaluate the aneurysm geometry for compatibility with stent hardware. Aneurysm features that suggest a contraindication must be recognized. Procedures that involve a combination of endovascular stenting and surgical revascularization are discussed so that the reader understands the limits of stent eligibility. Vascular access for stent placement must also be evaluated for the ability to accommodate stent delivery. The radiologist also must be familiar with CT imaging protocols and alternative methods of imaging that can evaluate stent feasibility. The utility of three-dimensional processing is discussed.