Fenestrated Stent Grafting for Short-necked and Juxtarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: An 8-Year Single-centre Experience

Early results of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms with a custom-made national device available in the Brazilian public health system

BACKGROUND

Multicenter studies conducted in developed countries demonstrated that custom-made devices are safe, effective, and durable for treating complex abdominal aneurysms. However, the situation in developing countries, such as Brazil, is different. Funding and time to have the endoprosthesis delivered are the major concerns. In order to overcome these conditions, high-volume Brazilian university hospitals started gaining experience with a custom-made device produced in the country.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to describe the practice of two tertiary centers and report the early results of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms with a custom-made national device available in the Brazilian public health system.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients that underwent F/BEVAR of complex aortic aneurysms using custom-made manufactured endoprosthesis in two tertiary centers from January 2020 to July 2022.

RESULTS

Thirteen cases were included (10 male, mean age 69 ± 9 years). 70 % were complex abdominal aneurysms, and 30% were type II, III and IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms (mean aneurysm diameter 69.2 ± 8.12 mm). F/BEVAR included 33 visceral arteries. The Apolo® device was used in all cases. Technical success was achieved in 12 out of 13 patients (92.3%). Thirty-day major adverse events included one death (7.7%), five acute renal failure (38.4%), two spinal cord ischemia (15.4%). The one-year survival rate was 92.3%.

CONCLUSION

Fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms with the custom-made Apolo® device has proven safe and effective in high-volume tertiary centers in the Brazilian public health system. Considering the complexity of the cases, the early patency of vessels and low initial mortality support this device continuation and expansion to treat complex aortic aneurysms in a developing country.

Outcomes of fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair with an inverted contralateral limb

OBJECTIVE

To report technical success and evaluate clinical outcomes of fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) incorporating a contralateral inverted limb.

METHODS

Patients who underwent F/B-EVAR with a custom-made bifurcated device containing an inverted limb between January 2010 and September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Time-to-event data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients (26 men; mean age 77±6.2 years) were included in the analysis. Technical success was achieved in 28 patients (87.5%). Two technical failures resulted from misplaced contralateral limbs in patients with previous endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), necessitating one open conversion due to a type 3b endoleak, and one femoro-femoral crossover bypass after occlusion of a misplaced contralateral limb. Additionally, two technical failures were attributed to a type 3c endoleak and a type 1c endoleak, originating from a fenestrated device at the level of the left and right renal artery, respectively. One patient (3.1%) died <30 days post-operatively due to a subdural hemorrhage. Estimated patient survival after 1 and 2 years was 92.7%±5.1%, and 74.3%±10.1%, respectively. No aneurysm-related deaths were observed. During the median follow-up of 13 months, one (3.1%) inverted limb occluded, in addition to the occlusion resulting from a misplaced contralateral limb, and was treated with a femoro-femoral crossover bypass. One target vessel (right renal artery) occluded (0.9%), resulting in a permanent, significantly reduced renal function. Freedom from overall reintervention after 1 and 2 years was 73.5%±8.0% and 68.3%±9.0%, respectively. An additional four patients (12.5%) presented with a type 3c endoleak during follow-up scans, three of which originated from fenestrations at the level of the renal stents. There were no junctional problems between the inverted limb device and the main endograft, and no significant correlation was found between the one-sealing-stent inverted limb device design and the onset of type 3 endoleak (log-rank p=.064).

CONCLUSION

F/B-EVAR incorporating an inverted limb can be a viable endovascular option to manage complex aneurysms with a short renal artery to bifurcation distance. However, using the inverted limb presents a notable technical challenge and could be associated with a higher need for reintervention. Carefully confirming correct cannulation of the inverted limb is warranted.

Midterm outcomes of the Viabahn VBX balloon-expandable covered stent for fenestrations during complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVES

The optimal bridging stent for fenestrations during complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has not been defined. At our institution, the Viabahn VBX is frequently used given its availability and mechanical and heparin-bonding characteristics. This study aimed to assess the performance of the Viabahn VBX vs the iCast balloon-expandable covered stents as bridging stents for fenestrations during complex EVAR.

METHODS

A retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing complex EVAR between 2015 and 2021 was performed. Celiac arteries (CAs), superior mesenteric arteries (SMAs), left renal arteries, and right renal arteries stented with fenestrations were grouped according to the type of bridging stent, VBX vs iCast. Target vessels (TV) stented with a branch or scallop were excluded. The primary end points included primary patency and freedom from TV instability.

RESULTS

A total of 292 patients undergoing complex EVAR were treated using VBX or iCast with a mean follow-up of 190 days (interquartile range, 36-384 days) for the VBX cohort and 804 days (interquartile range, 384-1507 days) for the iCast cohort. A total of 677 TVs were stented, including 134 CAs (20%), 175 SMAs (26%), 182 left RAs (27%), 186 right RAs (27%), and 12 additional vessels (2%). Proximal reinforcement was more frequent with VBX than with iCast stent (23% vs 2.4%; P < .0001). There was no difference in primary patency rates at 2 years between VBX and iCast stent for CA (100% vs 96.4%; P = .32), SMA (97.8% vs 100%; P = .14), and the RAs (96.7% vs 99.4%; P = .11). There was no difference between VBX and iCast in the cumulative incidence of type Ic and type IIIc endoleaks (3.2% vs 5.6%; P = .69) or freedom from TV instability at 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Viabahn VBX stents are a safe and effective option as bridging stents in fenestrations during complex EVAR with comparable midterm outcomes to iCast stents. However, proximal stent reinforcement may be required with VBX stent to ensure adequate sealing at the fenestrations. Longer follow-ups and larger series are required to assess long-term outcomes and durability.

Short-term outcomes of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair with the new Braile Biomédica® total custom-made abdominal endograft: Experience from three Italian centers

INTRODUCTION

Since 2019, Braile Biomédica® introduced a novel custom-made abdominal endograft tailored to the aorta's anatomy, featuring sizing every 3 mm and a diameter change from 50 mm to 8 mm. This design permits uncovered fenestrations around a single Z stent, eliminating the need for bridging stents to visceral vessels. Utilizing triple stent technology, optimal neck fixation is ensured, enabling treatment of necks shorter than 2 mm, with three 360° fenestrations optimizing graft fixation. This paper aims to analyze the initial experience with this custom-made infrarenal graft for abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA), concerning procedural success and post-procedural short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 12 patients treated from May 2022 to January 2024, technical success was achieved in 91.7 %, with only one intra-procedural complication. Follow-up CT scans at 1-3 months revealed resolution of an intraoperative endoleak and two late complications: a late type III endoleak and right renal artery occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The recent experience with Braile Biomédica® custom-made abdominal endograft demonstrates promising outcomes, particularly in treating AAAs with challenging anatomical features.

Age is not a sole predictor of outcomes in octogenarians undergoing complex endovascular aortic repair

OBJECTIVE

To examine the perioperative, postoperative, and long-term outcomes of fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) in octogenarians compared with nonoctogenarians.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Vascular Quality Improvement database, which prospectively captures information on patients who undergo vascular surgery across 1021 academic and community hospitals in North America. All patients who underwent F/BEVAR endovascular aortic repair from 2012 to 2022 were included. Patients were stratified into two groups: those aged <80 years and those aged ≥80 years at the time of the procedure. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were compared between the two groups. The primary outcome was long-term all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes included aortic-specific mortality and aortic-specific reintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 6007 patients (aged <80 years, n = 4860; aged ≥80 years, n = 1147) who had undergone F/BEVAR procedures were included. No significant difference was found in technical success, postoperative length of stay, length of intensive care unit stay, postoperative bowel ischemia, and spinal cord ischemia. After adjustment for baseline covariates, octogenarians were more likely to suffer from a postoperative complication (odds ratio [OR]: 1.16; [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98-1.37], P < .001) and be discharged to a rehabilitation center (OR: 1.60; [95% CI: 1.27-2.00], P < .001) or nursing home (OR: 2.23; [95% CI: 1.64-3.01], P < .001). Five-year survival was lower in octogenarians (83% vs 71%, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.70; [95% CI: 1.46-2.0], P < .0001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that age was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR: 1.72, [95% CI: 1.39-2.12], P < .001) and aortic-specific mortality (HR: 1.92, [95% CI: 1.04-3.68], P = .038). Crawford extent II aortic disease was associated with an increase in all-cause mortality (HR 1.49; [95% CI: 1.01-2.19], P < .001), aortic-specific mortality (HR: 5.05; [95% CI: 1.35-18.9], P = .016), and aortic-specific reintervention (HR: 1.91; [95% CI: 1.24-2.93], P = .003). Functional dependence was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR: 2.90; [95% CI: 1.87-4.51], P < .001) and aortic-specific mortality (HR: 4.93; [95% CI: 1.69-14.4], P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that octogenarians do have a mildly increased mortality rate and rate of adverse events after F/BEVAR procedures. Despite this, when adjusted for other risk factors, age is on par with other medical comorbidities and therefore should not be a strict exclusion criterion for F/BEVAR procedures, rather considered in the global context of patient's aortic anatomy, health, and functional status.

Outcomes using inverted iliac limb bifurcate components in fenestrated/branched endografting

BACKGROUND

The use of standard bifurcate pieces in fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR) requires adequate length from the lowest branch or fenestration to the aortic bifurcation. In patients with prior aortic surgery, the aortic bifurcation is often artificially established in a more proximal position, compromising the infrarenal length, which hinders the placement of a standard bifurcate component below the fenestrated/branched component. Short bifurcate bodies using an inverted contralateral limb have been purpose-built to address this challenge. However, reported outcomes for this device remain limited, with specific concerns about the durability of the inverted iliac limb sealing region. We sought to evaluate outcomes of F/BEVAR using an investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate, manufactured by Cook Medical.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of prospectively maintained data from the US-Aortic Research Consortium from 2005 to 2022. Patients were included if they underwent F/BEVAR for thoracoabdominal or complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. Patients were excluded if they did not have a bifurcate device placed. Patients were then compared based on the use of an inverted iliac limb or standard bifurcate component. The primary outcome for this study was technical success. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, freedom from ischemic leg complications, freedom from type I endoleaks (TIELs), freedom from type II endoleaks (TIIELs), freedom from type III endoleaks (TIIIELs), and graft component separations.

RESULTS

A total of 1944 patients met study criteria with 442 (22.8%) inverted iliac limb bifurcates and 1502 (77.2%) standard bifurcates. Patients who received inverted iliac limbs were more likely to have had prior aortic surgery (63.8% vs 28.5%; P < .001). Patients receiving inverted iliac limbs had longer procedure times (265 minutes; interquartile range [IQR], 201-342 minutes vs 241 minutes; IQR, 186-313 minutes; P < .001), more contrast use (89 mL [IQR, 55-135 mL] vs 109 mL [IQR, 75-156 mL]; P < .001), and higher estimated blood loss (250 mL [IQR, 150-500 mL] vs 250 mL [IQR, 110-400 mL]; P = .042). There were no differences in rates of technical success (97.3% vs 96.1%; P = .310), rates of endoleaks upon completion of the case (18.0% vs 21.4%; P = .123), or 30-day mortality rates (1.8% vs 2.5%; P = .466) between patients receiving inverted iliac limb and standard bifurcated components. There were no differences in cumulative survival, freedom from limb ischemia, freedom from aneurysm rupture, and freedom from TIIIELs over the course of 5 years between patients receiving inverted bifurcates and standard bifurcated components. Patients with inverted iliac limb bifurcate components had decreased freedom from reinterventions, TIELs, and TIIELs. After adjustment for potential confounders, the use of an inverted iliac limb was not associated with reinterventions (hazard ratio,1.044; 95% confidence interval, 0.849-1.285; P = .682). There was a total of 2 component separations (0.1%) of the bifurcate component from the fenestrated/branched component over the study period, both of which occurred in the standard bifurcate components.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate components is a safe option with favorable mid-term outcomes in patients who are not anatomical candidates for standard bifurcate components. Patients undergoing investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate component implantation had decreased freedom from reinterventions, which likely corresponds with the complexity of repair associated with them.

Medium-term outcomes of EXTra-design engineering inner-branch ENdografts for the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms from a multicenter collaboration

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to present the medium-term outcomes of Extra-Design engineering endografts with inner branches (EDE-iBEVARs, Artivion) in endovascular aortic repairs of complex aneurysms building upon promising early results.

METHODS

A retrospective, international, multi-center study was conducted including consecutive patients who underwent complex endovascular aortic repairs using EDE-iBEVARs between 2018 and 2022. Patient demographics, aneurysm anatomical features, procedural details, reinterventions, complications, and endograft failures during follow-up were assessed. The primary outcome was aneurysm-related mortality. Secondary outcome measures included the freedom from all-cause mortality and reintervention, technical and clinical success, and late related complications including branch instability, endoleaks, and serious adverse events.

RESULTS

Our study encompassed a total of 260 patients across 13 European centers. The cohort included patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (n = 116), suprarenal or juxta-renal aneurysms (n = 95), and those who had previous open repair or previous endovascular aortic repair with type 1A endoleak (n = 49). Of 982 possible inner branches (937 antegrade and 45 retrograde), 962 (98%) were successfully cannulated and bridged with covered stents during the index procedure. Overall, the endograft was successfully deployed in 98% of patients, and 93% were discharged from hospital following surgery. At 3 years, freedom from aneurysm-related mortality was 97%, whereas the freedom of all-cause mortality was 89%. Freedom from reinterventions was 91% and 76% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. The rate of late complications such as endoleaks or branch instability events was 12% (n = 30). The late branch occlusion rate during follow-up was 1.5% (n = 15), of which 12 were renal branches.

CONCLUSIONS

EDE-iBEVARs demonstrate satisfactory medium-term outcomes with reintervention rates comparable to other endografts. Encouragingly, rates of branch patency were high, and major adverse events were low. This technology could expand the treatment options for patients with challenging complex aortic conditions.

Early and Mid-Term Outcomes of the Inverted Limb Configuration Below Fenestrated and Branched Endografts: Experience from Two European Centers

PURPOSE

To report a European experience on the use of the Inverted Limb (IL) below fenestrated and branched endografts (FB-EVAR) for the treatment of juxta/pararenal (JP-AAAs), thoracoabdominal (TAAAs), and para-anastomotic aortic aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2016 and 2020, all FB-EVAR with distal IL due to previous open (OSR) or endovascular repair (EVAR) or infrarenal aortic length <76 mm at two European university centers were retrospectively analyzed. Technical success, early and mid-term iliac complications (occlusion; type Ib endoleak [EL]), IL-related complications (type III EL), and reinterventions were assessed as primary endpoints; 30-day mortality, survival and freedom from (FF) overall complications/reinterventions were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-one high-risk patients (male 30%-73%; mean age 71±10 years; ASA 3-4, 41%-100%) underwent FB-EVAR with distal IL for 8 (19.5%) J/P-AAAs and 33 (80.5%) TAAAs. Sixteen (39%) patients with previous aortic treatment (8 OR, 8 EVAR) were included. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography showed infrarenal aortic length <76 mm in all cases. Custom-made endografts were configured as 31 (75.6%) fenestrated-only, 6 (14.6%) branched-only, and 4 (9.8%) fenestrated+branched for an overall of 158 target visceral vessels (TVVs; 3.8±0.7 TVVs/case). The IL main body was planned with 1-stent, 2-stents, and 3-stents in 6 (14.6%), 23 (56.1%), and 12 (29.3%) cases, respectively. Technical success and 30-day mortality were 97.6% (40/41) and 0%. Thirty-day complications occurred in 2 (4.9%) patients: 1 limb occlusion, requiring reintervention, 1 type III EL, spontaneously resolved. Mean follow-up was 21±16 months. Three After 30-day, 3 (7.3%) iliac complications (2 occlusions; 1 type Ib EL) were successfully managed by endovascular reinterventions; no IL-related complications were observed. The patency of TVVs was 96.8%. No correlation between anatomical characteristics, endograft configuration, and primary outcomes was observed, except for 1-stent IL and type III EL (log rank p=0.01). At 1- and 2-year follow-up survival, FF overall iliac/IL-related complications and FF reinterventions were 90% and 80%, 90% and 84%, and 92% and 87%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The IL configuration allows a safe endovascular treatment of challenging aortic lesions in high-risk patients although needing a number of adjunctive procedures. A short main body of IL could be associated with intraoperative and perioperative type III EL.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Bifurcated endograft with inverted limb configuration increases the feasibility of a total endovascular approach in patients with challenging anatomy. The use of inverted limb overcomes the anatomical limitations of short-body initial grafts and short distance between lowest target artery and the aortic bifurcation, leading the fixation inside the endograft. Although technically demanding, this advanced technology could avoid surgical reinterventions in previous open or endovascular repair that are burdened with higher rates of morbidities and complications.

Technical Aspects and Outcome of Multi-Staged and Single-Staged Thoracoabdominal Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair

PURPOSE

In some cases of endovascular thoracoabdominal or juxtarenal aortic aneurysm repair, a thoracic endograft in combination with a fenestrated renovisceral device may be needed in order to create a sufficient proximal landing zone. This study aimed to evaluate the technical aspects and postoperative morbidity of a single- or 2-stage approach.

METHODS

Eighty-seven consecutive patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in combination with elective fenestrated repair (fenestrated endovascular aortic repair [FEVAR]; fenestrated Anaconda device) from 2015 to 2022 were included in this retrospective bicentric study. Underlying pathologies, aortic morphology, technical details, and postoperative morbidity were recorded.

RESULTS

Single-staged ("1S," n=61) and 2-staged ("2S," n=26) interventions were compared. Indications were thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAAs) (Crawford I-IV) (n=56, 64%) and juxtarenal aneurysms (n=31, 36%). In 2S, the proportion of TAAA was higher than in 1S (2S: 77%, 1S: 59%; p=0.001). In 2S, the covered length of the descending aorta was longer (1S: 128±60 mm, 2S: 202±64 mm; p=0.003). Temporary aneurysm sack perfusion (TASP) was established in 11 (18%) of 1S and 1 (4%) of 2S patients (p=0.079), as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage catheter in 48 (79%) of 1S and 19 (73%) of 2S. The rate of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) and the severity of SCI were not different in both groups, with a total of 3 cases of persisting paraplegia. The rate of access complications was higher in 2S (n=6, 23%) than in 1S (n=4, 7%; p=0.027). Postoperative 30 day morbidity did not significantly differ in both groups and neither did 30 day mortality (4.6% in 1S vs 3.8% in 2S; p=0.083).

CONCLUSION

The combination of TEVAR and FEVAR using a fenestrated endograft is feasible and safe. Aortic morphology does not change significantly after endovascular repair. A single-staged strategy is feasible with excellent results, especially in Crawford IV, Crawford V, or juxtarenal aneurysms. Two-staged repair is recommended in cases with long aortic coverage and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class. Follow-up data are needed to evaluate the long-term stability of the TEVAR/FEVAR interconnection.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Our study has revealed the safety and efficacy of the combination of TEVAR and FEVAR in the treatment of TAAAs and juxtarenal aneurysms with compromised supravisceral landing zones. A single-staged concept is not necessary in all cases. Staged procedures may reduce postoperative morbidity in cases with long aortic coverage and higher ASA class.

Prendes C, Stana J, Tsilimparis N. Analysis of Target Vessel Instability in Fenestrated Endovascular Repair (f-EVAR) in Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Pathologies

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of target vessel anatomy and post-stenting geometry on the outcome of fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (f-EVAR). Methods: A retrospective review of data from a single center was conducted, including all consecutive fenestrated endovascular aortic repairs (f-EVARs) performed between September 2018 and December 2023 for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAAs). The analysis focused on the correlation of target vessel instability to target vessel anatomy and geometry after stenting. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of target vessel instability. Secondary endpoints were the 30-day and follow-up re-interventions. Results: A total of 136 patients underwent f-EVAR with 481 stented target vessels. A total of ten target vessel instabilities occurred including three in visceral and seven instabilities in renal vessels. The cumulative incidence of target vessel instability with death as the competing risk was 1.4%, 1.8% and 3.4% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. In renal target vessels (260/481), a diameter ≤ 4 mm (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.035-1.274, p = 0.009) and an aortic protrusion ≥ 5.75 mm (OR 8.21, 95% CI 3.150-12-23, p = 0.027) was associated with an increased target vessel instability. In visceral target vessels (221/481), instability was significantly associated with a preoperative tortuosity index ≥ 1.25 (HR 15.19, CI 95% 2.50-17.47, p = 0.045) and an oversizing ratio of ≥1.25 (HR 7.739, CI % 4.756-12.878, p = 0.049). Conclusions: f-EVAR showed favorable mid-term results concerning target vessel instability in the current cohort. A diameter of ≤4 mm and an aortic protrusion of ≥5.75 mm in the renal target vessels as well as a preoperative tortuosity index and an oversizing of the bridging stent of ≥1.25 in the visceral target vessels should be avoided.

Individualizing Surveillance after Endovascular Aortic Repair Using a Modular Imaging Algorithm

OBJECTIVES

Surveillance after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR) is mainly directed by one-size-fits-all approaches instead of personalized decision making, even though treatment strategies and often endografts themselves are tailor-made to adjust for individual patients. We propose a modular imaging algorithm that escalates surveillance imaging based on invasiveness and need.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective observational study of single-center data, results of a modular imaging algorithm were analyzed. The algorithm is characterized by initiating the examination with standard B-mode then transitioning to Duplex ultrasound, B-Flow, and CEUS. Additional CT(A) studies are conducted where required. The study population included both patients receiving EVAR or FEVAR. A comparative analysis was conducted regarding endoleak detection.

RESULTS

The study population included 28 patients receiving EVAR and 40 patients receiving FEVAR. They accounted for 101 follow-up visits, which led to 431 distinct imaging studies. CEUS has the highest endoleak detection rate, followed by CTA and B-Flow. Duplex ultrasound and B-Flow resulted in 0 and 1 false positive cases, respectively, considering CEUS the reference standard. In a select group of six patients, CEUS was omitted after endoleaks were displayed by Duplex ultrasound or B-Flow, leading to a successful type II coiling and no aneurysm-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed modular algorithm showed great potential to incorporate principles of personalized medicine in surveillance after endovascular aortic treatment. Since Duplex ultrasound and B-Flow rarely cause false positive endoleaks, more resource-intensive and invasive imaging studies such as CEUS and CTA can be omitted after positive identification.

Ultrasound Coded-Excitation Imaging for Endoleak Detection After Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair

OBJECTIVES

Several imaging modalities have been suggested for surveillance after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair in general and endoleak detection in specific. In the present project a coded excitation-based ultrasound (B-Flow) was investigated for endoleak detection after complex endovascular aortic repair.

METHODS

Patients post complex endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR or T/FEVAR) undergoing follow-up appointments including ultrasonography of the aorta at a vascular and endovascular surgery outpatient center were included in the study. B-Flow was compared with computed tomography angiography (CTA), Duplex ultrasound (DUS), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) regarding agreement and reliability for endoleak detection and characterization.

RESULTS

In total, 47 follow-ups were included. They accumulated in a total of 149 imaging investigations. Endoleaks were discovered in 44.7% of B-Flow studies and a majority of these endoleaks were classified as type II. Agreement between B-Flow and other imaging modalities was good (>80.0%) in general. However, with B-Flow 6 and 2 endoleaks would have been missed compared with CEUS and CTA, respectively. Regarding endoleak classification, B-Flow had a strong agreement (94.5%) with CEUS in detected cases. Furthermore, in a limited subset analysis, imaging findings were externally validated using findings from angiography.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography allows for endoleak detection and characterization without an invasive procedure or the use of potentially nephrotoxic contrast medium and can reduce radiation exposure. While CEUS mitigates issues of radiation and nephrotoxicity it still requires the intravenous application of contrast enhancers. Ultrasound coded-excitation imaging such as B-Flow could therefore further simplify endoleak surveillance after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair.

Bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited articles on branch reconstruction in endovascular aortic repair

With the global acceptance of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for aortic diseases, one of the most common issues in EVAR is the preservation of critical aortic branches. Despite the fact that many studies on EVAR-assisted endovascular branch reconstruction techniques have been published. There were few bibliometric analyses that focused on branch rebuilding in endovascular aortic repair. In this study, we aim to analyze the characteristics of the 100 most-cited articles on branch reconstruction in Endovascular Aortic Repair. The most popular articles retrospectively searched on the Web of Science were published between 1999 and 2018, with 10480 citations in total (an average of 551.58 citations per year). The top-cited article was 281 citations. The peak years of citations was 2019 (1051 citations). Journal of Vascular Surgery published the most articles (46 articles) and was the most-cited journal (5055 citations), and the United States was the country with the greatest number of publications (43 articles). Cleveland Clinic was the most influential institution with 20 articles. Fenestration technique was the major topic area of interest and trend (63 articles mentioned). Customised device was the most widely used endograft (52 articles mentioned). Renal artery was the most frequently reconstructed branch of aorta (70 articles mentioned). Our analysis showed the endovascular branch reconstruction in EVAR developed rapidly over the past 20 years. Continued exploration and cooperation between specialties and manufacturers on endograft design and modifications will further enhance knowledge of disease intervention and treatment.

Association of Baseline Chronic Kidney Disease Stage With Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is a well-established treatment approach for juxtarenal and short-neck infrarenal aortic aneurysms. Recommendations and clinical outcomes are lacking for offering FEVAR in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to compare short- and long-term outcomes for patients with none-to-mild versus moderate-to-severe CKD undergoing FEVAR.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing standard FEVAR with Cook devices at a single institution. The cohort was stratified by preoperative CKD stage none-to-mild or moderate-to-severe (CKD 1-2 and CKD 3-5, respectively). The primary outcome was postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Secondary outcomes included 30-day perioperative complications, 1- and 5-year rates of overall survival, dialysis, renal target artery patency, endoleak, and reintervention assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Aneurysm sac regression, number of surveillance computed tomography (CT) scans, and CKD stage progression were assessed at latest follow-up. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the association of CKD stage 3 and stage 4-5 with all-cause mortality, controlling for differences in baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

From 2012- to 2022, 184 patients (of which 82% were male) underwent FEVAR with the Cook ZFEN device (mean follow-up 34.3 months). Group CKD 3-5 comprised 77 patients (42%), was older (75.2 vs. 73.0 years, P = 0.04), had increased preoperative creatinine (1.6 vs. 0.9 mg/dL, P < 0.01), and demonstrated increased renal artery ostial calcification (37.7% vs. 21.5%, P = 0.02) compared with Group CKD 1-2. Perioperatively, CKD 3-5 sustained higher estimated blood loss (342 vs. 228 ml, P = 0.01), longer operative times (186 vs. 162 min, P = 0.04), and longer length of stay (3 vs. 2 days, P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier 1- and 5-year survival estimates were lower for CKD 3-5 (82.3% vs. 95.1%, P < 0.01 and 55.4% vs. 70.8%, P = 0.02). Fewer CKD 3-5 patients remained free from chronic dialysis at 1 year (94.4% vs. 100%, P = 0.015) and 5 years (84.7% vs. 100%, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in postoperative AKI rate (CKD 1-2 6.5% vs. CKD 3-5 14.3%, P = 0.13), long-term renal artery patency, reinterventions, type I or III endoleak, mean sac regression, or total follow-up CT scans between groups. CKD stage progression occurred in 47 patients (31%) at latest follow-up but did not differ between stratified groups (P = 0.17). On multivariable modeling, age (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.09, P = 0.02) and CKD stage 4-5 (hazard ratio 6.39, 95% confidence interval 2.26-18.05, P < 0.01) were independently associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative CKD status did not negatively impact the durability or technical success related to aneurysm outcomes after FEVAR. Worsening CKD stage was associated with lower 1- and 5-year overall survival and freedom from dialysis after FEVAR with no statistically significant differences in 30-day or long-term technical aneurysm outcomes.

Severity of acute kidney injury is associated with decreased survival after fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently in complex aortic surgery and has been implicated in perioperative and long-term survival. This study sought to characterize the relationship between AKI severity and mortality after fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR).

METHODS

Consecutive patients enrolled by the US Aortic Research Consortium in 10, prospective, nonrandomized, physician-sponsored investigational device exemption studies evaluating F/B-EVAR, between 2005 and 2023, were included in this study. Perioperative AKI during hospitalization was defined by and staged using the 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Determinants of AKI were evaluated with backward stepwise mixed effects multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Survival was analyzed with conditionally adjusted survival curves and backward stepwise mixed effects Cox proportional hazards modelling.

RESULTS

In the study period, 2413 patients with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 74 years (IQR, 69-79 years) underwent F/B-EVAR. The median follow-up duration was 2.2 years (IQR, 0.7-3.7 years). The median baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine were 68 mL/min/1.73 m2 (IQR, 53-84 mL/min/1.73 m2) and 1.1 mg/dL (IQR, 0.9-1.3 mg/dL), respectively. Stratification of AKI identified 316 patients (13%) with stage 1 injury, 42 (2%) with stage 2 injury, and 74 (3%) with stage 3 injury. Renal replacement therapy was initiated during the index hospitalization in 36 patients (1.5% of cohort, 49% of stage 3 injuries). Thirty-day major adverse events were associated with AKI severity (all P ≤ .0001). Multivariable predictors of AKI severity included baseline eGFR (proportional odds ratio, 0.9 per 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85-0.95 per 10 mL/min/1.73 m2]; P < .0001), baseline serum hematocrit (0.58 per 10% [95% CI, 0.48-0.71 per 10%]; P < .0001), renal artery technical failure during aneurysm repair (3 [95% CI,1.61-5.72]; P = .0006), and total operating time (1.05 per 10 minutes [95% CI, 1.04-1.07 per 10 minutes]; P < .0001). One-year unadjusted survivals for AKI severity strata were 91% (95% CI, 90%-92%) for no injury, 80% (95% CI, 76%-85%) for stage 1 injury, 72% (95% CI, 59-87%) for stage 2 injury, and 46% (95% CI, 35-59%) for stage 3 injury (P<.0001). Multivariable determinants of survival included AKI severity (stage 1, hazard ratio [HR], 1.6 [95% CI, 1.3-2]); stage 2, HR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.4-3.4]); stage 3 HR, 4 [95% CI, 2.9-5.5]; P < .0001), decreased eGFR (HR, 1.1 [95% CI, 0.9-1.3]; P = .4), patient age (HR, 1.6 per 10 years [95% CI, 1.4-1.8 per 10 years]; P < .0001), baseline chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.3-1.8]; P < .0001), baseline congestive heart failure (HR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.6-2.1]; P < .0001), postoperative paraplegia (HR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.1-4]; P = .02), and procedural technical success (HR, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.4-0.8]; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

AKI, as defined by the 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, occurred in 18% of patients after F/B-EVAR. Greater severity of AKI after F/B-EVAR was associated with decreased postoperative survival. The predictors of AKI severity identified in these analyses suggest a role for improved preoperative risk mitigation and staging of interventions in complex aortic repair.

Editor's Choice - Single Centre Midterm Experience with Primary Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair for Short Neck, Juxtarenal, and Suprarenal Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The use of fenestrated stent grafts to treat short neck, juxta- and suprarenal aortic aneurysms is increasing worldwide, but midterm outcome reports are scarce. This study aimed to report peri-operative results and midterm outcomes after five years from a single centre.

METHODS

Patients treated with primary fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) for short neck, juxta- or suprarenal aortic aneurysms within the period January 2010 to May 2020 with follow up in the centre were included. Early (technical success, operative mortality, spinal cord ischaemia) and five year outcomes (cumulative survival, freedom from aortic related death, target vessel patency, target vessel instability [TVI], re-interventions) were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 349 patients (313 male, mean age 72.3 ± 7.7 years) were included in the study. Technical success was 98% (342/349). The thirty day mortality rate was 0.9% (3/349). Estimated survival at five years was 69.3 ± 3.1%. Freedom from aneurysm related death at five years was 98.8% ± 0.7%. Estimated target vessel patency at five years was 98.7 ± 0.4%. Estimated freedom from TVI at five years was 97.2 ± 0.6%. Estimated freedom from re-intervention at five years was 86.5 ± 2.3%. Survival did not differ significantly between patients with and without re-interventions (p = .088).

CONCLUSION

Midterm results of FEVAR remain good as indicated by sustained target vessel patency and low aortic related mortality rates. An important proportion of patients require re-interventions, which do not have a negative impact on midterm survival.

Cloud-based fusion imaging improves operative metrics during fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular treatment of complex aortic pathology has been associated with increases in procedural-related metrics, including the operative time and radiation exposure. Three-dimensional fusion imaging technology has decreased the radiation dose and iodinated contrast use during endovascular aneurysm repair. The aim of the present study was to report our institutional experience with the use of a cloud-based fusion imaging platform during fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR).

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained aortic database was performed to identify all patients who had undergone FEVAR with commercially available devices (Zenith Fenestrated; Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, IN) between 2013 and 2020 and all endovascular aneurysm repairs performed using Cydar EV Intelligent Maps (Cydar Medical, Cambridge, UK). The Cydar EV cohort was reviewed further to select all FEVARs performed with overlay map guidance. The patient demographic, clinical, and procedure metrics were analyzed, with a comparative analysis of FEVAR performed without and with the Cydar EV imaging platform. Patients were excluded from comparative analysis if the data were incomplete in the dataset or they had a documented history of prior open or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

RESULTS

During the 7-year study period, 191 FEVARs had been performed. The Cydar EV imaging platform was implemented in 2018 and used in 124 complex endovascular aneurysm repairs, including 69 consecutive FEVARs. A complete dataset was available for 137 FEVARs. With exclusion to select for de novo FEVAR, a comparative analysis was performed of 53 FEVAR without and 63 with Cydar EV imaging guidance. The cohorts were similar in patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and aortic aneurysm characteristics. No significant difference was noted between the two groups for major adverse postoperative events, length of stay, or length of intensive care unit stay. The use of Cydar EV resulted in nonsignificant decreases in the mean fluoroscopy time (69.3 ± 28 minutes vs 66.2 ± 33 minutes; P = .598) and operative time (204.4 ± 64 minutes vs 186 ± 105 minutes; P = .278). A statistically significant decrease was found in the iodinated contrast volume (105 ± 44 mL vs 83 ± 32 mL; P = .005), patient radiation exposure using the dose area product (1,049,841 mGy/cm² vs 630,990 mGy/cm²; P < .001) and cumulative air kerma levels (4518 mGy vs 3084 mGy; P = .02) for patients undergoing FEVAR with Cydar EV guidance.

CONCLUSIONS

At our aortic center, we have observed a trend toward shorter operative times and significant reductions in both iodinated contrast use and radiation exposure during FEVAR using the Cydar EV intelligent maps. Intelligent map guidance improved the efficiency of complex endovascular aneurysm repair, providing a safer intervention for both patient and practitioner.

Midterm Results of Physician-Modified Stent Grafts for Thoracoabdominal and Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Repair

BACKGROUND

To assess midterm results of physician-modified stent grafts (PMSG) for the treatment of emergent complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) in high-risk patients.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with emergent complex abdominal or TAAA undergoing PMSG technique between January 2012 and July 2019 were retrospectively included. Indications for PMSG were symptomatic aneurysms and rapidly growing aneurysms >70 mm. Ruptured aneurysms were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (mean age: 74 +/- 11 years) were included. The mean aneurysm diameter was 76 +- 20 mm. Patients presented with TAAA (n = 20, 61%), complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (CAAA, n = 9, 27%), type I endoleak after previous endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 3, 9%) and intramural aortic hematoma (n = 1, 3%). Chimney technique was performed in addition to PMSG in seven cases (21%). Intraoperative adverse events were recorded in seven cases (35%) in the TAAA group and one case (11%) in the CAAA group. In-hospital mortality rate was 15% (n = 3) in the TAAA group and 11% (n = 1) in the CAAA group. Moderate to severe complications were recorded in 45% of cases (n = 15). Spinal cord ischemia occurred in two cases (6%, one case without residual deficit and one with minor motor deficit). One (3%) patient required transient hemodialysis. One patient presented with early aortic rupture and required an open conversion. The mean follow-up duration was 31 months (1-79). Overall survival estimates were 81.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.1.-91.2) at 1 year and 71.6% (95% CI: 52.6-84.1) at 2 years. Freedom from reintervention rates at 1 and 2 years were 61.2% (95% CI: 41.7-75.9) and 57.4% (95% CI: 37.9-72.8). Target vessel primary patency rates at 1 and 2 years were 99.2% (95% CI: 94.2-99.9) and 97.7% (95% CI: 90.7-99.4).

CONCLUSIONS

PMSG for high-risk patients with complex aneurysms provided acceptable technical success and excellent target vessel patency rates but were associated with a 12% in-hospital mortality rate. Reinterventions were frequent. This technique should be limited to selected high-risk patients for whom the risk of rupture in the short-term is deemed too high to wait for graft manufacturing of custom-made device.

Physician-modified endograft using three-dimensional model-assisted planning

Objective

Case-specific and true-to-scale three-dimensional (3D) models have become increasingly useful tools for physician-modified endovascular grafting. This study aimed to validate the use of 3D model-assisted planning for fenestration design.

Methods

Thirty-two consecutive patients (2019-2021) presenting with pararenal or juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 16), paravisceral abdominal and Crawford's extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 12), and type I endoleak after endovascular repair (n = 4) were analyzed retrospectively. All cases were planned manually with a standard method using curved planar reconstruction stretch images and multiplanar images perpendicular to the centerlines. The design was finalized by intraoperative 3D model-assisted planning. Intermethod agreements were assessed for geometrical relationships (separation heights and angles) between the superior mesenteric and renal arteries. The datasets from 55 double measurements of the entire cohort in this series were used to assess measurement discrepancies (≥3 mm separation height or ≥15° angle difference) and fenestration mismatches (≥3 mm separation between the manually planned and 3D model-assisted-planned renal arterial centers on the device surface) between manual and 3D model-assisted planning. Statistical analyses were performed to test the impact of anatomical factors on the discrepancies and mismatches. The imposition accuracy of 3D model-assisted planning and short-term clinical results of the 32 cases were also evaluated.

Results

Fourteen fenestration measurement discrepancies were detected. The size of the stent graft (P = .0381), the aortic angle (P = .0008), and the prior existence of stent graft (P = .0123) were found to have a statistically significant impact on the measurement discrepancy, using single logistic and Fisher's exact tests. Twelve fenestration mismatches were observed and found to be significantly affected (P = .0039) by aortic angle. A cutoff value for fenestration mismatch was found to be 36.5°, with a sensitivity and specificity of 69.2% and 80.5%, respectively, using receiver operating characteristic analysis (area under the curve, 0.782 ± 0.081; P = .0023). A high level of branch preservation (100%) was achieved. During the observation period (1.3 years on average; range, 0.5-2.5 years), no patient experienced complications related to fenestration.

Conclusions

The differences between the planning methods were non-negligible. However, 3D model-assisted planning increased the precision of the fenestration design when the conformation of the stent graft to the aortic anatomy is taken into account.

Mid-Term Results of Fenestrated Endovascular Repair after Prior Open Aortic Reconstruction

This study aims to assess the mid-term results of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) for the treatment of proximal aortic pathology after previous open surgical repair (OSR). All patients with a previous history of OSR of an abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing a FEVAR procedure between October 2010 and November 2021 were included. The endpoints of the study were technical success, mortality, target vessel patency and reinterventions during follow-up. Thirty-five patients (34 male, mean age 72.9 ± 7 years) were included. The median interval from the primary surgery to the FEVAR procedure was 136 months (range 47–261). The indication for treatment was a para-anastomotic aneurysm in 18 (51%) patients and a true aneurysm due to progression of disease in 17 (49%) patients. Technical success was achieved in 33 (94%) patients. There was one (3%) early death due to postoperative bleeding from a renal artery. Estimated survival at 12, 24 and 36 months was 89.1% ± 6%, 84.4% ± 7.3% and 84.4% ± 7.3%, respectively. There was no aneurysm-related mortality. One (3%) target vessel occluded during follow-up and three (9%) patients underwent late reinterventions. In conclusion, FEVAR is a safe and effective alternative for the endovascular treatment of para-anastomotic aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms after OSR showing high technical success, low mortality and morbidity, and good mid-term outcomes.

Large Fenestrations Versus Scallops for the SMA During Fenestrated EVAR: Does it Matter?

OBJECTIVE

FEVAR is an established customized treatment for aortic aneurysms with three current commercially available configurations for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) - a single-wide scallop, large fenestration, or small fenestration, with the scallop or large fenestration most utilized. Outcomes comparing SMA single-wide scallops to large fenestrations with the ZFEN device are scarce. As large fenestrations have the benefit of extending the proximal seal zone compared to scalloped configurations, we sought to determine the differences in seal zone and sac regression outcomes between the two SMA configurations.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained complex EVAR database and included all patients treated with the Cook ZFEN device with an SMA scallop or large fenestration configuration at its most proximal build. All first post-operative CT scans (1-30 days) were analyzed on TeraRecon to determine precise proximal seal zone lengths, and standard follow-up anatomic and clinical metrics were tabulated.

RESULTS

A total of 234 consecutive ZFEN patients from 2012-2021 were reviewed, and 137 had either a scallop or large fenestration for the SMA as the proximal-most configuration (72 scallops and 65 large fenestrations) with imaging available for analysis. Mean follow-up was 35 months. Mean proximal seal zone length was 19.5±7.9 mm for scallop vs 41.7±14.4 mm for large fenestration groups (P<.001). There was no difference in sac regression between scallop and large fenestration at one year (10.1±10.9 mm vs 11.0±12.1, P = 0.63). Overall, 30-day mortality (1.3% vs 2.5%, P=.51) and all-cause three-year mortality (72.5% vs 81.7%, P=.77) were not significantly different. Reinterventions within 30 days were primarily secondary to renal artery branch occlusions, with only one patient in the scallop group requiring reintervention for an SMA branch occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite attaining longer proximal seal lengths, large SMA fenestrations were not associated with a difference in sac regression compared to scalloped SMA configurations at one-year follow up. There were no significant differences in reinterventions or overall long-term survival between the two SMA strategies.

Reintervention Does Not Impact Long-term Survival After Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVES

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is increasingly used in the treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms and short-neck infrarenal aneurysms. Reinterventions (REIs) occur frequently, contributing to patient morbidity and resource utilization. We sought to determine if REIs impact long-term survival after FEVAR.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review of all Cook ZFEN repairs was performed. Patients with ≥6 months follow-up and without adjunctive branch modifications were included. REI was defined as any aneurysm, device, target branch, or access-related intervention after the index procedure. REIs were categorized by early (<30 days) or late (≥30 days), indication (branch, endoleak, limb, access-related, or other), and target branch/device component. Patients were stratified into REI vs No REI and Branch REI vs Non-Branch REI.

RESULTS

Of 219 consecutive ZFEN from 2012-2021, 158 patients met inclusion criteria. Forty-one (26%) patients underwent a total of 51 REIs (10 early, 41 late) over a mean follow-up of 33.9 months. The most common indication for REI was branch-related 61% (31/51), with the renal arteries most frequently affected 51% (26/51). The only differences found in baseline, aneurysm, or device characteristics were a higher mean SVS comorbidity score (9.6 vs 7.9, P=.04) and larger suprarenal neck angle (23.3 vs 17.1 degrees, P=.04) in No REI, while REI had larger mean proximal seal zone diameter (26.3 vs 25.1 mm, P=.03) and device diameter (31.9 vs 30.0 mm, P=.002) than No REI. Technical success and operative characteristics were similar between groups, except for longer mean fluoroscopy time (74.9 vs 60.8 min, P=.01) and longer median length of stay (2 vs 2 days, P=.006) in REI. While the rate of early major adverse events (<30 days) was higher in REI (24.4% vs 6.0%, P=.001), 30-day mortality was not statistically different (4.9% vs 0.9%, P=.10). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, freedom from REI at 1- and 5-years was 85.7% and 62.6%, respectively, in the overall cohort. There was no difference in estimated 5-year survival between REI and No REI (62.8% vs 63.5%, log-rank P=.87) and Branch REI and Non-Branch REI (71.8% vs 49.9%, log-rank P=.16). In multivariate analysis, REI did not predict mortality; age, the SVS comorbidity score, and preoperative maximum aneurysm diameter each increased the hazard of death (HR 1.07 95% CI 1.02-1.12, P=.007; HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.18, P=.02; HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08, P=.003 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Following ZFEN, 26% of patients required a total of 51 REIs with most occurring ≥30 days and 61% being branch-related, with no influence on 5-year survival. Age, comorbidity, and baseline aneurysm diameter independently predicted mortality. FEVAR mandates lifelong surveillance and protocols to maintain branch patency. Despite their relative frequency, REIs do not influence 5-year post-procedural survival.

Fenestrated and branched endovascular repair for juxtarenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: analysis of the first 100 cases

BACKGROUND

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the most popular technique to treat infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. In aneurysms with unsuitable anatomy open surgical repair remains the golden standard but fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR) or branched EVAR (BEVAR) may be an alternative to treat juxtarenal or thoracoabdominal aneurysms. The aim of this study was to report our results and to evaluate its safety and feasibility.

METHODS

This is a single center cohort study analyzing all consecutive patients undergoing FEVAR or BEVAR.

RESULTS

One hundred patients underwent a procedure between June 2012 and December 2019. Forty-seven percent had a history of coronary artery disease and 31% of previous aortic repair. Sixty percent were treated for a juxtarenal and 40% for a TAAA. Primary technical success was 87%. Overall, thirty-day mortality was 6%, with 50% of the deaths resulting from a myocardial infarction. Four percent had a bowel resection for ischemia, 3% developed a stroke and 3% spinal cord ischemia. Mean follow-up was 33.6±22.4 months, freedom from all-cause mortality was 89.3±3.2% at one year and 66.4±7.6% at five years. Six intraoperative target vessel events were noted (1.7%), six early postoperative (1.7%) and three late (0.8%). A total of ten (10%) late procedure related secondary interventions were performed, among which six for endoleak.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that fenestrated and branched endovascular repair is a safe and feasible treatment for juxtarenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with acceptable complication rates. The perioperative cardiac mortality highlights the importance of preoperative risk assessment and patient selection.

Cannulation of visceral vessels using a steerable sheathin fenestrated and branched aortic endografts

INTRODUCTION

A critical step in the endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysm is the cannulation and stenting of renovisceral vessels, especially in cases with a complex anatomy or atherosclerotic lesions. This study aimed to demonstrate the results of renovisceral vessel cannulation using a steerable sheath in fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic procedures (FB-EVAR).

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective FB-EVAR for asymptomatic thoracoabdominal or juxtarenal aneurysm at a single tertiary referral center from 2016 to 2019 were included in this study. Underlying pathologies, renovisceral target vessels (TV), technical success (TS), freedom from reintervention (FFR), and TV patency were assessed. Target vessels were categorized as challenging or non-challenging TV.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (median age 73 (Q1, Q3 (68 - 80)); 43 male (81%)) who underwent elective FB-EVAR were included. Indications comprised thoracoabdominal aneurysms (Crawford I-IV) (n = 26; 49%), juxtarenal aneurysms (n = 23; 43.5%) and penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU) (n = 4; 7.5%). Two patients (4%) had prior open aortic surgery, and three patients (6%) had undergone a failed standard EVAR before. Of the 196 treated TV, 131 (67%) were categorized as challenging. Cannulation was successful in 194 of 196 vessels (99%). A total of three TV (1.5%) showed periprocedural complications. No significant difference was found in the rate of intraoperative complications between challenging versus non-challenging TV (p = 0.457). One patient died within 30 days of the procedure (1.9%). No stroke or intestinal ischemia occurred. After 12, 24, and 36 months, the survival rate was 87%, 87%, and 81%, respectively Primary patency after 12 months was 98.6%, and 97.9% of vessels remained FFR during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Transfemoral, retrograde cannulation of renovisceral vessels using a steerable sheath is feasible and safe and provides good mid-term results, especially in cases with challenging renovisceral vessels. The potential complications of antegrade vascular access can be avoided.

How Does Female Sex Affect Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair? A Single Centre Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

There is growing evidence of a female patient disadvantage in complex endovascular aortic repair using fenestrated and branched endografts (FB-EVAR) primarily related to peri-procedural events including ischaemic and access vessel complications. This study aimed to determine the impact of sex differences on treatment patterns, and in hospital outcomes in a single centre cohort.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross sectional single centre cohort study of all consecutive FB-EVAR procedures provided to patients with asymptomatic pararenal and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) between 1 January 2010 and 28 February 2021. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were developed using backward (Wald) elimination of variables to determine the independent impact of female sex on short term outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 445 patients (24.3% females, median age 73.0 years, IQR 66, 78) were included. Female patients had a smaller aneurysm diameter, less frequent coronary artery disease (29.6% vs. 44.8%, p = .007) and history of myocardial infarction (2.8% vs. 15.4%, p < .001) when compared with males. Females were more frequently treated for TAAA than males (49.1% vs. 25.2%, p < .001). The median length of post-procedural hospital stay was 10 days in females and 9 in males. In adjusted analyses, female sex was independently associated with higher mortality (odds ratio [OR] 10.135, 95% CI 2.264 - 45.369), post-procedural complications (OR 2.500, 95% CI 1.329 - 4.702), spinal cord ischaemia (OR 4.488, 95% CI 1.610 - 12.509), sepsis (OR 4.940, 95% CI 1.379 - 17.702), and acute respiratory insufficiency (OR 3.283, 95% CI 1.015 - 10.622) after pararenal aortic aneurysm repair during the hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

In this analysis of consecutively treated patients, female sex was associated with increased in hospital mortality, peri-procedural complications, and spinal cord ischaemia after elective complex endovascular repair of pararenal aortic aneurysm, while no differences were revealed in the TAAA subgroup. These results suggest that sex related patient selection and peri-procedural management should be studied in future research.

Custom-made fenestrated stent for mycotic aortic aneurysms: a report of two cases

Background

Mycotic aortic aneurysm is a rare and potentially life-threatening lesion, and endovascular repair has become increasingly accepted for intervention. Fenestrated endografts are available options to treat aneurysms involving visceral arteries. Here, we first report two patients with mycotic aortic aneurysm involving paraviscereal aorta who were successfully treated with custom-made fenestrated endograft.

Case presentation

Two patients were presented with mycotic aortic aneurysm. Due to their comorbidities and the involvement of the renal arteries, company-manufactured fenestrated stents were designed. Meanwhile, antibiotic therapy was administrated for 2 months before endovascular repair. Patients improved well without complications.

Conclusions

Custom-made fenestrated endovascular stent is an effective and feasible alternative solution to mycotic paravisceral aorta aneurysm.

Predictors of sac regression after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Aneurysm sac regression after standard endovascular aortic repair is associated with improved outcomes, but similar data are limited after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR). We sought to evaluate sac regression after FEVAR, and identify any predictors of this favorable outcome.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective FEVAR using the commercially available Zenith Fenestrated device (ZFEN; Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) from 2012 to 2018 at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively. The maximal aortic diameter was compared between the preoperative scan and those obtained in follow-up. Patients with of 5 mm or more sac regression were included in the regression (REG) group, with all others in the nonregression (NONREG) group. Outcomes were compared between groups using univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify any predictive factors for sac regression.

RESULTS

We included 132 patients undergoing FEVAR in the analysis. At a mean follow-up of 33.1 months, 65 patients (49.2%) had sac regression of 5 mm or more and comprised the REG group (n = 65 [49.2%]). The REG group had smaller diameter devices, and were less likely to have had concomitant chimney grafts placed (P < .05). The NONREG group had a higher incidence of type II endoleak (35.8% vs 12.3%; P = .002). Sac regression was associated with a significant mortality benefit on Kaplan-Meier analysis (log rank P = .02). Multivariate analysis identified adjunctive parallel grafting (odds ratio [OR], 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.36; P < .01), persistent type II endoleak (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.74; P < .01), and a greater number of target vessels (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10-0.62; P = .002) as independent predictors of failure to regress.

CONCLUSIONS

Sac regression after FEVAR occurred in nearly one-half of patients, but seems to be less common in patients with persistent type II endoleaks and those undergoing concomitant parallel grafting. Sac regression was associated with a significant survival advantage, and can be used as a clinical marker for success after FEVAR.

Endovascular Snare Facilitates Difficult Transfemoral Target Vessel Cannulation During Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

We developed a novel technique using an endovascular snare system to stabilize target vessel cannulation via transfemoral access during fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FBEVAR) in patients with challenging target vessel anatomy. This technique uses a snare, an outer sheath, and an inner delivery sheath to facilitate target vessel cannulation and stenting during FBEVAR. With the outer sheath positioned in the lower end of the partially deployed aortic graft and the delivery sheath within, a large snare is advanced through the outer sheath and over the outside of the delivery sheath until it reaches the curved portion of the delivery sheath at the level of the target vessel. The snare is then tightened to provide stability and maintain proper curvature and alignment of the delivery sheath while the target vessel is selected and stented. Following successful passage, the snare is loosened and removed from the body via the outer sheath. This snare technique is a simple, effective, and inexpensive tool that can be used for difficult target vessel cannulation during FBEVAR.

Assessment of fenestrated Anaconda stent graft design by numerical simulation: Results of a European prospective multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

A crucial step in designing fenestrated stent grafts for treatment of complex aortic abdominal aneurysms is the accurate positioning of the fenestrations. The deployment of a fenestrated stent graft prototype in a patient-specific rigid aortic model can be used for design verification in vitro, but is time and human resources consuming. Numerical simulation (NS) of fenestrated stent graft deployment using the finite element analysis has recently been developed; the aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of fenestration positioning by NS and in vitro.

METHODS

All consecutive cases of complex aortic abdominal aneurysm treated with the Fenestrated Anaconda (Terumo Aortic) in six European centers were included in a prospective, observational study. To compare fenestration positioning, the distance from the center of the fenestration to the proximal end of the stent graft (L) and the angular distance from the 0° position (C) were measured and compared between in vitro testing (L1, C1) and NS (L2, C2). The primary hypothesis was that ΔL (|L2 - L1|) and ΔC (|C2 - C1|) would be 2.5 or less mm in more than 80% of the cases. The duration of both processes was also compared.

RESULTS

Between May 2018 and January 2019, 50 patients with complex aortic abdominal aneurysms received a fenestrated stent graft with a total of 176 fenestrations. The ΔL and ΔC was 2.5 mm or less for 173 (98%) and 174 (99%) fenestrations, respectively. The NS process duration was significantly shorter than the in vitro (2.1 days [range, 1.0-5.2 days] vs 20.6 days [range, 9-82 days]; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Positioning of fenestrations using NS is as accurate as in vitro and could significantly decrease delivery time of fenestrated stent grafts.

Preliminary Outcomes of Viabahn Balloon-Expandable Endoprosthesis as Bridging Stent in Renal Arteries During Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair

PURPOSE

To report preliminary outcomes of Viabahn Balloon-Expandable Endoprosthesis (VBX) stent-graft as bridging stent for renal arteries in fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2018 and 2019, patients undergoing FEVAR at 3 referral Italian university hospitals were prospectively collected. During the study period, VBX was the first-line choice as bridging stent for renal arteries. Procedural and anatomical data were analyzed, including renal artery (RA) configuration. A dedicated software (3Mensio, Vascular Imaging, Bilthoeven, The Netherlands) was used and RA anatomy classified as follow: upward-oriented in case of any angle >30° above the horizontal or transverse axis perpendicular to the aortic axis, downward-oriented if there was an angle >30° measured below the transverse axis and downward + upward in case of an angle <30° associated with a renal artery angulation >90°. Primary endpoints were technical success, defined as complete deployment of the fenestrated endograft without target vessel (TV) loss, limb stenosis or occlusion and type I or III endoleak, and freedom from target artery instability (TAI), defined by target vessel-related death, occlusion, rupture or reintervention for stenosis, endoleak or disconnection. Secondary endpoints were target artery patency rate and freedom from reinterventions.

RESULTS

A total of 26 elective FEVAR for juxta/pararenal aneurysm (20), thoracoabdominal type II (3) and type IV (3) were included. Fifty-one RA were planned for revascularization. Of these, 32 were downward, 10 horizontal, 6 upward, 4 were downward + upward. Technical success was achieved in 88.5% (23/26) of patients and 94.2% (48/51) of the TVs. One occlusion (2.1%) occurred within 30 days in a patient with previous endovascular aortic repair and suprarenal fixation. During follow-up (median 10 months), there was 1 type IC endoleak after 6 months (2.1%) in a patient with upward plus downward arterial orientation. Freedom from TAI was 96.1% (CI = 0.89 to 1.04) at first month and 92.3% (CI = 0.82 to 1.03) at 6 months. No aneurysm-related mortality and renal insufficiency occurred during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The use of VBX as bridging stent of RA in FEVAR is safe and feasible. Previous EVAR and tortuosity of RA may be a challenging on target vessel fate.

Early outcomes of Jotec inner-branched endografts in complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Complex aortic endografts have evolved to include inner branches to overcome specific challenges with existing technologies. We have reported the early outcomes of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) using a Jotec inner branched endograft (iBEVAR).

METHODS

All patients who had undergone complex EVARs using extra-design engineering iBEVAR (Jotec GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) from 2018 to 2020 at a single center were reviewed. The patient demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, anatomic features of the aneurysms, and target vessels were recorded. The reasons for using inner branches instead of fenestrated and standard branched endografts and the procedural details, outcomes, and reintervention during follow-up were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients were treated with branched and fenestrated endografts during the study period, of whom 18 patients had had a patient-specific custom-made iBEVAR endograft with downward inner branches. The technical success rate was 100%. A total of 68 target vessels were cannulated, and bridging stent-grafts were placed successfully in all. The reasons for choosing the iBEVAR design included unfavorable target vessel trajectory for fenestrated repair (n = 15), excessive infrarenal aortic angulation and/or adverse iliac access vessels for fenestrated repair (n = 11), the presence of a narrow aortic lumen (n = 14), and/or to reduce aortic coverage compared with that with standard outer branched repair (n = 14). We also used iBEVAR to treat type Ia endoleaks after failed EVAR with a short main body (n = 5). The median contrast volume used was 120 mL (range, 48-200 mL), with a median fluoroscopy screening time of 66 minutes (range, 35-136 minutes) and a median dose-area product of 17,832 dGy∙cm² (range, 8260-55,070 dGycm²). No 30-day mortality and no major complications occurred. One early intervention was required for a suspected type Ib endoleak from an iliac limb and one late intervention for in-stent stenosis in a renal bridging stent-graft. One patient had died of non-aortic-related causes at 3 months. All other patients continued with follow-up with their aneurysms excluded, patent target vessels, and no type I or III endoleak identified at a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 1-26 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of Jotec extra-design engineering endografts incorporating downward inner branches resulted in satisfactory early outcomes with a low reintervention rate. The technology has the potential to be a useful addition to our armamentarium for treating complex aortic endografts; however, long-term outcomes data are needed.

Geometric Analysis to Determine Kinking and Shortening of Bridging Stents After Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair

Purpose

To evaluate bridging stent geometry in patients who underwent branched endovascular aortic repair (B-EVAR) and to correlate the outcomes with intrinsic bridging stent characteristics aiming to identify the stent(s) that guarantees the best performance.

Methods

Pre-operative and post-operative computed tomography images of all patients undergoing B-EVAR between September 2016 and April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Following geometrical features were measured: target vessel take-off angle (TOA); longitudinal stent shortening; shape index (SI), intended as ratio between minimum and maximum diameter of the lumen cross sections, averaged on three segments: zone 1 (proximal stented zone), zone 2 (intermediate), and zone 3 (distal).

Results

Thirty-eight branches (8 right (RRA) and 8 left renal arteries (LRA), 11 superior mesenteric arteries (SMA), 11 celiac trunks (CTR)) were treated. Fluency (Bard Peripheral Vascular), COVERA (Bard Peripheral Vascular), and VBX (WLGore&Assoc) stent-grafts were implanted in 10, 12, and 16 branches, respectively. Pre-operative TOA was more acute in RRA and LRA when compared to CTR and SMA, and straightened in post-operative configuration (109.86 ± 28.65° to 150.27 ± 21.0°; P < 0.001). Comparable values of SI among the stent types were found in zone 1 (P = 0.08), whereas higher SI in VBX group was detected in zones 2 (P < 0.001) and 3 (P < 0.001). The VBX group was also the most affected by stent shortening (11.12 ± 5.65%; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our early experience showed that the VBX stent offers greater stent circularity than the other devices even if a greater shortening has been observed drawing attention with regards to the decision of the nominal stent length.

Initial experience with the Terumo aortic Treo device for fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

The Terumo aortic (TA) Treo device (Terumo, Somerset, NJ) is an endograft with unique features that lends itself to fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR), including a low device profile, a wide amplitude stent design, and an increased interstent distance. We have described our initial experience with the Treo device for FEVAR to treat short neck and juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

METHODS

As part of an ongoing physician-sponsored investigational device exemption clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01538056), subjects were prospectively enrolled and underwent elective FEVAR using a variety of devices. Demographic and procedural details were collected. The data from subjects treated specifically with the Treo device from November 3, 2016 to May 2, 2019 were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of a cohort of 161 patients who had undergone elective FEVAR, 46 had been treated with the TA Treo device. Most patients were men (70%), with a mean age of 75 years and high rates of hypertension (74%), hyperlipidemia (83%), coronary artery disease (33%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (33%). The mean aneurysm size was 66 mm, the mean preoperative infrarenal neck length was 5 mm, and the mean final seal zone length was 45 mm. The average hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay were 2.4 and 1.5 days, respectively. A total of 129 fenestrations were created for 44 superior mesenteric and 85 renal arteries (2.8 fenestrations per patient). Technical success, defined as successful implantation of the device with all target vessels preserved, was 98% (45 of 46), with only one renal artery not successfully preserved. The mean follow-up period was 598 days. During the study period, 18 endoleaks were detected (17 type II and 1 type III), with one patient with a type III endoleak requiring reintervention. Three subjects had died within 30 days, one of intracranial hemorrhage, one of respiratory failure, and one of ischemic colitis. The graft modification times for the TA Treo were significantly shorter (43 minutes) than those for other commercially available devices (Cook Zenith, 55 minutes; Medtronic Endurant, 54 minutes; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our institution has reported exclusive worldwide experience using the TA Treo device for FEVAR. This device provides for a highly efficient and technically successful procedure for most patients. The procedural and fluoroscopy times were low even in the setting of high complexity. The technical success rates and simplification of the FEVAR procedure have made this approach a preferred technique for most patients at our institution.

Preoperative functional status predicts 2-year mortality in patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND

Fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) is a minimally invasive alternative for patients at high risk of open repair of complex aortic aneurysms. Nearly all investigative study protocols evaluating F/BEVAR have required a predicted life expectancy of >2 years for study inclusion. However, accurate risk models for predicting 2-year survival in this patient population are lacking. We sought to identify the preoperative predictors of 2-year survival for patients undergoing F/BEVAR.

METHODS

The prospectively collected data for all consecutive F/BEVAR procedures, performed in an institutional review board-approved registry and/or a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption (IDE) trial (IDE no. G130210), were reviewed (November 2010 to February 2019). We assessed 44 preoperative patient characteristics, including comorbidities, preoperative functional status, aneurysm morphologies, and repair techniques. Preoperative functional status was defined as totally dependent (any impairment in activities of daily living or residing in a skilled nursing facility), partially dependent (any impairment in instrumental activities of daily living), or independent (no impairment in activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living). Using the results of univariate analysis (P < .2), a Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to identify the independent predictors of 2-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

For the 256 consecutive patients who had undergone F/BEVAR (6 common iliac [2.3%], 94 juxtarenal [41%], 35 pararenal [14%], 119 thoracoabdominal [47%], and 2 arch [0.8%] aneurysms), the 2-year mortality was 18%. On Cox modeling, the only independent preoperative predictor contributing to 2-year mortality was functional status (totally dependent: hazard ratio [HR], 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-16; P = .0024; partially dependent: HR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.4-8.7; P < .0000019). A history of an implanted anti-arrhythmic device was protective (HR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.99; P = .0495). Factors such as age, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aneurysm extent, and previous aortic surgery, were not significant. The 2-year mortality for the independent (n = 176; 69%), partially dependent (n = 69; 27%), and totally dependent (n = 10; 3.9%) groups was 11%, 33%, and 40%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients undergoing F/BEVAR, decreased preoperative functional status was the strongest predictor of 2-year mortality, with totally dependent patients experiencing poor survival. The traditional risk factors were not independently significant, perhaps reflecting the high prevalence of severe chronic illness in these high-risk patients participating in an IDE trial. For the independent patients, the 2-year F/BEVAR survival rate was 89%, equivalent to patient survival after infrarenal EVAR. Therefore, for independent patients, it would be reasonable to expand the indication for F/BEVAR to low-risk patients.

Fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair is a safe and effective option for octogenarians in treating complex aortic aneurysm compared with nonoctogenarians

OBJECTIVE

Open repair of complex aortic aneurysms is frequently not an option for octogenarians because of prohibitive surgical risks. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) in octogenarians (≥80 years old) compared with nonoctogenarians (<80 years old).

METHODS

We reviewed 893 patients with pararenal or extent I to V thoracoabdominal aneurysms, enrolled in six prospective physician-sponsored investigational device exemption studies from 2012 to 2018. All patients were treated with either company-manufactured off-the-shelf or patient-specific F-BEVAR stent grafts. Data analyzed included demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, history of active cancer, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, aortic anatomy characteristics, and procedural data. End points included mortality, major adverse events (all-cause mortality, stroke, paralysis, acute kidney injury [RIFLE criteria], dialysis, myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, and bowel ischemia), technical success, hospital length of stay, target artery instability (occlusion/stenosis, endoleak, rupture or death), and secondary interventions.

RESULTS

During the study period, 195 octogenarian patients (22%) and 698 (78%) nonoctogenarian patients were treated with F-BEVAR. Octogenarians presented more frequently with a history of cancer (17% vs 11%; P = .01), whereas nonoctogenarians more frequently had hyperlipidemia (76% vs 65%; P = .003), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (42% vs 33%; P = .04) and American Society of Anesthesiologists class III to V (78% vs 70%; P = .02). Male sex was similar between groups (68% [octogenarians] vs 70% [nonoctogenarians]; P = .62). Octogenarians had a larger mean aneurysm diameter (67 ± 1 mm vs 65 ± 1 mm; P = .002). The thoracoabdominal classification and the use of upper extremity access were similar between groups. Estimated blood loss was also similar (484 ± 454 mL [octogenarian] vs 416 ± 457 mL [nonoctogenarian]; P = .07). Octogenarians had an increased mean number of vessels incorporated into the repair (3.1 ± 1.4 vs 2.7 ± 1.7; P < .001). The technical success rate was 99% for octogenarians and 97% for nonoctogenarians (P = .19). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.5% for octogenarians and 1.3% for the nonoctogenarians (P = .70). Major adverse events (9.2% vs 9.7%), types I/III endoleak (4.6% vs 2.4%) access complication (3.1% vs 3.3%), and length of stay (8.2 ± 27 days vs 5.7 ± 6.3 days) were all similar between the groups. Freedom from target artery instability and freedom from secondary interventions at 3 years were similar between the groups. Octogenarian survival was lower at 3 years compared with nonoctogenarians on univariate analysis (log-rank P < .01) and on multivariable analysis after adjusting for history of active cancer, hyperlipidemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite small differences in demographics, anatomic factors, and procedural data, F-BEVAR was safe and effective with nearly identical early outcomes in octogenarians in these experienced aortic centers. More extensive clinical experience and longer follow-up are needed to better delineate factors impacting longer term mortality.

Perioperative Outcome of Fenestrated and Branched Stent Grafting after Previous Open or Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Repair

BACKGROUND

To compare the perioperative outcome of patients treated with elective or urgent fenestrated and branched stent grafting (fbEVAR) for pararenal (pAAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) after previous open with previous endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

METHODS

Single center retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing fbEVAR after previous open (post-open fbEVAR group) or endovascular abdominal aortic repair (post-endo fbEVAR group) between January 2015 and December 2017. Primary outcomes were technical success and in-hospital all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 42 patients undergoing fbEVAR after previous open or endovascular abdominal aortic repair during this period. Twenty-one patients (post-open fbEVAR group) had previous open abdominal aortic repair, 13 with a bifurcated and 8 with a tube graft. Of these, 2 patients presented with pAAA and 19 with TAAA. Twenty-one patients (post-endo fbEVAR group) had previous EVAR. Thirteen patients presented with pAAA, 3 of them with additional type Ia endoleak, 2 with stent-graft migration and 2 with previously failed fEVAR. Eight presented with TAAA. Median interval between previous repair and fbEVAR was 84 months (IQR 60-156) for the post-open fbEVAR group and 72 months (IQR 36-96) for the post-endo fbEVAR group (P = 0.746). Eighteen patients (86%) had branched stent grafting in the post-open versus 11 (52%) in the post-endo group (P < 0.01). In 2 patients in the post-open group, 3 renal arteries were not catheterized due to severe ostial stenosis, resulting in technical success of 91% in the post-open and 100% in the post-endo fbEVAR group. Four patients (19%) in the post-open fbEVAR group died in hospital, 2 due to cerebral hemorrhage and 2 due to pneumonia, and none in the post-endo fbEVAR group (P = 0.101). There were 5 nonstent-graft-related reinterventions, 2 (10%) in the post-open fbEVAR group and 3 (14%) in the post-endo fbEVAR group (P = 0.844). After 12 months there were 4 events in the post-endo fbEVAR group: one renal artery stent occluded, one renal artery stent required relining because of disconnection and 2 type II endoleaks were embolized with coils. There were no reinterventions in the post-open fbEVAR group during 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Fenestrated and branched repair after previous open or endovascular abdominal aortic repair appears safe with high technical success rate. There is no difference in the technical success and in-hospital all-cause mortality rates between fbEVAR after previous open or endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

Impact of Number of Vessels Targeted on Outcomes of Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Repair for Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of number of vessels targeted by fenestrations or branches on early outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAAs).

METHODS

The clinical data of 260 patients (209 men; mean, 74 ± 7 years) treated for cAAAs in four academic centers using fenestrated-branched stent grafts with one to five fenestrations or branches were entered into prospectively maintained databases (2010-2015). Data were analyzed in patients treated with ≤2-vessel (group 1, n = 124), 3-vessel (group 2, n = 80), or ≥4 fenestrations or directional branches (group 3, n = 56). For group definition, only vessels incorporated by fenestrations or directional branches were accounted. End points were technical success, procedural variables, 30-day mortality, and major adverse events (MAEs).

RESULTS

A total of 830 vessels (mean, 3.19 ± 0.8 vessels/patient) were targeted by fenestrations (n = 672), scallops (n = 136), or branches (n = 22). Two-vessel designs were used more often in the early experience (64%), whereas ≥3-vessel design (groups 2 and 3) was preferred in the late experience (68%, P < 0.05). Patients with ≥4-vessel designs had longer operating and fluoroscopy time (+78 min, P < 0.0001 and + 27 min, P < 0.001), higher volume of contrast use (+31 mL, P = 0.03), and longer hospital stay (+3 days, P = 0.007) of those who had ≤2-vessel designs. Technical success, estimated blood loss, mortality, MAEs, and rate of spinal cord injury were similar in all three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

F-BEVAR for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms was associated with high technical success and low 30-day mortality and morbidity. Increasing complexity was associated with longer operating and fluoroscopy time, more contrast use, and longer hospital stay but did not affect technical success and MAEs of the procedure.

Therapeutic Strategies for Infectious Multiple Aortic Aneurysms: Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment Using a Fenestrated Stent-Graft

Recently, it has been reported that a fenestrated stent graft is an effective option in the treatment of pararenal artery abdominal aortic aneurysm. We report the case of a 72-year-old male patient with multiple aortic aneurysms in the distal arch, thoracoabdominal aorta, right common iliac artery, as well as a pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient was found to have a mass with a tendency of rapid expansion within a month from its discovery. Because it was a saccular aneurysm with a tendency of rapid expansion and wide spread, the risk of rupture was judged to be high, and surgical treatment became necessary. One-stage treatment was desirable; therefore, endovascular treatment with a fenestrated stent graft was selected. Four fenestrations were made to a stent graft for the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and bilateral renal arteries. The postoperative computed tomography (CT) showed no branch occlusion or endoleak, and the 2-year postoperative CT showed the shrinkage and subsequent disappearance of the aortic aneurysm at the treatment site. For extensive aortic aneurysm, including pararenal artery abdominal aortic aneurysms, one-stage treatment with fenestrated stent graft was considered to be effective as a treatment strategy. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2020; 29: 9–13.)

Physician-Modified Endovascular Gore Excluder Graft (Handmade Modified) for Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Step-by-Step Approach

Endovascular repair has become the gold standard for the treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease. Branched and fenestrated commercially custom-made devices have been developed as a treatment option for short necks or juxtarenal aneurysms. However, the lack of availability in some countries and centers, manufacturing time (6-8 weeks requirements), urgent setting in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, and elevated costs make them not a widespread option. Hereby, we expose our step-by-step technique of physician modified Gore Excluder  to treat complex aneurysms. Physician-modified endovascular graft (PMEG) has emerged as an alternative to open repair for the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms. The ultimate goal of fenestrations is to increase the proximal sealing zone length. The Gore C3 delivery system allows repositioning of the graft by constraining the proximal part after a back-table physician modification; the PMEG technique with the Gore Excluder C3 delivery system can be used for complex aortic aneurysms repair as an alternative treatment option.

Reporting standards for endovascular aortic repair of aneurysms involving the renal-mesenteric arteries

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair of complex aortic aneurysms requires incorporation of side branches using specially designed aortic stent grafts with fenestrations, directional branches, or parallel stent grafts. These techniques have been increasingly used and reported in the literature. The purpose of this document is to clarify and to update terminology, classification systems, measurement techniques, and end point definitions that are recommended for reports dealing with endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms involving the renal and mesenteric arteries.

Increasing Role of Fenestrated and Branched Endoluminal Techniques in the Thoracoabdominal Segment Including Supra- and Pararenal AAA

Fenestrated and branched stent-grafts are being increasingly used to address complex pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms by endovascular means. The present paper describes the current indications, anatomical suitability and techniques of fenestrated and branched stent-grafts in the treatment for pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic pathologies. Published outcomes with regard to perioperative mortality and morbidity, survival, reinterventions and target vessel patency during follow-up are also presented. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of endovascular repair as compared to open repair are discussed.

Outcomes of elective use of the chimney endovascular technique in pararenal aortic pathologic processes

OBJECTIVE

In the treatment of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic pathologic processes, chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (CHEVAR) represents an alternative technique for urgent cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of CHEVAR in the elective setting.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected records of 165 consecutive asymptomatic CHEVAR patients who were treated between March 2009 and January 2018 with the Endurant stent graft (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, Calif). A total of 244 chimney grafts (CGs) were implanted. The primary end point was clinical success, defined as freedom from procedure-related mortality, persistent type IA endoleak, occlusion or high-grade stenosis (>70%) of CGs, and any chimney technique-related secondary procedure for the entire follow-up period. Secondary clinical success included patients with successful treatment of a primary end point with a secondary endovascular procedure.

RESULTS

All 244 targeted chimney vessels were successfully cannulated. Total perioperative morbidity was 7.8% (n = 13), including 3 (1.8%) cases of bowel ischemia, 1 (0.6%) patient with renal ischemia, and 1 patient (0.6%) with stroke. Median follow-up was 25.5 ± 2.2 months. Both 30-day and follow-up procedure-related mortality rates were 1.8% (n = 3). Primary and secondary freedom from persistent type IA endoleak rates were 96.4% (n = 159) and 99.4% (n = 164), respectively. Primary and secondary CG patency rates were 92.2% (n = 225) and 95.9% (n = 234), respectively. The rate of reinterventions related to the chimney technique was 10.9% (n = 18), and 83.3% of them were performed by endovascular means. The estimated cumulative primary patency and freedom from persistent type IA endoleak were 87.5% and 95.3%, respectively, and the primary and secondary clinical successes rates at midterm were 80.3% and 87.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The elective use of CHEVAR with the Endurant stent graft in our series showed favorable midterm clinical results, which are similar to the published results of other total endovascular modalities. A prospective randomized trial of elective treatment of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic pathologic processes with current endovascular options is needed to assess the value of CHEVAR in the elective setting.