Aneurysm Rupture and Mortality During the Waiting Time for a Customised Fenestrated/Branched Stent Graft in Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair

Endovascular repair of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with inner and outer off-the-shelf multibranched endografts: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

During the last years a great progress has been noted in device technology and operator experience in treating complex aortic aneurysms. Fenestrated and branched custom-made devices require detailed preoperative planning and production time that can take ≤12 weeks. During this awaiting period, aortic-related mortality is increased. To overcome this limitation, off-the-shelf standardized multibranched devices were launched in the market for the treatment of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Our aim was to evaluate systematically all the published studies of off-the-shelf endografts for the treatment of pararenal and TAAAs.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review to identify all the eligible studies that reported outcomes to the off-the-shelf with inner or outer multibranched devices and then conducted a qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis of the results. The main outcomes were technical success, mortality, target visceral vessel instability, major adverse events, and reintervention rates. We estimated pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 1605 study titles were identified by the initial search strategy, of which 13 (8 t-Branch, 3 E-nside, 1 We-Flow, and 1 TAMBE) were considered eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A total of 595 patients (70% male) were identified among the eligible studies. In terms of procedures, 64.4% were elective, 19.2% (13.4% outer multibranched group [OMG]; 6.1% inner multibranched group [IMG]) were emergent, and 16.4% (15.6% OMG; 0.8% IMG) were urgent. The pooled technical success was 92.1% (95% CI, 83.8%-96.4%) and 96.9% (95% CI, 92.5%-98.8%) for the outer and inner multibranched endografts, respectively. The pooled 30-day mortality was 10.4 % (95% CI, 6.6%-16.1%,) and 4.2% (95% CI, 2.0%-8.6%) for the OMG and IMG, respectively. The pooled 30-day and late target visceral vessel instability for the OMG was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.0%-6.1%) and 6.2% (95% CI, 4.7%-8.0%) and for the IMG 10.4% (95% CI, 4.5%-22.5%) and 1.6% (95% CI, 0.7%-3.3%) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis indicated good technical success and mortality rates for both devices despite the high rate of urgent procedures. Pararenal and TAAAs can be treated safely using the included devices. However, further studies are required to draw additional conclusions for the IMG owing to the small sample size.

Urgent endovascular repair of juxtarenal/pararenal aneurysm by off-the-shelf multibranched endograft

OBJECTIVE

To report outcomes of urgent juxtarenal/pararenal aneurysms (J/P-AAAs) managed by off-the-shelf multibranched thoracoabdominal endografts (Cook, T-branch).

METHODS

In this observational, multicenter, retrospective study, patients with J/P-AAAs treated by urgent endovascular repair by T-branch in 23 European aortic centers, from 2013 to 2023, were analyzed. Contained J/P-AAAs rupture, presence of related symptoms, and aneurysm diameter of >70 mm were considered as indication for urgent repair. Technical success (TS), spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and 30-day/hospital mortality were assessed as early outcomes. Survival, freedom from reinterventions, and target artery instability (TAI) were evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 197 patients (J-AAAs, n = 64 [33%]; P-AAAs, n = 95 [48%]; previous failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), n = 38 [19%]) were analyzed. The mean age and aneurysm diameter was 75 ± 8 years and 76 ± 4 mm, respectively. The American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 3 and 4 in 118 (60%) and 79 (40%) patients. Rupture, symptoms, and diameter of >70 mm were present in 51 (26%), 110 (56%), and 53 (27%) patients, respectively. An adjunctive proximal thoracic endograft was used in 28 cases (14%). The mean aortic coverage between the upper portion of the endograft and the lowest renal artery was 154 ± 49 mm. Single-stage repair and cerebrospinal fluid drainage were reported in 144 (73%) and 53 (27%) cases, respectively. TS was achieved in 182 (92%) cases (rupture, 84% vs no rupture, 95%; P = .02). Failures consist of TA loss (11 [6%]: renal artery, 9; celiac trunk, 2), type I to III endoleaks (2 [1%]), and 24-h mortality (2 [1%]). Rupture was a risk factor for technical failure (P = .02; odds ratio [OR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-12.1). Overall, 15 patients (8%) had persistent SCI (rupture, 14% vs no rupture, 5%) with 11 (6%) , of paraplegia (rupture, 10% vs no rupture, 5%; P = .001). Rupture (P = .04; OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1-8.9) and adjunctive proximal thoracic endograft (P = .01; OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.3-12.9) were risk-factors for SCI. Twenty-two patients (11%) died within 30 days or during a prolonged hospitalization. Previous failed EVAR (P = .04; OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.1-12.3), paraplegia (P < .001; OR, 9.9; 95% CI, 1.6-62.2) and postoperative mesenteric complications (P = .03; OR, 10.4; 95% CI, 1.2-93.3), as well as cardiac (P = .03; OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 2.0-33.0) and respiratory (P < .001; OR, 10.1; 95% CI, 2.9-35.2) morbidities were associated with 30-day/hospital mortality. The mean follow-up was 19 ± 5 months. The estimated 3-year survival and freedom from reinterventions was 58% and 77%, respectively. TAI occurred in 27 patients (14%) (occlusion, 15; endoleak, 14) with an estimated 3-year freedom from TAI of 72%.

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent repair of J/P-AAAs by T-branch is feasible and effective with satisfactory TS and 30-day/hospital mortality in high-risk patients. However, extensive aortic coverage is necessary, leading to a non-negligible SCI rate, especially in case of aortic rupture or when adjunctive thoracic endografts are necessary. Previous failed EVAR and postoperative mesenteric complications, as well as cardiac and respiratory morbidities were associated with 30-day/hospital mortality and should be subjected to more research for the purposes of improving outcomes.

In Situ Laser Fenestration Technique: Bench-Testing of Aortic Endograft to Guide Clinical Practice

PURPOSE

In situ laser fenestration (ISLF) is a recently introduced technology that offers the potential to perform total endovascular treatment of aortic arch and thoracoabdominal aortic pathologies in the acute setting. This experiment's aim was to assess ISLF in some currently common aortic endografts and bridging stent-grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three different aortic endografts were evaluated: (1) Zenith Alpha, (2) Zenith TX2, and (3) Conformable GORE TAG. Each endograft was submerged in 37°C saline to create fenestrations using the 308 nm CVX-300 Excimer Laser System fitted with a 2.3 mm diameter Turbo-Elite laser atherectomy catheter compatible with a 0.018″ guidewire. Three different 8 mm bridging stent-grafts were evaluated: (1) BeGraft peripheral, (2) BeGraft peripheral plus, and (3) GORE VIABAHN VBX Balloon Expandable. All bridging stent-grafts were deployed and exposed to different balloon sizes and pressures. The ISLFs and bridging stent-grafts were then evaluated for any tears, stenoses, and seal.

RESULTS

A laser fenestration was consistently rapidly obtained in the Zenith Alpha and the Zenith TX2 endografts while it proved difficult to achieve a timely fenestration in the C-TAG. No fabric tears were noted in the Zenith Alpha and Zenith TX2 when inflating Armada (Abbott) 8 mm balloon in the fenestrations with pressures up to 15 atmospheres (rated burst pressure) nor when flaring bridging stent-grafts with balloons up to 12 mm in diameter at 10 atmospheres, while major tears were frequently noted in the C-TAG when the Armada 8 mm balloons were inflated. BeGraft Peripheral and BeGraft Peripheral Plus were all firmly attached to the fenestrations showing good seal on manual testing, while every sixth VBX bridging stent-graft displayed poorer attachment to the fenestration before dilatation at high pressure. Commonly, significant stenoses remained in the bridging stent-grafts after dilatation at nominal pressure, which could only be eradicated with high-pressure balloons.

CONCLUSION

In this limited bench-test, Dacron endografts responded well to the ISLF technology. Satisfactory deployment of the bridging stent was noted only after inflation and/or flaring with high-pressure balloons. Further work with different types of commercially-available bridging stent-grafts and endografts to assess the durability of in situ fenestration (ISF) and bridging stents in ISF is recommended.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This report on experimental in situ laser fenestration provide important insights for clinicians considering using in situ laser fenestration of aortic stentgrafts in vivo. In particular, different laser settings were tested together with a selection of aortic stentgrafts. Also, the target pressure needed in PTA balloons to dilate the fenestrations and any subsequent tears in the fabric were noted. This was followed by deployment of assorted balloon-expandable stentgrafts with estimation of residual stenosis and seal.

Editor's Choice -- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) has developed clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in succession to the 2011 and 2019 versions, with the aim of assisting physicians and patients in selecting the best management strategy.

METHODS

The guideline is based on scientific evidence completed with expert opinion on the matter. By summarising and evaluating the best available evidence, recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients have been formulated. The recommendations are graded according to a modified European Society of Cardiology grading system, where the strength (class) of each recommendation is graded from I to III and the letters A to C mark the level of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 160 recommendations have been issued on the following topics: Service standards, including surgical volume and training; Epidemiology, diagnosis, and screening; Management of patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), including surveillance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and indication for repair; Elective AAA repair, including operative risk assessment, open and endovascular repair, and early complications; Ruptured and symptomatic AAA, including peri-operative management, such as permissive hypotension and use of aortic occlusion balloon, open and endovascular repair, and early complications, such as abdominal compartment syndrome and colonic ischaemia; Long term outcome and follow up after AAA repair, including graft infection, endoleaks and follow up routines; Management of complex AAA, including open and endovascular repair; Management of iliac artery aneurysm, including indication for repair and open and endovascular repair; and Miscellaneous aortic problems, including mycotic, inflammatory, and saccular aortic aneurysm. In addition, Shared decision making is being addressed, with supporting information for patients, and Unresolved issues are discussed.

CONCLUSION

The ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines provide the most comprehensive, up to date, and unbiased advice to clinicians and patients on the management of abdominal aorto-iliac artery aneurysms.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Short-term and Mid-term Outcomes After Use of t-Branch Off-the-shelf Multibranched Endograft for Elective and Urgent Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of t-Branch off-the-shelf multibranched endograft for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS

Online databases were searched from June 2012 to March 2023. The data were pooled together using a random-effects model of proportions. The outcomes overall included technical success, spinal cord ischemia, target vessel occlusion, type I or III endoleak, reintervention, early mortality (30-day), and mid-term outcomes. Subgroup meta-analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore variation among studies.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies containing 1238 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall study quality assessment was found to be moderate to good. The pooled technical success was 97.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]=95.5-98.6, I2=53.01%, 1185/1238 cases, 15 studies). Overall, early mortality was 7.3% (95% CI=4.4-10.1, I2=74.48%, 124/1238 cases, 15 studies). Early spinal cord ischemia was 13.4% (95% CI=9.6-17.2, I2=67.24%, 160/1238 cases, 15 studies), and early type I or III endoleak was 6.0% (95% CI=3.4-8.5, I2=53.71%, 68/1032 cases, 9 studies). Mid-term outcomes showed target vessel occlusion was 4% (95% CI=1.4-6.5, I2=65.18%, 28/528 cases, 10 studies, 5-21.2 months), type I or III endoleak was 4.7% (95% CI=2-7.5, I2=49.74%, 38/512 cases, 10 studies, 5-21.2 months), reintervention was 11.2% (95% CI=8.1-14.3, I2=31.06%, 85/650 cases, 10 studies, 5-21.2 months), and pooled mortality was 13.9% (95% CI=7.2-20.7, I2=76.32%, 84/550 cases, 11 studies, 5-21.2 months). Meta-regression found a significant linear association between higher technical success and earlier publication year (p=0.014) and studies with anatomic inclusion criteria (p=0.037). Urgent patients (p=0.021) and later publication year (p=0.048) were significantly associated with higher early mortality.

CONCLUSION

The use of the off-the-shelf t-Branch multibranched endograft for elective or urgent endovascular TAAA repair is associated with high technical success rates and proved to be safe and effective at early and mid-term follow-up. However, the heterogeneity between the included studies is high, and prospective, randomized studies along with future larger studies with long-term follow-up are needed.

CLINICAL IMPACT

The Zenith t-Branch (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) was approved as a commercially available device in Europe in June 2012. Although a decade has past, the outcomes of t-Branch have rarely been synthesized at the global level. This meta-analysis included 15 studies containing 1238 patients. The meta-analyses included technical success, major adverse events, reintervention, early mortality, and mid-term outcomes. The outcome was very meaningful and representative for the use of t-Branch. It is helpful for endovascular surgeons to make decisions on the treatment of TAAA patients.

Physician-Modified Stent-Grafts Created in the Three-Dimensionally Aortic Template Have Better Reliability and Greater Alignment With the Target Vessels Than Stent-Grafts Modified Based on Measurements From Computed Tomography

PURPOSE

Physician-modified stent-grafts (PMSG) are widely used, especially when a patient's condition precludes waiting for a custom-made device. In recent years, the modification process has been upgraded using 3-dimensional (3D) aortic templates. Nonetheless, the reliability of PMSG and accuracy of fenestration alignment with the target vessel are not known. Thus, the study is aimed to fulfill the gap in current knowledge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten computed tomographic (CT) scans of aortic aneurysm previously treated with the fenestrated endovascular repair were selected to 3D-print aortic templates and elastic vessel phantoms. Two vascular surgeons performed fenestrations using the 3D template and modification plan based on CT measurements. Two operators each performed 10 fenestrated stent-grafts in the aortic template and 10 using CT measurements, for a total of 40 fenestrated stent-grafts. Then, stent-grafts were implanted in elastic vessel phantoms, which served to evaluate fenestration alignment with the target vessel. The alignment was judged in a 5-point scale: 0%, 1% to 25%, 26% to 50%, 51% to 75%, and 76% to 100%. The distances between fenestrations served to calculate interobserver variability for both methods. The measurements were processed as interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson and Spearman correlation, and Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

PMSG created with a 3D template had higher interclass correlation coefficient values and Pearson/Spearman correlation than fenestrations created from CT measurements. The rate of fenestration alignment with the target vessel was higher for PMSG created with a 3D template (p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

PMSGs created with a 3D template are more reliable and have better fenestration alignment with the target vessel than PMSGs created based on CT measurements.

Suitability of current off-the-shelf devices for endovascular TAAA repair: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic review of published papers regarding the suitability of the current off-the-shelf (OTS) devices for endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the MEDLINE database via PubMed was performed in March 2023. All studies reporting the outcomes of the three currently available OTS stent-grafts: the Zenith t-Branch (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA), the Gore Excluder thoracoabdominal branch endoprosthesis (TAMBE; W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) and the E-nside Multibranch Stent-Graft System (Artivion, Kennesaw, GA, USA), were retrieved and further analyzed. The main endpoints were technical success, reintervention rate, and primary branch patency. Theoretical feasibility studies of these OTS devices were also included and separately analyzed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 19 studies were published between 2014 and 2023. Thirteen clinical studies and six theoretical feasibility studies were included. Eleven studies reported the clinical outcomes of the t-Branch stent-graft, one detailed the observational results of the use of the E-nside endoprosthesis, and one described the TAMBE stent-graft results. The following data primarily involve the t-Branch device outcomes. A total of 1131 patients that underwent aneurysm repair using an OTS stent-graft were identified. Among those, 1002, 116 and 13 patients received a t-Branch, E-nside, and TAMBE stent-grafts, respectively. A total of 767 (67.8%) were men, with a mean age of 71.6±7.4 years old, and a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 26.3±3.8 kg/m2. Technical success ranged from 64% to 100%. A total of 4172 target visceral vessels (TVV) were planned for bridging, with a success rate ranging from 92 to 100%. The total of early and late reinterventions reported were 64 and 48, respectively, mainly due to endoleaks and visceral branch occlusions. Among the theoretical feasibility studies, six described the feasibility of the t-Branch device in a total of 661 patients, two described the E-nside and the TAMBE devices feasibility comprising 351 patients for each stent-graft. The overall feasibility of the t-Branch device varied from 39% to 88%, the E-nside from 43% to 75%, and the TAMBE stent-graft ranged from 33% to 94%.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review demonstrated a good suitability for the use of OTS endografts for the treatment of TAAA.

Experience with inner branch off the shelf device for thoracoabdominal aneurysms

Endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms (cAAA) including thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms is becoming more common. Most patients require custom made devices and until recently the off the shelf (OTS) options were limited. The aim of this manuscript was to describe a new inner branch OTS device and its clinical applications. A review of the current literature on the ENSIDE device from Artivion was performed and the authors' experience presented. The short outcomes of this particular OTS device are acceptable and the anatomical suitability on par with other similar devices. The preloaded configuration of the device can offer benefits in complex anatomy. New OTS devices for cAAA can provide treatment in emergent or urgent situations in many patients. Long term follow-up is needed and caution must be made against excessive use in less extensive aneurysms due to the risk of spinal cord ischemia.

Incidence and risk factors for interval aortic events during staged fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair

OBJECTIVE

Staged endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms with first-stage thoracic endovascular aortic repair may decrease the risk of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) associated with fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms or optimize the proximal landing zone in the cases requiring total aortic arch repair. However, a limitation of multistaged procedures is the risk of interval aortic events (IAEs) including mortality from a ruptured aneurysm. We aim to identify the incidence of and risk factors associated with IAEs during staged FB-EVAR.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective review of patients who underwent planned staged FB-EVAR from 2013 to 2021. Clinical and procedural details were reviewed. End points were the incidence of and risk factors associated with IAEs (defined as rupture, symptoms, and unexplained death) and outcomes in patients with or without IAEs.

RESULTS

Of 591 planned FB-EVAR patients, 142 underwent first-stage repairs. Twenty-two did not have a planned second stage because of frailty, preference, severe comorbidities, or complications after the first stage and were excluded. The remaining 120 patients (mean age: 73 ± 6 years, 51% female) were planned for second-stage completion FB-EVAR and comprised our cohort. The incidence of IAEs was 13% (16 of 120). This included confirmed rupture in 6 patients, possible rupture in 4, symptomatic presentation in 4, and early unexplained interval death with possible rupture in 2. The median time to IAEs was 17 days (range: 2-101 days), and the median time to uncomplicated completion repairs was 82 days (interquartile range: 30-147 days). Age, sex, and comorbidities were similar between the groups. There were no differences in familial aortic disease, genetically triggered aneurysms, aneurysm extent, or presence of chronic dissection. Patients with IAEs had significantly larger aneurysm diameters than those without IAEs (76.6 vs 66.5 mm, P ≤ .001). This difference persisted with indexing for body surface area (aortic size index: 3.9 vs 3.5 cm/m2, P = .04) and height (aortic height index: 4.5 vs 3.9 cm/m, P ≤ .001). IAE mortality was 69% (11 of 16) compared with no perioperative deaths for those with uncomplicated completion repairs.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of IAEs was 13% in patients planned for staged FB-EVAR. This represented a notable morbidity, including rupture, which must be balanced with SCI and landing zone optimization when planning repair. Larger aneurysms, especially when adjusted for body surface area, are associated with IAEs. Minimizing time between stages vs single-stage repairs for larger (>7 cm) complex aortic aneurysms in patients with reasonable SCI risk should be considered when planning repair.

Additional Aortic Coverage With an Off The Shelf, Multibranched Endograft Compared With Custom Made Devices For Endovascular Repair of Pararenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (p-AAA) require complex endovascular aortic repair or open surgical repair with suprarenal clamping. Custom made devices (CMD), including fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) or off the shelf (OTS) multibranched devices, are available treatment options. The aim of this study was to determine the additional healthy aortic coverage using an OTS multibranched endograft vs. a CMD for the treatment of p-AAAs.

METHODS

This was a retrospective single centre analysis of prospectively collected data. Consecutive patients with p-AAAs requiring a proximal landing zone above the coeliac artery (CA), planned and treated with CMDs (Zenith Fenestrated) between January 2017 and December 2021 were included in this study. Treatment with supracoeliac coverage using available OTS multibranched devices was simulated using available pre-operative images: T-Branch; E-nside; and TAMBE. Study endpoints included the need for additional proximal aortic coverage, and the number of the segmental arteries additionally covered proximally from the CA for OTS devices compared with CMDs.

RESULTS

Eighty three patients with p-AAAs were treated with CMDs (all FEVAR), including juxtarenal AAAs (n = 46; 56%), suprarenal AAAs (n = 20; 24%), and short neck AAAs (n = 17; 20%). In this study, treatment with 249 (3 × 83) OTS endografts was simulated. When compared with CMDs, OTS devices required a mean of 74 ± 19 mm of additional proximal healthy aortic coverage from the CA (CMD: 33 ± 19 mm vs. OTS: 108 ± 6 mm; p ≤ .001), as well as an average sacrifice of 2.5 additional segmental arteries (CMD: 1.3 ± 0.8 vs. OTS: 3.8 ± 0.9; p ≤ .001). In 94% of patients, at least one of the available multibranched endografts could have been implanted in accordance with instructions for use.

CONCLUSION

Despite not requiring customisation time, OTS endografts for the treatment of p-AAA lead to more extensive healthy aortic coverage, as well as an average sacrifice of 2.5 additional segmental arteries, compared with CMDs. When compared with OTS devices, CMDs appear to limit the extent of unnecessary aortic coverage and the theoretical subsequent risk of spinal cord ischaemia.

In Situ Laser Fenestrations of Aortic Endografts for Emergent Aortic Disease

BACKGROUND

In situ laser fenestration (ISLF) is a novel endovascular technique which allows customization of a standard stent graft to a patient's anatomy. While most reported cases involve revascularization of the left subclavian artery (LSA), some centers have now reported their initial experience treating branches of the visceral aorta for aortic aneurysms. The aim of this study is to examine the adoption of ISLF in emergent aortic pathology at a specialized aortic center.

METHODS

Between December 2020 and February 2022, all patients who underwent ISLF as part of endovascular intervention for complex aortic pathology at a university hospital were identified. Cases were collected from a prospective aortic database with additional information obtained from a retrospective review of electronic hospital records.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (11 men and 4 women) underwent emergency ISLF, with a median age of 76 years. Eleven presented with symptomatic or ruptured aortic aneurysms, three with acute complicated aortic dissections and 1 aortic traumatic transection. Most aortic aneurysms were thoraco-abdominal (n = 7), with 1 arch, 1 thoracic, 1 supra-renal, and one-juxta-renal aortic aneurysm. ISLF was performed to revascularize the LSA in 8 cases, and branches of the reno-visceral aorta in 7 cases. All LSA ISLF cases had left brachial artery exposure. Femoral access was percutaneous in 14 of 15 cases. Technical success was 96.3% (26/27)). Median ischemic times were: superior mesenteric artery 7 min, renal arteries 22 min, and celiac trunk 43.5 min. There were 2 early aortic/fenestration related reinterventions. There was no stroke and 1 death caused by heparin-induced thrombocytopenia within 30 days. The majority of patients did not require intensive care admission (n = 8). The median intensive care unit stay was 0 days and hospital length of stay 18 days. There was no fenestration endoleak or reintervention post discharge with a median follow-up of 168 days.

CONCLUSIONS

ISLF is a promising new technique that can show excellent technical results in experienced aortic centers, even during the learning curve. While custom-made devices with reinforced fenestrations are preferred in nonemergent situations, ISLF is a feasible option for complex aortic pathology in the acute setting when open surgery is not feasible.

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.

A prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial cohort to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel stent graft system (WeFlow-JAAA) for the treatment of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm: A study protocol

Introduction

Juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JRAAAs) are challenging to cure by traditional endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Due to the inherent disadvantages of the customized fenestrated and/or branched aortic endografts (such as delayed cycles with a risk of aneurysm rupture, unavailable in emergency or confine operations), several off-the-shelf devices have been developed for the treatment of JRAAA. However, these devices being used in clinical trials have been proven to have a non-negligible risk of reintervention and inadequate anatomic applicability. We have developed a new off-the-shelf aortic endograft system (WeFlow-JAAA) with a mixed design of inner branches and modified fenestrations. The purpose of this cohort study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of the innovative aortic endograft system.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, multicenter, single-armed clinical trial cohort study. The enrolment will take place in 29 centers in China, and 106 adult patients with JRAAA will be enrolled in total. Clinical information and CT angiography (CTA) images will be collected and recorded. Patients will be followed up for 5 years. The primary safety endpoint is the rate of no major adverse event within 30 days after index EVAR. The primary efficacy endpoint is the rate of immediate technical success and no JRAAA-related reintervention within 12 months after the procedure.

Peri-Operative Management of Patients Undergoing Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Repair for Juxtarenal, Pararenal and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Preventing, Recognizing and Treating Complications to Improve Clinical Outcomes

The advent and refinement of complex endovascular techniques in the last two decades has revolutionized the field of vascular surgery. This has allowed an effective minimally invasive treatment of extensive disease involving the pararenal and the thoracoabdominal aorta. Fenestrated-branched EVAR (F/BEVAR) now represents a feasible technical solution to address these complex diseases, moving the proximal sealing zone above the renal-visceral vessels take-off and preserving their patency. The aim of this paper was to provide a narrative review on the peri-operative management of patients undergoing F/BEVAR procedures for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA), pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (PRAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurism (TAAA). It will focus on how to prevent, diagnose, and manage the complications ensuing from these complex interventions, in order to improve clinical outcomes. Indeed, F/BEVAR remains a technically, physiologically, and mentally demanding procedure. Intraoperative adverse events often require prolonged or additional procedures and complications may significantly impact a patient's quality of life, health status, and overall cost of care. The presence of standardized preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative pathways of care, together with surgeons and teams with significant experience in aortic surgery, should be considered as crucial points to improve clinical outcomes. Aggressive prevention, prompt diagnosis and timely rescue of any major adverse events following the procedure remain paramount clinical needs.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Published Studies on Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm With the p-Branch

Background

Endovascular treatment of juxtarenal or pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms is more popular than open surgery, mainly because it reduces perioperative mortality and morbidity. The custom-made fenestrated devices need to be tailored to each patient, so these devices require extra manufacturing and shipping time. The increased wait time may increase the risk of aneurysm rupture in some patients. In some situations, “Off-the-shelf” (OTS) fenestrated grafts can be used. The Cook Zenith p-Branch device (William Cook Australia, Brisbane, Australia) is a relatively common OTS. This study aimed to systematically evaluate all published experiences with p-Branch.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane to find works of literature that reported on the outcomes of patients treated with the p-Branch stent-grafts. Then we conducted an assessment of quality and meta-analysis of the results. The primary endpoints were the application rate of p-Branch stent-graft (type A, B), technical success rate, and early re-intervention rate. We estimated pooled proportions and 95% CIs.

Results

Initial search of the literature included 111 articles, of which 7 studies were included in the end. A total of 260 patients were enrolled in these studies, and 218 patients were eventually treated with p-Branch. The pooled application rate of type A devices was 48% (95% CI, 29–67%), and pooled application rate of type B devices was 30% (95% CI, 16–44%). The pooled technical success rate was 87% (95% CI, 75–98%). The early re-intervention rate was 10% (95% CI, 3–17%). Midterm renal infarct rate (after 30 days) was 3% (95% CI, 0–6%). Midterm re-intervention rate (after 30 days) was 30% (95% CI, 3–57%). Midterm renal failure rate (after 30 days) was 6% (95% CI, 2–10%).

Conclusions

This pooled analysis indicated an acceptable technical success rate after p-Branch stent-graft implantation, with early and midterm re-intervention rate and renal failure rate that cannot be ignored. The p-Branch repair of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms may be an appropriate and safe option, especially in emergency situations.

Initial Experience with Fenestrated Physician-Modified Stent Grafts Using 3D Aortic Templates

The goal of this study was to describe the surgical results of physician-modified endografts (PMEG) utilizing a 3D aortic template in a center with no prior experience in complex endovascular aortic repairs. Forty-three patients underwent physician-modified graft stent implantation using a 3D aortic model. The inclusion criteria were juxtarenal and suprarenal aortic aneurysms, type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms, and type IA endoleak after endovascular aortic repair. In asymptomatic patients, the diameter threshold for aneurysm repair was 5.5 cm in males and 5.0 cm in females. 3D aortic templates were prepared from the patient’s computed tomography angiography scans and sterilized before use in the operating suite. Forty-three stent grafts were modified with the use of a 3D printing template. A total of 162 reinforced fenestrations (37 celiac, 43 right renal, 39 left renal, 43 superior mesenteric) with a mean of 3.8 per patient were performed. All PMEGs had a posterior reducing-diameter tie and a preloaded guidewire. The mean modification time was 86 ± 12 min. The mean follow-up was 14 ± 12 months. The 30-day mortality was 12%. During the follow-up period, the patency rate was 95% per the superior mesenteric artery, 93% per right renal artery, 95% per left renal artery, and 89% per celiac trunk. Twelve (28%) patients had endoleak, of which type I or III was present in 5 (12%) patients, and type II in 7 (16%). 3D printing can be successfully integrated into the physician’s everyday practice of stent graft modification. However, the use of this approach in centers without experience performing complex aortic procedures results in worse surgical metrics than those previously reported.

Midterm Outcomes for Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Objective

To investigate technical and clinical outcomes in patients with thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with the multibranched off the shelf Zenith t-Branch stent graft or a custom made device (CMD).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of patients operated on at a single tertiary vascular centre in Norway. Twenty eight t-Branch and 17 CMD patients were identified. Demographic, aneurysm, and peri-operative data were summarised and compared.

Results

Thirty day mortality was 4% (2/45), with mortality rates of 7% (2/28) and 0 in t-Branch and CMD patients, respectively (p = .52). Technical success was 87% (39/45), with a non-significant difference between t-Branch and CMD procedures of 89% (25/28) and 82% (14/17), respectively (p = .63). Stent graft coverage was significantly longer in t-Branch patients (p = .020). Paraparesis or paraplegia developed in 18% (5/28) of t-Branch patients and 12% (2/17) of CMD patients (p = .69), and spinal cord ischaemia was associated with Crawford type II aneurysms (p = .010) and aortic coverage >400 mm (p = .050). The estimated survival at one and two years for t-Branch patients was 93% and 88%, and 100% and 92% for CMD patients. Freedom from re-intervention was estimated at 70% and 43% at one and two years for t-Branch patients, and 58% and 50% for CMD patients.

Conclusion

The study showed low 30 day mortality rates, acceptable technical success rates, high medium term survival, and no statistically significant differences in clinically relevant outcomes between t-Branch and CMD patients.

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Clinical outcomes do not vary significantly between t-Branch and CMD patients.

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30 day mortality was low among both t-Branch and CMD patients.

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Midterm survival was high in both groups.

Role of historical and procedural staging during elective fenestrated and branched endovascular treatment of extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Procedural staging is often performed to reduce the incidence of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) during endovascular treatment of extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). However, its role in the case of previous thoracic or infrarenal aortic repair (historical staging) has been controversial. In the present study, we evaluated the SCI rates when procedural staging was routinely used and studied its potential benefits when previous aortic repairs had already been performed.

METHODS

The data from patients treated electively with fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair for extent I, II, III, and V TAAAs were retrieved from a multicenter registry (four high-volume national teaching hospitals) and analyzed. The primary endpoint was the rate of SCI and its association with preoperative and postoperative variables, including historical staging, procedural staging, and an impaired collateral network (subclavian or hypogastric stenosis >75% per occlusion). Variables were defined in accordance with the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. A logistic regression model with stepwise selection was used to identify the predictors of SCI.

RESULTS

A total of 240 patients (76% male; median age, 73 years) were analyzed. Of the 240 patients, 43 (18%) had presented with an impaired collateral network, 136 (57%) had had historical staging, and 157 (65%) had received procedural staging. Preoperative spinal fluid cerebrospinal drainage was performed in 130 patients (54%). Permanent grade 3 SCI was observed in 13 patients (5%) and was negatively affected by both an impaired collateral network (odds ratio [OR], 17.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-176; P = .016) and the presence of bilateral iliac occlusive disease (OR, 10.1; 95% CI, 1.1-98.3; P = .046). Both historical (OR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.001-0.46; P = .014) and procedural (OR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.02-0.7; P = .019) staging mitigated the permanent SCI rates. The need for postoperative transfusions (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8; P = .014) and the occurrence of postoperative renal complications (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.2-35.0; P < .001) were associated with the development of SCI. Among the patients with historical staging, no further benefit from procedural staging was observed (SCI with procedural staging, 1%; vs no staging, 2%; P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with extensive TAAAs treated with fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair, both historical and planned procedural staging were associated with reduced permanent SCI rates. However, no additional benefit was observed when procedural staging was performed in patients with historical staging and an intact collateral network. The protective role of preoperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage placement requires further investigation.

Frequency and type of interval adverse events during the waiting period to complex aortic endovascular repair

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency and type of adverse events that can occur during the waiting period to complex aortic endovascular repair.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of all elective patients with complex aortic aneurysms (including pararenal, suprarenal, thoracoabdominal, and aortic arch aneurysms) that had required a custom-made device (CMD) from Cook Medical (Bloomington, Ind) at a tertiary referral vascular center (November 2010 to May 2020). The waiting period was defined as the interval between the date of the stent-graft order and the date of the procedure or cancellation. Interval adverse events were defined as any event that had occurred during the waiting period and led to either mortality, aneurysm rupture, or cancellation of the planned procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 235 patients (mean age, 72 years; 25% female) had had a CMD graft ordered (201 planned as a single-stage procedure). The median waiting time until surgery was 106 days (interquartile range [IQR], 77-146 days) in the whole cohort and 101 days (IQR, 77-140 days) for the single-stage cohort. The planned procedure was performed electively in 219 patients (93%), with an overall 30-day elective mortality of 2% (n = 5). A total of 16 interval adverse events occurred during the waiting period. Of these 16 events, 10 were aneurysm ruptures and 6 were cancellations of the procedure owing to non-aneurysm-related deaths (3% of the entire cohort). A total of 10 interval deaths were registered (4.2%), 4 of which were aneurysm related. The risk of rupture during the waiting period (Kaplan-Meier) was 6.1% ± 2.3% at 180 days. The median interval from the stent-graft order to aneurysm rupture was 101 days (IQR, 54-200 days). Of the 10 aneurysm ruptures that had occurred, 6 had undergone emergent repair, with 0% mortality at 30 days (one open repair, one t-Branch, one physician-modified endograft, two cases for which the CMD was already available, one case for which a different CMD was available).

CONCLUSIONS

The median waiting time from the stent-graft order to implantation was ∼15 weeks. During this waiting period, a substantial proportion of patients could experience adverse events, either related to aneurysm rupture or underlying comorbidities. The risk of rupture during the waiting period exceeded the risk of perioperative mortality. Thus, efforts to decrease this risk could significantly improve the outcomes. A combination of different techniques might play a vital role in reducing the mortality after cases of interval rupture.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the occurrence of spinal cord ischemia following endovascular repair of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The rates of endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA-ER) have increased considerably in the last years. While mortality and morbidity rates have improved, spinal cord ischemia (SCI) rates have not declined significantly. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine SCI rates with respect to the efficacy of the different approaches.

METHODS

Cohort studies and case series (>20 patients) reporting SCI rates after TAAA-ER were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was the evaluation of SCI. Moderators considered were primarily the staged/non-staged approach, the use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) and TAAA extension. Permanent SCI and mortality rates were extracted.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies (n=2333 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate for SCI was 11% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8%-15%; I²:80%). For extent I,II,III and V TAAA, the pooled SCI rate was 13% (95% CI: 10%-17%; I²=71%), while for extent IV TAAA it was 6% (95% CI: 3%-10%; I²=62%). A staged TAAA-ER approach was used in 18 studies and a non-staged approach in 6 (one study included both). A lower pooled SCI rate was identified following staged compared with non-staged TAAA-ER (9% vs. 18%, respectively; P=.02). Staging was accomplished in >1 month in 9 studies and ≤1 month in 2, leading to similar SCI rates (7% vs. 11%, respectively; P=.29). The method of staging (thoracic-endoprosthesis or temporary aortic sac perfusion) did not affect SCI rates. Symptomatic CSFD was associated with a similar pooled rate of SCI compared with prophylactic CSFD (10% vs. 10%, respectively; P=.95). Pooled permanent SCI was 5% (6% following extent I,II,III and V TAAA; 3% following extent IV TAAA). Prophylactic or symptomatic CSFD have a similar rate of SCI (10% vs. 10%, respectively; P=.89). The pooled rate of 30-day mortality was 7%, with a similar incidence for the staged and non-staged approaches (6% vs. 9%, respectively). The inter-stage mortality was reported in 10 studies, with a pooled estimate rate of 1.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

SCI occurs in 11% of TAAA-ER and half of these cases are permanent. A staged approach can reduce SCI rates independently from the timing and the method adopted. The overall mortality rate for staged TAAA-ER is 6%, with one fourth of deaths (1.6%) occurring between stages.

[Surgeon-modified Stent Grafts for Complex Aortic Reconstructions - What is Feasible?]

BACKGROUND

The close anatomical relationship to the visceral vessels renders the treatment of complex throacoabdominal aortic pathologies challenging. In emergent cases, off-the-shelf stent grafts and parallel techniques are feasible treatment options. Alternatively, the treating surgeon can alter a conventional stent graft, creating a so-called surgeon-modified stent graft (SMSG) to adapt it to the complex aortic pathology. The aim of this publication is to present the possibilities and results of this method.

RESULTS

The location of SMSG's fenestrations can be determined after manual measurements of the centerline of flow reconstructions of the aortic computed tomography-angiography. The planning of the SMSG can be simplified and standardized by creating personalized 3D aortic models, and by using algorithms for the automated determination of the ideal fenestration positions. Most approved stent grafts can be used as platforms for SMSG. Different manufacturing techniques have been described. In addition to simple fenestrations, mini-cuffs, directional branches, and inner branches are used. Furthermore, diameter reducing ties and preloaded catheters could facilitate the implantation. The treatment of complex aortic pathologies using SMSG has achieved good results, with high technical success rate of 90-100%, and low 30-day mortality, especially when compared to open surgical treatment of similar patients. The rate of endoleak of 0-14% was also acceptable. Long-term durability results after treatment with SMSG are not yet available.

CONCLUSION

Surgeon-modified stent grafts are safe and feasible for the endovascular treatment of patients with urgent complex thoracoabdominal aortic pathologies. They represent compassionate use and show promising results in the published literature.

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.

Percutaneous Treatment of Concomitant Severe Aortic Stenosis and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

PURPOSE

Although rare in occurrence, symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and large thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) found in combination pose a real therapeutic challenge, especially in elderly frail patients. Surgical approaches for combined treatment are complex and at high risk of complications while staged procedures carry the risk of an unfavorable evolution of the condition temporarily left untreated. Minimally invasive approaches may therefore prove a more suitable strategy for these patients.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 78-year-old woman with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) and a TAAA of 7.8 cm in diameter. Transcatheter treatment of both conditions was successfully performed in a staged manner. The first intervention consisted of combined transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) immediately followed by a zone 3 thoracic endovascular aortic endoprosthesis deployment. In order to reduce the extent of intercostal arteries coverage and mitigate the risk of medullar ischemia, a second-stage percutaneous endovascular treatment of the TAAA was performed with a customized 4-fenestration prosthesis. Early and 12-month clinical and radiologic follow-up were favorable.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates how a strong multidisciplinary collaboration allows for successful resolution of complex clinical scenarios.

Open or endovascular treatment of downstream thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aortic pathology after frozen elephant trunk: perioperative and mid-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of open and endovascular treatment of downstream thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aortic pathology in patients who underwent previous frozen elephant trunk (FET).

METHODS

Data were retrieved to evaluate mortality, cardiac, pulmonary, cerebrovascular, renal and spinal cord major adverse events, early- and mid-term reintervention and survival rates. The Society for Vascular Surgery endovascular reporting standards were used.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2020, 48 patients (36 males, median age 60 years) underwent downstream aortic repair at a median of 18 months (interquartile range: 6-57) after the initial FET. Twenty-eight patients (58.3%) received open and 20 (41.7%) endovascular repair. The overall 30-day mortality was 6.3% and the initial clinical success was 88%, with no inter-group differences (P = 0.22 and 0.66 respectively). Six spinal cord deficits were recorded (13%): 3 (6.3%) were permanent. The major adverse events incidence was lower in the endovascular cohort [4 (20%) vs 14 (50%); P = 0.047], mainly due to a lower rate of grade ≥2 respiratory complications (5% vs 42.9%; P = 0.004). Assisted primary clinical success at 5 years was higher in the endovascular group (95% vs 68%, P = 0.022); freedom from reintervention at competing risk analysis (P = 0.3) and overall survival at Kaplan-Meier curves (log-rank P = 0.29) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Downstream aortic repair after FET is feasible with both open and endovascular repair with acceptable mortality and permanent paraplegia rates. The endovascular approach has potential perioperative and mid-term advantages, but long-term durability has to be further investigated in larger cohorts.

Comparison of anatomic feasibility of three different multibranched off-the-shelf stent-grafts designed for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

We compared the theoretical anatomic feasibility of endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) with three off-the-shelf multibranched stent-grafts: t-Branch (Zenith t-Branch; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), Gore Excluder thoracoabdominal branch endoprosthesis (TAMBE; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz), and E-nside (E-nside multibranch stent graft system; Jotec GmbH, Hechingen, Germany).

METHODS

Computed tomography scans of patients with degenerative TAAAs treated from 2007 to 2019 were reviewed, and the anatomic feasibility of the multibranched stent-grafts was assessed according to the manufacturer's instructions for use. The anatomic factors determining the overall feasibility were divided into access feasibility, aortic feasibility, and visceral vessel feasibility.

RESULTS

Degenerative TAAAs in 268 patients were analyzed. The overall feasibility did not differ significantly (TAMBE, 33%; t-Branch, 39%; E-nside, 43%; P = .271). Access, aortic, and visceral vessel feasibility alone excluded 18% to 22%, 35% to 49% and 21% to 26% of the patients respectively. The only significant difference between the devices was in aortic feasibility (P = .005), which was more frequently limited by the proximal aortic neck diameter in the TAMBE cohort and the inner visceral aortic diameter in the t-Branch cohort. The overall treatment feasibility using any of the three devices would have been 58%.

CONCLUSIONS

The new investigational off-the-shelf multibranched stent-grafts did not significantly improve the theoretical applicability in an extensive cohort of patients with TAAAs. Improvements are warranted to increase their overall feasibility.

Single Center Experience with Endovascular Repair of Acute Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

PURPOSE

To investigate feasibility and outcomes of endovascular repair for acute thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent endovascular repair for acute TAAA between January 2010 and April 2020 were included. Perioperative and mid-term follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Survival, freedom from reintervention, and target vessel patency were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients (18 men, 67.5 ± 6.9 years) underwent endovascular repair for acute symptomatic (n = 15) or contained ruptured (n = 15) TAAA. An off-the-shelf four-branched stent-graft (T-Branch) was used in 19 (63.3%) patients, a custom-made device (CMD) with expedite order in 5 (16.7%) patients, a CMD with short anticipated delivery time in 3 (10.0%) patients, and a CMD available in the hospital in 3 (10.0%) patients. Technical success was 90.0% (n = 27). Thirty-day mortality was 10% (n = 3). There was no complete persistent paraplegia, but one (3.3%) patient suffered permanent limb weakness. Estimated survival at 1 and 2 years was 86.3% ± 6.4%, and 82.3% ± 7.2%, respectively. Estimated freedom from reintervention at 1 and 2 years was 81.4% ± 7.6% and 73% ± 8.8%. Estimated target vessel patency at 1 and 2 years was 96.6% ± 2% and 92.6% ± 2.9%.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of acute TAAA in this selected group of patients was associated with low early mortality and excellent mid-term survival. The off-the-shelf stent-graft option (T-Branch) was used in the majority of patients. Endovascular repair should be considered the first option for suitable acute TAAA.

Five Year Results of Off the Shelf Fenestrated Endografts for Elective and Emergency Repair of Juxtarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is a well established treatment for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). FEVAR with custom made devices (CMDs) has limitations in both the emergency and elective settings due to time consuming manufacture. "Off the shelf" (OTS) fenestrated stent grafts are a potential solution. The primary goal was to evaluate the five year outcome of the COOK Zenith p-Branch OTS device at a single centre.

METHODS

Patients with juxtarenal AAA meeting the inclusion criteria for the COOK Zenith p-Branch device were enrolled in a prospective, non-randomised, non-comparative trial from July 2012 to September 2015. Demographic, anatomical, procedure related, and five year follow up data were collected, analysed, and adjudicated by a core laboratory. The primary aims were to assess intervention free survival and overall survival at five years.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were treated and 21 completed follow up. Mean time to p-Branch implantation after patient presentation was 28 hours (range 0-122 hours) in emergency cases and 67 days (range 20-112 days) in elective cases. Median procedure time was 283 minutes (range 161-475 minutes) and technical success was 91%. Mean follow up was 45 months (standard deviation ± 24.4 months). The most common adverse events were renal injuries. Primary target vessel patency was 96.4% and 94.0% after one and five years respectively. Mean time to first re-intervention was 469 days (range 0-1 567 days). Survival during the follow up period was 76%, with no aneurysm related deaths.

CONCLUSION

FEVAR with the COOK Zenith p-Branch device is safe and effective for juxtarenal AAA in a selected patient population, in both elective and emergency settings. Long term outcomes are acceptable although inferior to CMDs. Mid and long term outcomes emphasise the p-Branch as a possible endovascular treatment for juxtarenal aortic pathology where CMD is not an option. Further innovation to address target vessel complications is needed, as these seem more prevalent than after repair with CMDs.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Following One versus Two Stage Hybrid Repair of Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

For thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA), it is unclear whether it is better to perform hybrid repair in one (single) or two stages (staged). This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of single vs. staged hybrid repair of TAAA.

METHODS

The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Databases (1 January 1994 to 11 May 2020) were searched for studies on hybrid repair of TAAA. Cohort studies and case series reporting outcomes of single and staged hybrid repair of TAAA were eligible for inclusion. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale and an 18 item tool were used to assess the risk of bias. The primary outcome was 30 day mortality, and the secondary outcomes included post-operative complications, overall survival, and other mid term events. A random effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 37 studies was included in the meta-analysis. The quality assessment of the included studies suggested low or moderate risk of bias. The pooled estimates for aneurysm rupture and death during stage interval were 2% (95% CI 0%-4%, I² = 0%) and 4% (95% CI 2%-7%, I² = 0%), respectively. Single repair was associated with a significantly higher 30 day risk of death when compared with patients who completed staged procedures successfully (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.36-5.12, I² = 0%). Staged repair also had lower incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (single: 10%, 95% CI 5%-16%; staged: 2%, 95% CI 0%-5%) and intestinal complications (single: 15%, 95% CI 8%-25%; staged: 3%, 95% CI 1%-6%). For mid term outcomes, single and staged repair had comparable 12 month overall survival, aneurysm related mortality, rate of re-intervention, and graft patency.

CONCLUSION

Two stage hybrid repair may represent a better choice for patients with controlled risk of aneurysm rupture, because it can provide lower 30 day mortality risks, MACE, and intestinal complications, as well as comparable mid term outcomes. Randomised controlled trials are needed to ascertain the effect of repair staging in patients for elective TAAA.

Reasons for and Outcomes of Open Abdominal Aortic Repair in the Endovascular Era

BACKGROUND

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the treatment of choice for most patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Open aneurysm repair (OAR) is still being used in a number of patients for specific reasons. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reasons and perioperative outcomes of OAR in a high-volume endovascular center.

METHODS

All patients who underwent OAR in a single center institution during the period April 2010 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 222 patients underwent OAR. One hundred and forty-one (63.5%) patients underwent elective surgery, and eighty-one (36.5%) patients were treated acutely. The reasons for the decision to perform OAR instead of EVAR were as follows: anatomical in 89 (40.1%) cases, rupture in unstable patient in 57 (25.7%) cases, AAA with concomitant iliac arterial occlusive disease in 44 (19.8%) cases, previous EVAR with complications in 14 (6.3%) cases, large pararenal aneurysm considered risky to wait for a customized fenestrated stent graft in 7 (3.2%) cases, young patient age in 4 (1.8%) cases, the patient's preference in 3 (1.4%) cases, infected/mycotic AAA in 2 (0.9%) cases, and simultaneous OAR with colon cancer resection (n = 1, 0.5%) and renal transplantation (n = 1, n = 0.5). Thirty-day mortality in elective cases was 5% (7/141) and in acute cases 34.6% (28/81).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that OAR is still used for selected patients despite improvements in EVAR technology. The most common reason for OAR was an unsuitable anatomy for EVAR. Perioperative mortality of OAR both for acute and elective cases as observed in this study is in line with published outcomes of other centers.

The Influence of 3D Printed Aortic Models on the Evolution of Physician Modified Stent Grafts for the Urgent Treatment of Thoraco-abdominal and Pararenal Aortic Pathologies

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to describe the outcomes of high risk patients with symptomatic or contained rupture of pararenal (PRAs) and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) with anatomy unsuitable for commercially available stent grafts who underwent fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) using physician modified stent grafts (PMSGs) planned with 3D image analysis software (3DIMAS), and 3D printed aortic models (3DAMs).

METHODS

Nineteen consecutive patients (17 male; mean age, 70 ± 9 years) underwent PMSG-FEVAR between 2015 and 2019. 3DAMs to plan the PMSGs were introduced in 2018. End points were all cause mortality, freedom from any endoleak, target vessel patency, and re-intervention.

RESULTS

Seven patients (36.8%) were treated with PMSGs using 3DIMAS (three PRAs, three type IV, and one type III TAAAs), and 12 patients (63.2%) received PMSGs using 3DAMs (five PRAs, seven type IV TAAAs). Six patients presented with contained aortic rupture and 13 patients were treated for symptomatic aortic aneurysm. Mean aortic diameter was 72 ± 10 mm. The choice of stent graft for fenestration was the Valiant Captivia Closed Web (Medtronic), except for one patient. Sixteen (84.2%) stent grafts were manufactured with four fenestrations. Technical success was 100%. Seventy-one renovisceral branch vessels were targeted with fenestrations. Mean length of hospital stay was 17.3 ± 10.4 days. Thirty day mortality was 0%. Two patients developed reversible spinal cord injury. Mean follow up was 14.4 months (range 1-52 months). During follow up one non-aneurysm related death occurred, and two successful re-interventions were performed: one to re-establish renal artery patency, and one to treat a type 1c endoleak.

CONCLUSION

PMSGs for urgent treatment of pararenal and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms in high risk patients unsuitable for commercially available stent grafts are feasible and safe. 3D printing technology may improve urgent construction of patient specific devices for treatment of complex aortic pathologies and improve outcomes.

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

OBJECTIVES

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Clinicaltrials.gov

NCT03959670.

Systematic Review on the Use of Physician-Modified Endografts for the Treatment of Aortic Arch Diseases

BACKGROUND

The total endovascular approach is in current evolution, and many series have described variable outcomes for branched technology, chimney techniques, or fenestrated repair; and even a combination of some of them. We aim to describe the current outcomes on physician-modified endograft for the treatment of arch diseases.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for this systematic review. The search was applied to MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We used the following search terms in all possible combinations: home-made, physician-modified, surgeon-modified, on-table modification, hand-made, endograft, endovascular, aortic arch, and TEVAR: a thorough search of the English-language literature published until March 2020 was performed to identify studies using physician-modified endograft for the treatment of arch diseases. Only studies with treatment of 3 patients or more and with a minimum of 6-month follow-up were enrolled in the systematic review, whereas case reports were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

Six articles participated in the systematic review after the exclusions, including a total of 239 patients for analysis. Four high-volume centers provided data including a high rate of single fenestrations in zone 2, accounting for nearly 70% of the cases. About 80.3% were males, and 67.4% received urgent treatment mainly for acute/subacute dissection (64.4%). Thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or postdissection arch aneurysm was the second leading cause of treatment with 25.9%. There was a technical success of 93.7% reaching up to 98.3% when additional procedures were performed. The 30-day mortality, stroke/transient ischemic attack, paraplegia, and stent-induced new entry rates were 2.9%, 2.1%, 0.4%, and 0.4%, respectively; whereas, overall mortality of the study was 4.6% at a mean follow-up of 33.2 ± 14.8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Endograft modification for aortic arch diseases' treatment demonstrates to be safe and highly effective, especially for aortic dissections needing single zone 2 fenestrations. Although outcomes achieved in the study seem encouraging, these are achieved at high-volume experienced centers, thus, they need to be judiciously evaluated, whereas proctoring may be a good alternative if one patient may benefit from the technique in an unexperienced center.

Endovascular Treatment for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Using Fenestrated and Branched Grafts

Fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR) is a less invasive treatment for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and complex abdominal aortic aneurysm. Fenestrated and branched (cuff) grafts facilitate safe and durable repair, and bail-out maneuvers for target vessel cannulation and stenting have been established; however, the available bridging stent grafts have differences. The present article discusses the optimal selection of fenestrated or branched grafts, the cannulation of target vessels that have difficult anatomies, and the advantages and disadvantages of various bridging stents. We review the causes and risk factors of spinal cord injury (SCI), the protocol for prevention of SCI, and the outcomes of target vessel stent grafting, including patency and endoleak.

Although conventional open surgery is the gold standard for the repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), it is highly invasive. To reduce invasiveness, hybrid surgery that combines open surgery and endovascular therapy has been developed [1, 2], and fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR) is frequently performed at centers in the USA, Europe, and Japan [3-5]. Additionally, a hostile neck may be an independent factor for sac enlargement after EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) [6], but a previous study reported that 41% of AAA cases presented with neck lengths outside the range prescribed by the traditional instruction for use [7]. Stark et al. showed that extending the graft above the highest renal artery would create an augmented neck length in 90% of patients with AAA [7]. F/B-EVAR is based on this principle. However, there are some technical tips for, and limitations of, fenestrated and/or branched graft. F/B-EVAR for TAAA and complex AAA will be reviewed in the present article.