Repair of juxtarenal para-anastomotic aortic aneurysms after previous open repair with fenestrated and branched endovascular stent grafts

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.

Fenestrated-Branch Endovascular Repair After Prior Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcome of fenestrated and branch endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR-BEVAR) for asymptomatic and acute symptomatic proximal aortic pathology in patients with prior open (OSR) or endovascular (EVAR) abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

METHODS

This was a single centre retrospective study of consecutive patients with non-ruptured (asymptomatic and acute symptomatic) proximal aortic pathology after prior OSR or EVAR treated between December 2007 and February 2020. The primary endpoint was 30 day/in hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were technical success, primary clinical success, and Kaplan-Meier estimates of medium term survival and freedom from re-intervention. Data are presented as median (interquartile range [IQR]). The effect of covariates on medium term survival was estimated using multivariable (Cox proportional hazards model) analysis. A p value < .05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients (83 men; median age 75 years [IQR 71 - 80 years]; median diameter 73 mm [IQR 64 - 89 mm]; 82 elective, 10 acute) underwent FEVAR-BEVAR after prior OSR (n = 47) or EVAR (n = 45). Indications for intervention were aneurysmal degeneration with or without type 1a endoleak (n = 57; four juxtarenal [JR] AAA, 21 extent II/III, 32 extent IV thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms); type 1a endoleak alone (n = 27) and to create a more durable repair after acute infrarenal EVAR (n = 8; JRAAA). In total, 348 renovisceral vessels were targeted for preservation and 324 were stent grafted. Twenty-four unstented vessels comprised one bypass, 11 scallops and six fenestrations intentionally not stent grafted, two vessels occluded before graft implantation, and four vessels occluded intra-operatively. Primary technical success was 95.6%. The thirty day mortality rate was 1.1% and one patient each (1.1%) required permanent dialysis or developed temporary spinal cord ischaemia. Early primary clinical success was 94.6%. Median follow up was 36 months (IQR 23 - 64 months). Estimated overall survival (± standard error) at one, two, and three years was 86% ± 4%, 85% ± 4%, and 70% ± 5%, respectively. Multivariable analysis did not demonstrate any independent predictors of survival. Four target vessels occluded during follow up. Nineteen patients underwent 28 late re-interventions, with almost half performed for issues arising distal to the FEVAR-BEVAR. Patients treated with a cuff were statistically significantly more likely to require distal re-intervention compared with those treated by relining (9/49 vs. 1/43, p = .018 [odds ratio 9.3, 95% confidence interval 1.2 - 423]). In patients with prior EVAR alone, this did not reach statistical significance (cuff 7/25 vs. relining 1/20, p = .059 [odds ratio 7.1, 95% confidence interval 0.8 - 350]). Estimated freedom from re-intervention at one, two, and three years was 88% ± 3%, 81% ± 4%, and 81% ± 4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

FEVAR-BEVAR after prior OSR or EVAR is associated with low peri-operative morbidity and mortality, and acceptable medium term survival and freedom from re-intervention. Treatment with a FEVAR-BEVAR cuff is associated with a higher requirement for distal re-intervention than relining of the original repair.

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.

Imaging Obtained Up To 12 Months Preoperatively Is Adequate for Planning Fenestrated/Branched Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVES

Patients referred for fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR) often present with a previous computed tomography angiogram (CTA), but it is unknown how recent the CTA must be to ensure accurate F/BEVAR planning. We sought to determine whether anatomic planning parameters change significantly between a CTA used for F/BEVAR planning and a CTA obtained 6 to 12 months prior.

METHODS

Two blinded observers reviewed preoperative CTAs from 21 patients who underwent F/BEVAR. Each patient had a "recent" scan obtained 0 to 6 months before F/BEVAR planning and a "prior" scan obtained 6 to 12 months before the "recent" CTA. Standard measurements included (1) target vessel separation distances, (2) target vessel origin clock position, and (3) proximal F/BEVAR device diameter. Clinically significant differences for target vessel separation distance, target vessel origin clock position, and proximal F/BEVAR device diameter were predefined as >5 mm, >30 minutes, and >4 mm, respectively. Differences between "recent"/"prior" CTA scans were examined by paired t test.

RESULTS

Mean time interval between paired "recent"/"prior" CTAs was 8.0 months (standard deviation: ±1.7). Mean difference in paired "recent"/"prior" target vessel distance (relative to celiac artery [CA]) was 2.6 mm for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), 2.5 mm for the right renal artery (RRA), and 3.3 mm for the left renal artery (LRA). Of the 21 paired "recent"/"prior" CTAs, clinically significant differences were observed in 2, 4, and 2 patients for SMA, RRA, and LRA target vessel distance, respectively. Target vessel clock position (SMA reference at 12:00) varied by 12 minutes for the CA, 13 minutes for the RRA, and 15 minutes for the LRA. One paired "recent"/"prior" CTA was found to have a clinically significant difference for the LRA. No clinically significant differences were observed for proximal device diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who underwent successful F/BEVAR, measurement comparisons between CTAs obtained up to 1 year prior were minor and unlikely to yield clinically significant changes to F/BEVAR design.

Three-vessel fenestrated and bilateral iliac branched graft repair of a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm with bilateral common iliac aneurysms

We describe a patient with large bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms as well as a large juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm successfully treated by a novel approach. The procedure, completed in one setting, involved this sequence: positioning and deployment of bilateral iliac branch grafts with appropriate internal iliac limbs; insertion of a three-vessel fenestrated proximal device with cannulation and stenting of the left renal artery; and positioning and deployment of a bifurcated endograft and two mating limbs to the bilateral iliac branch device. The procedure was completed with percutaneous access; the patient recovered well and was discharged on postoperative day 1.

Fenestrated and Branched Grafts for Para-Anastomotic Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Purpose:

To investigate the use of fenestration and branch artery stenting during endovascular stent-graft repair of para-anastomotic aneurysms (PAA).

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of 9 patients (all men; mean age 71 years, range 60–80) who received custom-designed fenestrated endoprostheses for PAA repair. Eight tubular fenestrated devices and 1 composite device (fenestrated tube plus modular bifurcated body) with a total of 31 fenestrations were used.

Results:

The mean operating time was 318±93 minutes (range 220–485); the mean fluoroscopy time was 77±38 minutes (range 39–158), during which a mean 121±81 mL (range 33–300) of contrast was used. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Over a mean follow-up of 12±5.5 months (range 6–24), 1 secondary intervention was carried out due to a break in a side branch stent-graft; 2 transient renal impairments and 1 permanent renal insufficiency unrelated to renal artery patency were observed. So far, no vessel loss has emerged.

Conclusion:

Conventional repair of PAA has been a standard procedure for many years, though it carries high surgical risk as well as perioperative mortality. Fenestrated endografts may be a promising alternative in selected patients.

[Endovascular therapy of para-anastomotic aneurysms of the aorta. Technical options]

BACKGROUND

Open repair of para-anastomotic aneurysms (pAAA) after conventional aortoiliac repair is associated with a high perioperative mortality and morbidity. Endovascular treatment options have evolved over the last decade. The aim of this article is to demonstrate and review these endovascular strategies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 01/2009 and 06/2012, a total of 12 patients received endovascular treatment for proximal (n = 7) or distal (n = 5) pAAA (n = 2 contained rupture). A retrospective analysis of these patients was performed. Median age was 71.5 years (range 55-87 years). The median time interval between primary operation and endovascular repair of the pAAA was 15 years (range 1-31 years) and median follow-up was 1.3 years (range 0 days - 3 years). Endovascular exclusion of the pAAA was achieved by implantation of an aortouniiliac endograft (n = 6), chimney graft (n = 1), fenestrated endograft (n = 2) and iliac extension (n = 3).

RESULTS

Technical success could be achieved in all patients and in-hospital mortality was 16.8  % (n = 2). No patient required a reintervention but during follow-up one additional patient died due to gastrointestinal bleeding. No primary or secondary type I/III endoleaks were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a not negligible mortality rate endovascular treatment of para-anastomotic aneurysms and anastomotic pseudoaneurysms appears to be a safe alternative for conventional open repair.

Stent graft repair of paraanastomotic aneurysms after open descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND

After open thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, anastomotic aneurysms can form at or near the suture lines of the graft. Endovascular repair is an alternative to complicated reoperative open surgery. We report on our experience with endovascular treatment of these lesions.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of endovascular thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs (TEVARs) performed at Mount Sinai Medical Center was reviewed and the initial procedures, comorbidities, clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, type of endograft, adjunctive procedures, and follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 135 TEVAR procedures performed between June 2001 and December 2008, 9 patients had anastomotic aneurysms after a previous open repair. The mean age was 66.7 (range 41-89) years, 67% of whom were male. Of these 9 patients, 5 had a descending thoracic repair, 3 had a type IV repair, and 1 had a type II thoracoabdominal repair. Aneurysm formation occurred in the following regions: proximal anastomosis (n = 2); intercostal patch (n = 1); distal anastomosis (n = 3); visceral patch (n = 2); and midgraft (n = 1). The initial technical success rate was 100%, with 8 patients receiving a thoracic tube graft and 1 a modular bifurcated device. Two patients required an adjunctive carotid-subclavian bypass and 2 required extraanatomic revascularization of the visceral arteries. Mean follow-up was 16.5 months. There was 1 perioperative death secondary to a postoperative myocardial infarction. Three patients developed an endoleak with 1 requiring an intervention. One patient required an open thoracoabdominal repair at 3 months for a penetrating ulcer at the visceral segment and another died from a ruptured thoracic aneurysm proximal to the stent graft at 72 months. Two more died during the follow-up period of non-aneurysm-related causes. Five patients had paraanastomotic shrinkage or no change and 1 had an increase in size, and 3 had no follow-up imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent graft repair of paraanastomotic aneurysms after open descending thoracic and thoracoabdomninal repair is a reasonable option when patients have suitable anatomy. These patients, however, require close follow-up for the development of aneurysmal degeneration adjacent to the stent graft repair.

Fenestrated aortic stent grafts

Fenestrated stent grafts have been developed to offer an endovascular treatment option to those patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms whose infrarenal necks are anatomically unsuitable for endovascular repair with standard infrarenal devices. The ability to have customized fenestrations that will preserve flow to essential visceral arteries allows proximal seal and fixation to be achieved at and above the renal level. This article discusses patient selection, stent-graft design, and the importance of accurate planning. Deployment techniques along with complications and their avoidance are considered. The published midterm results are reviewed and appear to justify the continued use and evaluation of this technique as an alternative to open surgical repair in high-risk patients with infrarenal necks unsuitable for standard endovascular repair.

Anastomotic pseudoaneurysms after surgical reconstruction: outcomes after endovascular repair of symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients

PURPOSE

To compare perioperative and follow-up outcomes of symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients following endovascular repair of anastomotic pseudoaneurysms (APAs) of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 17 patients (two women), with a mean age of 66.2 years (range 30-83 years). Endovascular treatment was performed in ten symptomatic, and seven asymptomatic patients electively. Data included technical success, perioperative (within 30 days) mortality and morbidity, as well as stent graft-related complications, reinterventions, and survival in follow-up.

RESULTS

Bifurcated (n = 13), aortomonoiliac (n = 3) endoprosthesis and one aortic cuff were implanted with a primary technical success rate of 100%. The overall in-hospital mortality and morbidity rate was 11.8% and 35.3%. The mean survival was 36.5 (range 0-111) months. There was a clear trend toward a lower overall survival within hospital and at one and three years for symptomatic patients compared to asymptomatic patients. (47.7 (CI: 0-138.8) versus 52.6 (CI: 28.5-76.8) months (p = 0.274)). During follow-up, late stent graft related complications were observed in six patients (35.3%) necessitating eight endovascular reinterventions. Additional three patients with primary fistulas between the APA and the intestine were treated by late surgical revision.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular therapy of APAs represents a considerable alternative to open surgical repair. Short proximal anchoring zones still pose a risk for endoleaks and unintentional overstenting of side branches with commercially available devices, but this might be overcome by use of fenestrated and branched stent grafts in elective cases.

A branched, balloon-deployable, Aortomonoiliac stent-graft for treatment of AAA in a patient with a solitary intrapelvic kidney

PURPOSE

To report the use of a branched, balloon-deployable stent-graft to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the setting of a solitary kidney.

CASE REPORT

A 72-year-old man with a solitary intrapelvic kidney and multiple comorbid conditions was diagnosed with an asymptomatic 5.3-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA); the renal artery emerged from the aneurysm sac. A customized branched, balloon-deployable, aortomonoiliac stent-graft was utilized to exclude the AAA and preserve perfusion to the single renal artery. A synthetic bypass was then implanted to restore perfusion to the contralateral limb. The diameter of the aneurysm decreased from 5.3 to 2.7 cm at 18 months. The renal artery was patent without evidence of stenosis; renal function was normal.

CONCLUSION

The deployment of a novel branched stent-graft represents an interesting alternative approach to the treatment of a juxtarenal aneurysm.

Uninfected para-anastomotic aneurysms after infrarenal aortic grafting

PURPOSE

This single-institution retrospective review examines the management of uninfected para-anastomotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (PAAA), developed after infrarenal grafting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 1979 to November 2005, 31 PAAA were observed in our Department. Twenty-six uninfected PAAA of degenerative etiology, including 24 false and 2 true aneurysms, were candidates for intervention and retrospectively included in our database for management and outcome evaluation. Six (23%) patients were treated as emergencies. Surgery included tube graft interposition (n = 12), new reconstruction (n = 8), and graft removal with extra-anatomic bypass (n = 3). Endovascular management (n = 3) consisted of free-flow tube endografts.

RESULTS

The mortality rate among the elective and emergency cases was 5% and 66.6%, respectively (p = 0.005). The morbidity rate in elective cases was 57.8%, whereas 75% in emergency cases (p = 0.99). The survival rate during the follow-up was significantly higher for elective cases than for emergency cases.

CONCLUSION

Uninfected PAAA is a late complication of aortic grafting, tends to evolve silently and is difficult to diagnose. The prevalence is underestimated and increases with time since surgery. The mortality rate is higher among patients treated as an emergency than among patients who undergo elective surgery, therefore, elective treatment and aggressive management in the case of pseudoaneurysm are the keys to obtain a good outcome. Endovascular treatment could reduce mortality. Patients who undergo infrarenal aortic grafting require life-long surveillance after surgery.

Endovascular treatment of a ruptured para-anastomotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta

We report a case of a ruptured para-anastomotic aortic aneurysm treated with implantation of a bifurcated stent-graft. A 72-year-old patient, who had undergone aortobifemoral bypass for aortoiliac occlusive disease 16 years ago, presented with a ruptured para-anastomotic aortic aneurysm. A bifurcated stent-graft was successfully deployed into the old bifurcated graft. This is the first report of a bifurcated stent-graft being placed through an "end-to-side" anastomosed old aortobifemoral graft. Endovascular treatment of ruptured para-anastomotic aortic aneurysms can be accomplished successfully, avoiding open surgery which is associated with increased mortality and morbidity.

Endovascular repair of para-anastomotic aortic aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Para-anastomotic aneurysms involving the aorta and iliac arteries can occur years after aortic surgery and are at risk for rupture and erosion into surrounding structures. We report on our continued experience with patients who have been treated for these lesions with endovascular management as an alternative to traditional open repair.

METHODS

Patients who underwent endovascular repair of para-anastomotic aneurysms involving the distal aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, or iliac arteries were prospectively followed up in a database. Patient comorbidities, initial aortic pathology, initial graft configuration, aneurysm characteristics, evidence of infection, type and configuration of endograft used, and follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2006, 53 patients with 65 para-anastomotic aneurysms were treated with endovascular stent grafts. Patients who were originally treated for aortoiliac occlusive disease presented significantly later than those treated for aneurysmal disease (15.8 vs 8.9 years, P < .01) The initial technical success rate was 98%. Endoleaks were identified in six patients (11%) < or =1 month of surgery, and three required reintervention, including open conversions. Endoleak complications were significantly associated with patients who had symptomatic para-anastomotic aneurysms (P = .01). Perioperative mortality after endovascular repair was 3.8%. Overall mortality within a mean follow-up of 18 months was 49% and was significantly associated with older age at the time of endovascular treatment (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular repair of para-anastomotic aneurysms involving the aorta and iliac arteries is technically feasible and is associated with a low perioperative morbidity and mortality. Close follow-up is required to identify endoleaks. Long-term survival is limited in older patients. We recommend endovascular stent graft repair for para-anastomotic aneurysms in anatomically suitable patients.

Fenestrated endovascular grafts for juxtarenal aortic aneurysms: A step by step technical approach

Fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is a valuable alternative for patients who are at high risk for open surgery, but have unsuitable anatomy for infrarenal endovascular repair due to a short aneurysmal neck. Recognizing that this is an evolving and complex technology, we present a step by step approach to the surgical technique that may be useful for endovascular therapist interested in the management of these complex patients.

Fenestrated and Branched Stent-grafting After Previous Surgery Provides a Good Alternative to Open Redo Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience using fenestrated and branched endoluminal grafts for Para-anastomotic aneurysms (PAA) following prior open aneurysm surgery, and after previous endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) complicated by proximal type I endoleak.

METHODS

Fenestrated and/or branched EVAR was performed on eleven patients. Indications included proximal type I endoleak after EVAR and short infrarenal neck (n=4), suprarenal aneurysm after open AAA (n=4), distal type I endoleak after endovascular TAA (n=1), proximal anastomotic aneurysm after open AAA (n=1), and an aborted open AAA repair due to bleeding around a short infrarenal neck.

RESULTS

The operative target vessel success rate was 100% (28/28) with aneurysm exclusion in all patients. Mean hospital stay was 6.0 days (range 2-12 days, SD 3.5 days). Thirty day mortality was 0%. All cause mortality during 18 months mean follow-up (range 5-44 months, SD 16.7 months) was 18% (2/11) with no deaths from aneurysm rupture. Cumulative visceral branch patency was 96% (27/28) at 42 months. Average renal function remained unchanged during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report highlights the potential of fenestrated and branched technology to improve re-operative aortic surgical outcomes. The unique difficulties of increased graft on graft friction hindering placement, short working distance, and increased patient co-morbidities should be recognized.

Short to Midterm Outcomes of Fenestrated Endovascular Grafts in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms:A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review of the short to midterm outcomes of fenestrated endovascular grafts in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

METHODS

A search of PubMed and Medline databases for English-language literature was performed to find studies published between 1999 and 2006. Studies investigating the short to midterm results of fenestrated endovascular grafts for AAA were analyzed for clinical outcomes and postprocedural complications.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies involving fenestrated endovascular grafting were retrieved, and 6 of them met criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The remaining studies were excluded because they dealt with technical or case reports or cumulative addition of previous cases. Pooled estimates (95% confidence interval) of postprocedural complications were 1.1% (0.4%-2.7%) for 30-day mortality; 8.3% (2.9%-13.6%) for late mortality; 97% (92%-100%) and 90% (85%-95%) for perfusion of fenestrated vessels at perioperative and late follow-up, respectively; 13.3% (4.1%-22.5%) for postprocedural renal dysfunction; and 11.2% (3.2%-22.5%) and 9.4% (2.6%-16.3%) for early and late endoleak, respectively. There was correlation between preoperative renal insufficiency and postprocedural renal dysfunction, although this was not a statistically significant difference (p=0.2).

CONCLUSION

Our systematic review showed that fenestrated endovascular grafting provides an alternative technique to treat patients with complex aneurysm necks, achieving lower mortality than open repair under comparable conditions. Preoperative renal impairment is a strong indicator of postoperative renal dysfunction. Long-term stability and patency of the fenestrated vessels deserves to be validated.

Salvage of failed prior endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with fenestrated endovascular stent grafts

Three patients with type I proximal endoleak after previous endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair were treated with fenestrated endovascular stent grafts. Six renal arteries, three superior mesenteric arteries, and one coeliac axis were targeted for incorporation by graft fenestration. The fenestration-renal ostium interface was secured with balloon-expandable stents and completion angiography demonstrated no endoleaks and antegrade perfusion in all target vessels. All patients made an uncomplicated recovery. Fenestrated endovascular stent grafts can be used to salvage failed prior endovascular AAA repair in patients who are considered unsuitable for other endovascular or open surgical interventions.

Mid-term results of endovascular aneurysm repair with branched and fenestrated endografts

PURPOSE

The technique of fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been used for the treatment a variety of aortic aneurysms. Although technically successful, longer-term results have been lacking. This article reports on the mid-term results of aneurysm repair with fenestrated and branched endografts from a European center with a large endovascular experience.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2005, 38 patients were prospectively enrolled in a single institution, investigational device protocol database. Indications for fenestrated or branched EVAR included unfavorable anatomy for traditional EVAR and an abdominal aortic aneurysm >5.5 cm in maximum diameter. Customized stent-grafts were either fenestrated or branched and based on the Zenith system. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Differences between groups were determined using analysis of variance with P < .05 considered significant.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) follow-up was 25.8 +/- 12.7 months (median, 25.0 months; range, 9 to 46 months), and no patients were lost to follow-up. All cause mortality was 13% (5/38), with all deaths occurring within the first postoperative year; 30-day mortality was 2.6%. No patient died during the operation. Completion angiography demonstrated successful sealing in 37 of 38 patients and an overall operative visceral vessel perfusion rate of 94% (82/87). Cumulative visceral branch patency was 92% at 46 months. Stent occlusions, when they did occur, all happened within the first postoperative year. All postoperative occlusions occurred in unstented fenestrations or scallops. No occlusions occurred in stented vessels. The difference in serum creatinine preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years was not significant (P = NS). No patient required dialysis. The aneurysm sac size decreased significantly during the first year and then remained stable (P < .05). Limb perfusion as assessed by the ankle/brachial index was not affected by the presence of a fenestrated or branched endograft.

CONCLUSIONS

The intermediate-term results of fenestrated and branched endografts support their continued use in patients with anatomic contraindications for standard EVAR. Close surveillance is mandatory for early identification of visceral or branched vessel stenosis and preocclusion. All cases of failure appear to occur during the first year and then level off in subsequent longer-term follow-up. This includes death, secondary interventions, branch vessel patency, and complications. As the procedure matures, long-term results and randomized clinical trials will ultimately be required to determine the safety, efficacy, and stability of this system.

The Endowedge and Kilt Techniques to Achieve Additional Juxtarenal Seal during Deployment of the Gore Excluder Endoprosthesis

The proximal 4 mm of the Gore Excluder endoprosthesis are scalloped. Our purpose is to describe our initial experience of a novel technique, referred to as the "endowedge," that takes advantage of this scalloped configuration in aneurysms with short proximal necks. The technique utilizes a balloon in the renal artery to aid alignment of a scallop and allow additional juxtarenal seal. A retrospective review of aneurysms treated with the endowedge technique at our institution was initiated. Renal balloons were placed via the brachial approach. Excluder endografts were deployed by flowering the first one or two rings, then advancing upward against the inflated balloon during completion of deployment. In patients with dumbbell-shaped morphology, an aortic cuff was deployed in the distal seal zone prior to the main body (kilt technique). Eight patients were identified, three of whom underwent an adjuvant kilt procedure. Average preoperative proximal neck length was 8.5 mm (range 6-12). Average additional juxtarenal seal was 2.3 mm. Mean follow-up was 5 months (range 2.5 weeks to 9 months). There were no type I endoleaks. There were two type II endoleaks. Average aneurysm size decreased from 6.0 to 5.5 cm. No aneurysm has enlarged or ruptured. We conclude that the endowedge technique allows additional juxtarenal seal during endograft placement. Our early results suggest that this technique may allow for safe treatment of aneurysms with short necks.

Late reintervention for aortic graft-related events and new aortoiliac disease after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in an Australian population

OBJECTIVE

To examine late reintervention rates for aortic graft-related events and new aortoiliac disease after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in an Australian population.

METHODS

Interrogation of a prospective computerized database identified 1256 consecutive patients (1058 men, 198 women; median age, 70 years; range, 40 to 97 years) who survived open repair of nonruptured (n = 957, group I) and ruptured (n = 299, group II) infrarenal AAA in a single institution between January 1, 1982 and December 31, 2003. Median (range) follow-up was 41 (1 to 261) months for group I and 30 (1 to 243) months for group II.

RESULTS

In group I, 33 patients (3.4%) underwent 38 late reinterventions: 20 patients (2.1%) for aortic graft-related events at a median (range) interval of 36 (1 to 94) months after the index AAA repair, with a 30-day mortality rate of 15%; and 13 patients (1.4%) for new aortoiliac disease at a median (range) interval of 33 (3 to 207) months, with 30-day mortality of 8%. In group II, 15 patients (5%) underwent 16 late reinterventions: 10 patients (3.3%) for aortic graft-related events at a median (range) interval of 5 (2 to 112) months, with a 30-day mortality of 10%; and five patients (1.7%) for new aortoiliac disease at a median (range) interval of 67 (39-105) months, with a 30-day mortality of 40%. There was no significant difference in the late reintervention rate between the groups: group I, 33 (3.4%) of 957 vs group II, 15 (5%) of 299 (P = .23). For all patients, the estimated survival at 1, 3, 5 and 10-years was 90%, 79.4%, 66.4%, and 31.6%, respectively; estimated survival free from reintervention at 1, 3, 5 and 10-years was 98.7%, 97.1%, 95.1%, and 91.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate, for the first time, that open AAA repair has excellent long-term durability in an Australian population and the results compare favorably with previous reports from North America and Europe. These data represent an important benchmark for comparison of the results of endovascular AAA repair in this patient population.