Midterm outcomes of AFX2 endografts used in combination with aortic cuffs

Exploring Type IIIb Endoleaks: A Literature Review to Identify Possible Physical Mechanisms and Implications

Endoleaks are common complications following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). They can be classified into low-pressure and high-pressure endoleaks. High-pressure endoleaks, which include Type I and Type III endoleaks, pose a significant risk of rupture and require urgent treatment. The aim of our study is to review published case reports and case series to assess the impact of Type IIIb endoleaks in EVAR and to identify possible mechanisms contributing to these endoleaks. This review targeted case reports and case series published between January 1998 and December 2022. A total of 62 case reports and case series were identified, encompassing 156 patients with Type IIIb endoleaks. Data collection was performed by three consultants who thoroughly discussed each report before registering it into an analyzable data set. Our analysis revealed that, beyond material imperfections, certain endograft configurations or conformations, endograft redundancy, and the physical forces acting on the grafts may lead to increased stress on specific parts of the endografts, potentially exceeding their design limits. Factors contributing to redundancy and unfavorable conformation of the endograft include secondary interventions for any cause (such as other types of endoleaks), EVAR performed outside the instructions for use (IFUs), endograft migrations, or larger initial aneurysm diameter.

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.

Delayed migration due to shortening of the lower part of AFX endograft's main body in angled fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm

We encountered two fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm cases with delayed AFX endograft (Endologix Inc) migration >4 years after placement. These cases showed shortening and slight angulation of the main body in the anteroposterior direction. We speculate that the potential mechanism relates to the AFX portion that is easily shortened at the bifurcation of its stent structure. This portion might contribute to delayed migration after slight angulation of the main body. Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography should be performed from the anteroposterior and lateral views. Although the AFX is useful for narrow bifurcations, one should consider the patient's anatomy before deciding to use an AFX endograft.

Combined AFX2 with thoracic stent graft: A different endovascular approach of an abdominal aorta aneurysm

The AFX2 endovascular repair system is a unibody, bifurcated stent graft that can be used in an abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with anatomical challenges, especially if it is combined with different aortic cuffs. The use of an AFX2 main body combined with a thoracic stent graft as a proximal aortic cuff was selected to treat a 77-year-old male patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm. The AFX2 endograft combined with a proximal thoracic aortic cuff plays a safe and effective role in treating complex infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm that may otherwise be technically more challenging with the open technique and inaccessible with the traditional endovascular technique.

Late Type III Endoleak after Loss of Component Overlap after EVAR with AFX2 Device: A Case Report

Addressing the high incidence of late type III endoleaks in previous AFX models, Endologix upgraded the device material and updated its recommendation regarding component overlap. However, whether upgraded AFX2 models are safe for endoleaks remains controversial. Here we report a case of a 67-year-old male with an AFX2-implanted abdominal aortic aneurysm experiencing a delayed type IIIa endoleak. Aneurysmal sac enlargement occurred 36 months post-endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), with a computed tomography scan at 52 months revealing component overlap loss and a significant type IIIa endoleak. We performed endograft explantation and endoaneurysmal aorto-bi-iliac interposition grafting. Our findings suggest that sufficient component overlap is necessary when using an AFX2 endograft outside the manufacturer's instructions for use to prevent late type IIIa endoleaks. Moreover, patients who undergo EVAR with AFX2 for tortuous large aortic aneurysms should be carefully monitored for conformational changes.