Combination of Chimneys and Fenestrated Endografts in the Treatment of Complex Aortic Aneurysms

Predictors of sac regression after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Endovascular Treatment of Complex Aneurysms with the Use of Covera Stent Grafts

PURPOSE

To characterize the short-term results of a newly available self-expanding covered stent (Covera; CR Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc., Murray Hill, New Jersey) for the reconstruction of target vessels in complex aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 2017 to November 2018, this self-expanding covered stent was used in 17 patients (mean 72.6 ± 7.6 years of age) during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with hypogastric preservation (11.8%), branched EVAR (29.4%), fenestrated (F)-EVAR (17.6%), chimney + F-EVAR (11.8%), or chimney EVAR (29.4%). In more than 48 stented arteries (2.8 ± 1.1/patient), 25 were preserved using this self-expanding covered stent.

RESULTS

All target vessels were successfully preserved. There was no 30-day mortality and 1 in-hospital death. Intraoperative aneurysm exclusion was successful in 14 patients (82.4%) with a perioperative technical success rate of 82.4%. The actuarial survival rate was 93.8% at 6 months and 85.9% at 12 months. Aneurysm sac regression of >5 mm was observed in 4 cases (23.5%), and the sac remained stable in the remaining patients (13 cases [76.5%]). At 12 months, the primary clinical success rate was 76.5%, and assisted primary clinical success rate was 82.4%. No type 3 endoleak was related to a disruption of the reconstruction with the self-expanding covered stent.

CONCLUSIONS

This new self-expanding covered stent provides good short-term patency in chimneys, branches, or fenestrations. Larger series with long-term follow-up are required to determine if the stent can sustain the mechanical stress to which it will be submitted in these repairs.