Physician-Modified Single-Fenestrated EndoSuture Aneurysm Repair (FESAR) for Urgent Juxtarenal AAA Repair

PURPOSE

To describe the endovascular treatment of a symptomatic juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) using a combination of endoanchors (Heli-FX EndoAnchor, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) and a physician-modified single-fenestrated endograft.

TECHNIQUE

An 85 year-old patient unfit for open aortic repair presented for a symptomatic JAAA, characterized by an infrarenal neck with 0.6 cm in length and 23 mm in diameter. A 28 mm-diameter Endurant aortic cuff (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was modified with a single fenestration for the left renal artery (LRA) and diameter-reducing tie, then re-sheathed and deployed. The LRA was cannulated with a 7F sheath and the constraining wire was withdrawn. Being the shortest neck length on the right side of the cuff, the endograft was anchored to the aortic wall on this side with 2 endoanchors. The LRA was stented and flared, then a distal physician-modified (without free-flow) bifurcated Endurant graft (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was overlapped with the proximal cuff and stabilized with 6 endoanchors. Correct positioning with complete aneurysm exclusion was confirmed with a 30 day and 9 month computed tomography angiograms.

CONCLUSIONS

In extremely selected cases, association of endoanchors and single-fenestrated physician-modified graft may be useful to treat complex urgent aortic aneurysm using readily available devices.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This technical note demonstrates the feasibility of a single-fenestrated physician-modified Endurant endograft deployed in combination with endosuture fixation (FESAR), to urgently treat a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm unfit for open repair and not suitable for standard endovascular repair nor off-the-shelf endografts.

Physician-Modified Endografts for the Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Pathologies Involving the Aortic Arch

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) for the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was performed on consecutive patients with thoracic aortic pathologies treated by PMEGs between February 2018 and May 2022. Data on baseline characteristics, operative procedure, and follow-up information were collected. The endpoints included technical success, complications, mortality, overall survival, re-intervention, and target vessel instability.

RESULTS

This study comprised 173 patients (mean age=58±13, range=28-83, 148 men) with thoracic aortic pathologies, including 44 thoracic aortic aneurysms, 113 aortic dissections (9 type A, 4 residual type A, 75 type B, 32 non-A non-B), 3 aortic intramural hematomas, and 13 penetrating aortic ulcers. Thirty-five of the patients had PMEGs with 3 fenestrations, 32 had 2 fenestrations, and 106 had 1 single fenestration. Technical success was 98% (170/173), and the 30-day mortality was 2% (3/173). Perioperative complications included stroke (n=3, 2%), retrograde type A dissection (RTAD; n=3, 2%) and renal injury (n=3, 2%). Seven deaths (4%) were noted during a median follow-up of 11 (range=1-52) months. Eleven cases of re-intervention were stent-related. There were 5 type Ia endoleaks (3%), 2 type III endoleaks (1%) from the innominate artery (IA), and 3 type Ic endoleaks (2%) from the left subclavian arteries. One case of IA stent-graft (SG) stenosis was noted because of mural thrombus. Estimate rates of overall survival, freedom from secondary intervention, and freedom from target vessel instability at 2 years were 93.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=88.7%-98.1%), 80.7% (95% CI=73.3%-88.1%), and 89.0% (95% CI=80.4%-97.6%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Physician-modified endografts showed promising immediate therapeutic results in the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch. Our study demonstrates that the technique is feasible and produces acceptable results. Long-term outcomes are required for further refinement of this technical approach to confirm technical success and durability over time as a valuable option for endovascular aortic arch repair in specialized centers.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Our short- and mid-term outcomes of physician-modified endografts in 173 patients showed promising results compared to other branched/fenestrated techniques and backed up the endovascular repair of the aortic arch. Meanwhile, the technical expertise pointed out in our manuscript, including preloaded guidewire, diameter-reducing wire and inner mini-cuffs, provided reference and technical guidance for our peers. Most importantly, it demonstrated that the PMEG, as a device whose components were all commercially available, might be a better option for emergency surgery and for centers who had no access to custom-made devices.

[Secondary ruptures of an abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with a physician-modified fenestrated endograft, endoanchors and finally with open repair]

Secondary rupture is a late complication of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Open surgery is a technically feasible treatment option in most cases, however, late conversion carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality, as it usually requires at least partial explantation of the in situ device, which is of major concern especially if suprarenal fixation is present. Endovascular treatment of these cases is usually challenging, especially since the custom-made devices that are often needed are not readily available but having a production time of several weeks. To overcome this limitation, physician-modified stent grafts are getting accepted to treat such urgent cases. We present the case of a patient receiving EVAR who later experienced two ruptures, treated first with a physician-modified endograft and adjunctive endoanchoring, later with open ligation of the lumbar arteries. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(36): 1426-1431.

Physician-modified endografts are associated with a survival benefit over parallel grafting in thoracoabdominal aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Physician-modified endografts (PMEG) and parallel grafting (PG) are important techniques for endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms using off-the-shelf devices. However, there is little data regarding the relative efficacy and outcomes of these techniques in thoracoabdominal extent aneurysms. This study sought to compare outcomes of PG and PMEG across different extents of thoracoabdominal aneurysms to which they can be employed.

METHODS

The SVS VQI TEVAR/Complex EVAR module was queried for all patients undergoing repair of an unruptured, thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAAA, Extents I-IV) years 2012-2020; aneurysm types were defined by repair extent as determined by proximal and distal seal zones. Patients were differentiated based on whether they received repair with a physician-modified endograft (PMEG) or parallel grafting technique (PG). The primary outcomes for this study were overall survival and freedom from aneurysm/procedure-related mortality at 1-year determined via Kaplan-Meier analysis, with Cox hazard regression analysis conducted to examine the independent association of repair modality with primary outcomes.

RESULTS

813 patients met inclusion criteria (TAAA I-III 362, TAAA IV 451; 426 PG, 387 PMEG). PMEG repairs were performed at centers with a nearly 2-3-fold higher annual volume of endovascular TAAA repairs. Type Ia endoleaks were reduced with PMEG repair, most significantly in TAAA IV (TAAA I-III: 2.2% PMEG vs. 10% PG, p = 0.2; TAAA IV: 1.2% PMEG vs. 21.6% PG, p <0.001). Thoracoabdominal repairs demonstrated improved survival at 1-year with PMEG devices, significant for TAAA I-III repairs (TAAA I-III: PMEG 85% vs. PG 74%, p = 0.01; TAAA IV: 84% PMEG vs. PG 78%, p = 0.08). Freedom from aneurysm/procedure-related mortality was also improved with PMEG repairs, remaining significant at 1-year in the case of TAAA IV (TAAA I-III: PMEG 94% vs. PG 86%, p = 0.06; TAAA IV: PMEG 94% vs. PG 88%, p = 0.02). PMEG demonstrated reductions in several measures of post-operative morbidity, including stroke/death, MACE, and post-operative complications. In multivariate analysis, repair modality was not associated with either primary outcome, rather, several perioperative complications conveyed the greatest hazard for both primary outcomes across repair extents.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival after endovascular TAAA repair is improved with the use of PMEG compared to PG. Several key factors of this study demonstrate the shortcomings of parallel grafting in complex aneurysm repair, namely high rates of critical endoleaks, the need for adjunctive access sites, and an increase in perioperative complications that influence longer-term outcomes.

Physician-Modified Endovascular Grafts for Zone-2 Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

OBJECTIVE

 This study aims to describe our technique and early experience with physician-modified endovascular grafts (PMEGs) for aortic arch diseases in zone 2. We used a total endovascular technique based on a single fenestrated endograft to preserve left subclavian artery (LSA) patency.

METHODS

 From December 2019 to August 2020, six consecutive patients with a variety of thoracic aortic diseases were treated with handmade fenestrated thoracic aortic grafts: four aortic dissections, one penetrating aortic ulcer, and one intramural hematoma. The planning, endograft modification, surgical technique, and follow-up of the patients were described. We evaluated immediate technical success and after 30 days, the LSA patency, Type-1 endoleak, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

 Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed for zone 2 in all cases. Immediate technical success, defined as successful alignment of the LSA with a covered stent and no Type-1 endoleak, was achieved in all cases. Patients had a 30-day follow-up computed tomography, which demonstrated LSA patency and no Type-I endoleaks. To date, no strokes, left arm ischemia, paraplegia, or conversions to open surgery have been reported; one patient operated for acute Type B dissection died during the early follow-up.

CONCLUSION

 TEVAR for zone 2 with a PMEG to maintain LSA patency achieved technical success and early durability. It is expected that with longer follow-up and a larger number of cases, these results will be confirmed.

Early Results and Technical Tips of Combining Iliac Branch Endoprostheses with Fenestrated Aortic Stent Grafts during Endovascular Repair of Complex Abdominal and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

Concomitant iliac artery aneurysms can pose challenges during repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. In fenestrated aortic aneurysm repairs (FEVAR), preservation of internal iliac perfusion is important to minimize risk of spinal cord ischemia. Currently, most commonly used fenestrated stent grafts and the only approved iliac branch devices are manufactured by different companies in the United States. We report our experience with combining Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) and fenestrated stent grafts, using the Zenith platform (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN).

METHODS

Retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent FEVAR at a single institution from September, 2015 to June, 2020 was performed. Patients were deemed high-risk for open repair. Fenestrated aortic components implanted were either physician-modified or custom manufactured. Cases in which IBEs were deployed during FEVAR were specifically reviewed. Anatomic details were obtained from preoperative CT scans. Postoperative outcomes such as mortality, technical success, major adverse events (MAE), limb patency, limb-related endoleaks and re-intervention rates were assessed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 171 patients underwent FEVAR at our institution. Among those, 15 patients had unilateral IBE implantation during FEVAR, while one received bilateral IBE implantation. Fourteen cases involved physician-modified fenestrated endograft (PMEG), and Zenith Fenestrated (ZFEN) (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) in combination with Excluder bifurcated main body and IBE (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). Mean operative, and fluoroscopy times were 340.2 minutes, and 65.4 minutes respectively. A total of 67 viscerorenal target vessels (mean=3.9, range=_3-5) and 15 internal iliac arteries were incorporated, with a mean of 160 cc contrast used. Completion angiograms were free of type 1 and type 3 endoleaks. Technical success was 100%. There was no perioperative mortality. One patient developed spinal cord ischemia post-operative day two with neurological recovery. At mean follow-up of 430 days, overall survival was 100% with no aneurysm-related mortalities. Limb patency remained 100%. There were no type 3 endoleaks while one patient had a type 1B endoleak that is currently being monitored. There was one re-intervention for type 1C renal branch graft endoleak.

CONCLUSION

Combining IBE with FEVAR allows internal iliac preservation during endovascular repair of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms, with encouraging early results.

Physician-Modified Endograft With Inner Branches for the Treatment of Complex Aortic Urgencies

PURPOSE

To describe the use of physician-modified endograft (PMEG) with the exclusive use of inner branches or in combination with fenestrations for the urgent treatment of complex aortic aneurysms.

TECHNIQUE

We present two urgent cases. A patient with a 6.8 cm saccular juxtarenal aneurysm and another patient with a contained rupture of the thoracoabdominal aorta right above the celiac trunk (CT). In both cases, a Cook Zenith TX2 thoracic endograft was back-table modified, in the first case by adding three fenestrations and one inner branch for the left renal artery to improve sealing due to its partial involvement in the aneurysm and, in the second case, with the use of two inner branches for the CT and superior mesenteric artery. Both procedures were successful, with uneventful postoperative courses and complete aneurysm exclusion on postoperative CT angiography.

CONCLUSION

Use of PMEGs with inner branches is feasible for urgent repair in complex aortic anatomy.

Physician-Modified Endograft With Triple Inner Branches for Extensive Aortic Arch Aneurysm

PURPOSE

The purpose of this case report was to demonstrate the feasibility of a physician-modified endograft (PMEG) with 3 inner branches for extensive aortic arch aneurysm.

CASE REPORT

A 69-year-old male presented with extensive aortic arch aneurysm involving all supra-aortic vessels. An Ankura thoracic stent graft was modified with 3 inner branches fashioned of Viabahn endoprostheses. The procedure was technically successful, and the patient was discharged with no complications.

CONCLUSION

This back-table modification of the off-the-shelf endograft is an especially attractive option for complex arch pathologies with urgency and deemed too high risk for reopen surgery.

Unusual Endovascular Treatment of Iliac Occlusive Disease With a Physician-Modified Endograft to Preserve a Transplant Renal Artery

PURPOSE

We describe the feasibility and early results of iliac stenting using a physician-modified endograft (PMEG) to preserve a transplant renal artery in patient with iliac occlusive disease.

CASE REPORT

A 70-year-old male patient, with sub-occlusive left common iliac artery stenosis at the level of the transplanted kidney arterial anastomosis, presented with left critical limb ischemia (CLI) and pseudo-transplant renal artery stenosis (pseudo-TRAS) symptoms. He was treated with a physician-modified fenestrated covered stent introduced percutaneously via ipsilateral femoral artery after failure of simple angioplasty (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, PTA). The modified graft was created by performing a square fenestration graftotomy on a Medtronic iliac limb stent graft (Medtronic Cardiovascular, Santa Rosa, CA, USA). The procedure was technically successful with no intraoperative complications. Procedural time was 110 minutes, including 35 minutes for device modification. On short-term follow-up, the patient had early improvement of renal function and resolution of CLI. The iliac and transplant renal artery remained patent with no sign of stent migration or kinking on 6 months surveillance computed tomography angiography and 1 year color Doppler ultrasonography.

CONCLUSION

Use of PMEG to preserve visceral branches in occlusive iliac disease is a feasible endovascular technique with encouraging technical success and satisfying early results.

Use of Inner Branches During Physician-Modified Endografting for Complex Abdominal and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

Endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms have been performed widely in an increasing number of centers, utilizing custom-manufactured or physician-modified stent grafts containing fenestrations and side-arm branches for visceral and renal artery incorporation. Alternatively, inner branch configurations may be useful in complex anatomy, where application of fenestrations or side-arm branches can be challenging. Our study aims to evaluate the incidence of target vessel instability when incorporated with inner branch configurations, and report clinical outcomes of patients who underwent fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repairs (F-BEVAR) containing one or more inner branches.

METHODS

We reviewed patients who underwent F-BEVAR with at least one inner branch configuration for complex abdominal or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms at Keck Hospital of University of Southern California from 2014 to 2020. Endpoints were mortality, major adverse events (MAE), technical success, and target vessel instability. Target vessel instability was assessed using follow-up computed tomography (CT) and duplex imaging.

RESULTS

Out of the 175 patients who underwent F-BEVAR for complex abdominal and TAAA during the study period, 17 patients had at least one inner branch configuration. All were deemed high-risk for open repair with multiple cardiovascular and/or pulmonary comorbidities. Eight (47%) patients had extent I, II, III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, and 10 (59%) had prior aortic repairs. A total of 68 target vessels were incorporated (mean = 4 vessels/patient, range=1~6), of which 40% were inner branch configurations, most commonly for renal arteries. Technical success was 94.1%. There was one perioperative mortality due to massive myocardial infarction, as well as one patient who needed temporary hemodialysis. No device-related mortalities were observed. At 30 days, primary inner branch patency was 100% with no target vessel instability or reintervention. At mean follow-up of 5.8 months, the overall survival was 94% with one patient who expired from unknown cause. Overall primary inner branch patency was 96.3%, due to occlusion of a long lumbar artery branch with no clinical sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Inner branch configurations can provide a safe alternative technique of branch incorporation during complex endovascular aortic repair.

Externalized transapical guidewire technique after artificial aortic valve replacement during complete endovascular aortic arch repair

An externalized transapical guidewire (ETAG) technique has been used for safe delivery of high-profile devices through a tortuous aorta to zone 0, which is currently precluded after mechanical artificial aortic valve replacement (AVR). The aim of the study was to report one center's experience (based on 3 cases) of a unique modification to the ETAG technique used for the first time during total endovascular aortic arch repair after AVR. This report contains technical notes regarding a new method of steering the guidewire from the apex inside the artificial aortic valve during total endovascular aortic arch repair after AVR and the details crucial in preparation for this mini-invasive procedure. As a conclusion, the ETAG technique could be performed after mechanical AVR with active positioning of the guidewire carried out under the control of transesophageal echocardiography.