Comparison of branched, fenestrated, and parallel strategies for endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic pathologies involving visceral regions.

Purpose: To compare the long-term efficacy of the parallel stent graft (PSG), fenestrated stent graft (FSG), and branched stent graft (BSG) techniques to treat thoracoabdominal aortic pathologies. Materials and methods: In total, 291 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and dissection (TAD) involving visceral arteries who underwent PSG (n = 85; 15 TAA and 70 TAD), FSG (n = 107; 47 TAD and 60 TAA), or BSG (n = 99; 37 TAD and 62 TAA) were included from multiple centers from January 2015 to December 2022, and a total of 1,108 visceral aortic branches were reconstructed. Results: The average reconstruction time of each visceral aortic branch for FSG, BSG, and PSG is 27.5 ± 12.1, 23.2 ± 11.9, and 18.8 ± 11.8 min, respectively (P < 0.01). The free-from-endoleak rate at the last follow-up for FSG, BSG, and PSG was 86.9%, 91.9%, and 60.0%, respectively. The last follow-up patency rate for FSG, BSG, and PSG was 85.0%, 91.9%, and 94.1%, respectively. The average reconstruction price of each visceral aortic branch for FSG, BSG, and PSG was 41.40 ± 3.22 thousand RMB, 41.84 ± 3.86 thousand RMB, and 42.35 ± 4.52 thousand RMB, respectively (P = 0.24). Conclusion: To treat the aortic pathologies involving the visceral segment, BSG had a lower endoleak rate and higher branch patency rate when compared with the FSG and PSG techniques. The expense of BSG was comparable to the other two techniques.

Complex abdominal aortic aneurysms: a review of radiological and clinical assessment, endovascular interventions, and current evidence of management outcomes.

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is an established approach to treating abdominal aortic aneurysms, however, challenges arise when the aneurysm involves visceral branches with insufficient normal segment of the aorta to provide aneurysm seal without excluding those vessels. To overcome this, a range of technological developments and solutions have been proposed including fenestrated, branched, physician-modified stents, and chimney techniques. Understanding the currently available evidence for each option is essential to select the most suitable procedure for each patient. Overall, the evidence for fenestrated endovascular repair is the most comprehensive of these techniques and shows an early post-operative advantage over open surgical repair (OSR) but with a catch-up mortality in the mid-term period. In this review, we will describe these endovascular options, pre- and post-procedure radiological assessment and current evidence of outcomes.

Clinical efficacy of TEVAR utilizing fenestrated stent-grafts for zone 0 in an elderly frail patient with giant aortic arch aneurysm.

Introduction and importance: Elderly and frail patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) near to origins of cervical arteries present facing challenges with aortic arch replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass, and traditional tube-type stent-grafts are also inadequate for transcatheter endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Thus, necessitating precise treatment with fenestrated stent-grafts from zone 0. This approach is crucial for achieving favorable postoperative outcomes without compromising activities of daily living (ADL). Case presentations: An 85-year-old-man admitted to the hospital for treatment of a large TAA. While arch replacement is a definitive procedure, it is highly invasive, and the postoperative ADL are expected to be significantly lower than preoperative levels. Therefore, we performed a debranching TEVAR from Zone 0 with fenestrated stent-graft. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 11th postoperative day. Clinical discussion: In frail and elderly patients for whom conventional surgery may not be viable, TEVAR emerges as a preferred alternative. However, TEVAR of TAA proximal to the aortic arch continues to pose challenges, necessitating meticulous attention to the cervical branches in the intervention strategy. While surgical intervention in these patients necessitates careful consideration of its suitability, including the potential for postoperative enhancement in ADL, the use of fenestrated stent-grafts from Zone 0 emerges as one of the treatment modalities. Conclusion: The authors present a very elderly case in which fenestrated stent-grafts were used to avoid aortic arch replacement for a large aortic arch aneurysm, resulting in a good postoperative course with no decline in ADL.

Endovascular Salvage of Type Ia and Ib Endoleaks Using a Physician-Modified Fenestrated/Branched Endograft and an Iliac Branch Device Via Unilateral Transfemoral Arterial Access.

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a unilateral transfemoral access endovascular salvage technique for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms with concurrent type Ia and Ib endoleaks following previous endovascular repair. CASE REPORT: A 69-year-old female with multiple comorbidities presented with an extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm complicated by type Ia and Ib endoleaks and chronically occluded left iliac endoprosthesis after prior endovascular repair. Given the patient's medical complexities, open explant repair was deemed high risk. The case was successfully managed using a physician-modified fenestrated/branched endograft (PM-F/BEVAR) and an iliac branch device (IBD) deployed through a single percutaneous transfemoral access. CONCLUSION: The presented case demonstrates the safety and efficacy of PM-F/BEVAR with concomitant IBD deployment via unilateral transfemoral access. This innovative approach allows endovascular salvage in cases with restricted iliofemoral access and avoids the complexities associated with upper extremity or aortic arch manipulation. While acknowledging the technical challenges, this technique offers a viable alternative for salvaging failed endovascular repairs, emphasizing the importance of real-time modifications in achieving successful outcomes. Further studies and long-term follow-up are warranted to validate the broader applicability and durability of this approach in the management of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms with multiple endoleaks. CLINICAL IMPACT: Although not the conventional approach, unilateral transfemoral access can be utilized to implant either a physician-modified fenestrated aortic endograft or an iliac branch device. Such an approach avoids complicating issues related to upper extremity access. This innovative technique may be necessary when there is a failed prior EVAR in the setting of significant contralateral iliofemoral occlusive disease. Doing both procedures in the same setting to resolve a type Ia and Ib endoleak is feasible as demonstrated in this case report. Expanding the endovascular armamentarium to address EVAR failure will be increasingly useful in the future, especially given the morbidity profile of EVAR explantation.

Analysis of Target Vessel Instability in Fenestrated Endovascular Repair (f-EVAR) in Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Pathologies.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of target vessel anatomy and post-stenting geometry on the outcome of fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (f-EVAR). Methods: A retrospective review of data from a single center was conducted, including all consecutive fenestrated endovascular aortic repairs (f-EVARs) performed between September 2018 and December 2023 for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAAs). The analysis focused on the correlation of target vessel instability to target vessel anatomy and geometry after stenting. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of target vessel instability. Secondary endpoints were the 30-day and follow-up re-interventions. Results: A total of 136 patients underwent f-EVAR with 481 stented target vessels. A total of ten target vessel instabilities occurred including three in visceral and seven instabilities in renal vessels. The cumulative incidence of target vessel instability with death as the competing risk was 1.4%, 1.8% and 3.4% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. In renal target vessels (260/481), a diameter ≤ 4 mm (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.035-1.274, p = 0.009) and an aortic protrusion ≥ 5.75 mm (OR 8.21, 95% CI 3.150-12-23, p = 0.027) was associated with an increased target vessel instability. In visceral target vessels (221/481), instability was significantly associated with a preoperative tortuosity index ≥ 1.25 (HR 15.19, CI 95% 2.50-17.47, p = 0.045) and an oversizing ratio of ≥1.25 (HR 7.739, CI % 4.756-12.878, p = 0.049). Conclusions: f-EVAR showed favorable mid-term results concerning target vessel instability in the current cohort. A diameter of ≤4 mm and an aortic protrusion of ≥5.75 mm in the renal target vessels as well as a preoperative tortuosity index and an oversizing of the bridging stent of ≥1.25 in the visceral target vessels should be avoided.

Clinical impact of proximal fixation augmentation using the Najuta thoracic fenestrated stent graft during endovascular treatment for distal aortic arch aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Prevention of late type Ia endoleaks is the main concern in thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysm. Since 2017, we have performed zone 0 TEVAR with proximal fixation augmentation using a Najuta thoracic fenestrated stent graft in addition to zone 2 TEVAR for distal arch aneurysms. We report the early and midterm outcomes of TEVAR performed using this strategy. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study enrolled 386 cases of TEVAR for thoracic aortic disease between January 2013 and December 2020. Patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm treated by TEVAR landing at zone 2 was referred to as the standard group, whereas those treated by TEVAR landing at zone 0 using a Najuta fenestrated stent graft in addition to zone 2 TEVAR was referred to as the augmentation group. We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes between the two groups. The primary end point was secondary intervention for postoperative type Ia endoleaks. Secondary end points were technical success, aneurysm-related death, and major adverse events (MAEs), including stroke, paraplegia, endoleaks, and secondary interventions. RESULTS: We performed TEVAR in 41 and 30 cases in the standard and augmentation groups, respectively. The mean aneurysm sizes in the standard and augmentation groups were 54.5 and 57.3 mm (P = .23), and the proximal neck lengths were 16.8 and 17.4 mm (P = .65), respectively. The anatomical characteristics seemed to be similar in both groups. The technical success rate in both groups was 100%. Three cases in the standard group had MAEs, including two stroke and one brachial artery pseudoaneurysm; whereas two cases had MAEs in the augmentation group, including one stroke and one paraplegia. There was no 30-day mortality or retrograde type A dissection in both groups. The mean observation periods in the standard and augmentation groups were 46 months (range, 1-123 months) and 35 months (range, 1-73 months), respectively. At 36 and 60 months after the procedure, the freedom from aneurysm-related death was 97.6% and 97.6% in the standard group, 100.0% and 100.0% in the augmentation group (P = .39); and the freedom from reintervention for type Ia endoleaks was 79.2% and 65.2% in the standard group, 100.0% and 100.0% in the augmentation group (P = .0087). A statistically significant decrease in reinterventions for type Ia endoleaks was observed in the augmentation group. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal fixation augmentation using the Najuta fenestrated stent graft during TEVAR for distal arch aneurysm is effective in preventing the postoperative late type Ia endoleaks.

Surgeon-modified fenestrated endovascular grafts and thoracoscope-assisted fixation for treatment of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Total endovascular technique with fenestrated endovascular graft might be hampered for the late dilatation of proximal landing zone, which may cause endografts migration. We describe a successful urgent hybrid procedure for extent III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with aortic intramural hematoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old female with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was considered at high surgical risk and unfit for open repair due to multiple comorbidities. Therefore, a hybrid procedure of surgeon-modified fenestrated endovascular graft combined with thoracoscope-assisted Transaortic epicardial fixation of endograft was finally chosen and performed in the endovascular operating room. A 3-port technique was performed through a left video-assisted thoracoscopic approach. After the first tampering stent-graft was deployed, a double-needle suture was penetrated both the aortic wall and stent-graft to fixate it in the proximal descending aorta. Then the second endograft, which had been fenestrated on table, was introduced and oriented extracorporeally by rotating superior mesenteric artery and left renal artery fenestration radiopaque markers and deployed with perfect apposition between the fenestrations and target visceral artery. Each vessel was sequentially stented using Viabahn self-expandable stent to finish target vessel stenting. An Ankura cuff stent was deployed in the distal abdominal aortic artery. CONCLUSION: Surgeon-modified fenestrated endovascular graft combined with thoracoscope-assisted fixation may be an innovative and viable alternative for selected high-risk patients with extent III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. A longer follow-up is needed to ascertain the success of this approach.

Outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair using fenestrated stent grafts in patients with thoracic aortic distal arch aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic arch aneurysms is challenging because of anatomical restrictions and the presence of cervical branches. Revascularization of the cervical branch is required when conventional commercial stent grafts are used. TEVAR using fenestrated stent grafts (FSG) often does not require additional procedures to revascularize cervical branches. This study aimed to evaluate the features and initial and midterm outcomes of TEVAR using fenestrated stent grafts. METHODS: From April 2007 to December 2016, 101 consecutive patients underwent TEVAR using fenestrated stent grafts for distal aortic arch aneurysms at a single centre. Technical success, complications, freedom from aneurysm-related death, secondary intervention and aneurysm progression were retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: All the patients underwent TEVAR using fenestrated stent grafts. The 30-day mortality rate was zero. Cerebral infarction, access route problems and spinal cord injury occurred in 4, 3 and 2 patients, respectively. Each type of endoleak was observed in 38 of the 101 patients during the course of the study; 20/38 patients had minor type 1 endoleaks at the time of discharge. The endoleak disappeared in 2 patients and showed no significant change in 8 patients; however, the aneurysm expanded over time in 10 patients. Additional treatment was performed in 8 of the 10 patients with type 1 endoleaks and dilatation of the aneurysm. The rate of freedom from aneurysm-related death during the observation period was 98%. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR with FSG is a simple procedure, with few complications. Additional treatment has been observed to reduce aneurysm-related deaths, even in patients with endoleaks and enlarged aneurysms. Based on this study, the outcomes of endovascular repair of aortic arch aneurysms using a fenestrated stent graft seem acceptable.

Emergency EVAR for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ruptured Into the Duodenum With an Aortic Dissection.

We report a case of aortoduodenal fistula formed after an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptured into the duodenum. There is also an aortic dissection involving the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery and renal arteries. Successful treatment was achieved through endovascular aortic repair, followed by anti-infective and supportive therapy over 3 months.

Efficacy and safety of branched stent and fenestrated stent for thoracic aortic diseases in short landing zone / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of Castor single-branch stent and in vitro fenestration stent in treating thoracic aortic diseases with insufficient landing zone.Methods:The clinical data of patients with thoracic aortic diseases treated with Castor single-branch stent or in vitro fenestrated stent between December 2017 and June 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 184 patients were included, 99 patients were treated with Castor branch stent, and 85 patients with in vitro fenestration stent. All patients′ general clinical data, surgical data, perioperative and follow-up clinical and imaging data, and postoperative complications were collected. The χ2 test was used to compare the incidence of complications between the two groups, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival rate without adverse events between the two groups. Results:Stent placement was successful in all patients, and the success rate of the technique was 100%. Other branches were reconstructed in 2 patients in the Castor group and double fenestrated stent were reconstructed in 12 patients in the fenestrated group. The mean operation time of the Castor group was significantly shorter than that of the fenestrated group, the number of patients who received local anesthesia was significantly lower than that of the fenestrated group, and the endoleak rate during follow-up was significantly lower than that of the fenestrated group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the postoperative hospital stay, the incidence rate of perioperative complications, mortality, the incidence rate of neurological complications, new dissection or aneurysm rate, branch stent stenosis rate, second surgical intervention rate, and false lumen thrombosis between the two groups ( P>0.05). The adverse event-free survival rate of the Castor group was slightly higher than that of the fenestrated group, but its difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Castor branch stent and in vitro fenestration stent have good short-term and mid-term efficacy in the treatment of aortic diseases with insufficient landing zone, which are safe and effective options for reconstruction of LSA and other branch arteries.

Using Fenestrated Stent to Increase the Flow of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation of Superior Vena Cava Compression Syndrome.

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is an obstruction of the venous return through the superior vena cava (SVC) or any other significant branches. The obstruction may be external, like thoracic mass compressing the SVC, or internal, like thrombosis or tumor, which directly invades the SVC. Patients experiencing a medical emergency after being initially stabilized require treatment for SVCS, including endovenous recanalization and the implantation of an SVC stent to reduce the risk of abrupt respiratory arrest and death. A 54-year-old female presented from the university medical center with weight loss and solid food dysphagia for three months. Chest-CT scan showed a mediastinal mass of 10 x 9 x 8 cm. A transbronchial biopsy was attempted. The patient was arrested during the bronchoscopy lab procedure. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated, and venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was done through the right femoral artery cannula size 15 Fr due to the narrowing of the artery and the left femoral vein cannula size 23 Fr. During the night shift, the ECMO flow was hard to maintain with fluids, which was realized with the ECMO outflow volume issue. The next day, in the hybrid operating room, a fenestrated SVC stent was placed in the SVC, brachiocephalic, and internal jugular veins. The patient's hemodynamics improved post-stenting, especially ECMO outflow. This case illustrates that stenting in SVCS is a valid therapeutic option to increase the ECMO flow in this patient group.

New Preloaded System for Renal and Visceral Arteries in Fenestrated Endografting.

AIM/BACKGROUND: The New Preloaded System (NPS) for renal/visceral arteries (TVVs) is an emerging technology in fenestrated endografting (FEVAR) that allows TVVs cannulation and stenting through the same access of the endograft main body. However, only few preliminary experiences are currently available in the literature. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of NPS-FEVAR in juxta/para-renal (J/P-AAAs) and thoracoabdominal (TAAAs) aneurysms repair. METHODS: This is a prospective (NCT05224219), single-center/observational study of patients submitted to NPS-FEVAR for J/PAAAs and TAAAs between 2019 and 2022 (July). Definitions and outcomes were evaluated according to the current SVS-reporting standard. Technical success (TS) and TS preloaded related, spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and 30-day mortality were assessed as early endpoints. Survival, freedom from reinterventions (FFRs), and freedom from TTVs-instability (FFTVVs-instability) were analyzed during follow-up. RESULTS: Among 157 F/B-EVAR cases, 74 (47%) NPS-FEVAR were planned and enrolled in the study [48 (65%) J/P-AAAs; 26 (35%) TAAAs]. The main indication for NPS-FEVAR was the presence of a hostile iliac axis (54%-73%) or the necessity of expeditious pelvic/lower-limb reperfusion for SCI prevention in TAAAs (20%-27%). Overall, 292 TVVs were accommodated by 289 fenestrations and 3 branches; 188 of 289 (65%) fenestrations were preloaded. NPS-FEVAR configuration was from "below" and "from below to above" in 28 (38%) and 46 (62%) cases, respectively. TS and TS preloaded system-related was 96% (71/74) and 99% (73/74), respectively. Target visceral vessels patency at the completion angiography was 99% (290/292). Failures were 2 renal arteries loss and 1 massive bleeding from a percutaneous closure system breakage. The latter patient developed postoperative multiorgans failure and died on the fifth postoperative day, causing only 30-day/in-hospital mortality (1.3%). One (1.3%) patient with a JAAA and preoperative bilateral occlusion of the hypogastric arteries suffered SCI. The median follow-up was 14 (IQR: 8) months. The estimated 3-year survival was 91% with no aneurysm-related mortality during follow-up. The estimated 3-year FFR and FFTVVs-instability were 85 and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: New preloaded system FEVAR is a safe and effective option in the treatment of J/PAAAs and TAAAs in the presence of hostile iliac access or to guarantee an expeditious pelvic/lower limb reperfusion, leading to satisfactory results in terms of TS, early and mid-term clinical outcomes. CLINICAL IMPACT: New preloaded system for fenestrated and branched endografting allows to increase the feasibility of the advanced endovascular aortic repair in challenging iliac access, thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair and reduce difficulties in target visceral vessels cannulation.

Clinical outcomes of Najuta thoracic stent graft system for arch aneurysms.

Objectives: We aimed to elucidate the perioperative and short-term clinical outcomes of the Najuta thoracic stent graft system with fenestrations for supra-aortic vessels. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the perioperative and short-term clinical outcomes of 20 patients treated for arch or distal arch aneurysms using the Najuta thoracic stent graft system during the period from May 2019 to February 2023. Results: The technical success rate of the Najuta thoracic stent graft system was 95%. Of the 20 patients, 17 patients (85.0%) underwent concomitant extra-anatomical supra-aortic bypass. Postoperative CT revealed type Ia (n = 2) and type II (n = 3) endoleaks which disappeared on follow-up. The postoperative complications were stroke (n = 2, 10.0%), paraplegia (n = 1, 5.0%), and paraparesis (n = 1, 5.0%). In a very old patient, a blood transfusion was performed from the common iliac artery using the retroperitoneal approach. There were no aorta-related complications such as retrograde type A dissection or distal stent graft-induced new entry. Conclusions: We treated arch or distal arch thoracic aneurysms by inserting a tube-type stent graft as a scaffold on the peripheral site and placing the Najuta thoracic stent graft on the proximal site. By extending the landing zone to Zone 0 and using a low radial force, which is a feature of the Najuta thoracic stent graft system, postoperative bird-beak and aorta-related complications were avoided. The treatment of arch and distal arch aortic aneurysms using the Najuta thoracic stent graft system showed acceptable perioperative and short-term clinical outcomes. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair using the Najuta thoracic stent graft system may be a potential treatment option for arch and distal arch aortic aneurysms, warranting further studies.

Feasibility and outcome of partial open surgical fenestrated stent graft explantation, radical debridement, and in situ reconstruction for late graft infection.

Aortic stent graft infection is a rare, but potentially lethal, complication of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Definitive treatment is complete stent graft explanation with in-line or extra-anatomical reconstruction. However, several factors can render such an operation unsafe, including the patient's overall fitness for surgery and partial incorporation of graft with a resulting robust inflammatory process, especially around the visceral vessels. We present the case of a 74-year-old man with a history of an infected fenestrated stent graft that was managed with partial explantation, wide debridement, and in situ reconstruction using a rifampin-soaked graft and a 360° omental wrap with good results.

Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair After Failed Endovascular Aortic Repair.

PURPOSE: Fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) is technically more challenging when performed after a failing EVAR procedure (FEVAR after EVAR). This study aims to assess the technical outcome of FEVAR after EVAR and to identify factors that may influence complication rates. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a single department of vascular and endovascular surgery. The rate of FEVAR after EVAR compared to primary FEVAR is reported. Complication and primary unconnected fenestration (PUF) rates as well as survival were assessed for the FEVAR after EVAR cohort. PUF rates and operating time were also compared to all primary FEVAR patients. Patient characteristics and technical factors such as number of fenestrations or use of a steerable sheath were assessed as possible influencers on technical success when performing FEVAR after EVAR. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine fenestrated devices were implanted during the study period (2013 to April 2020). Thirty-five patients (16.7% of all FEVAR patients) had undergone FEVAR after EVAR and were included in the study. Overall survival at last follow-up (20.2±19.1 months) was 82.9% in FEVAR after EVAR patients. Rates of technical failure dropped significantly after 14 procedures (42.9% vs. 9.5%; p=0.03). Primary unconnected fenestrations were seen in 3 cases of FEVAR after EVAR (8.6%) and 14 of 174 primary FEVAR cases (8.0%; p>0.99). Operating time for FEVAR after EVAR was significantly higher than for primary FEVAR (301.1±110.5 minutes vs. 253.9±103.4 minutes; p=0.02). The availability of a steerable sheath was a significant predictor of reduced risk of PUFs, whereas age and gender, number of fenestrations or suprarenal fixation of the failed EVAR did not significantly influence PUF rates. CONCLUSION: Fewer technical complications were seen over the study period in FEVAR after EVAR patients. While rates of PUFs were not different from primary FEVAR, operating time was significantly longer in patients undergoing FEVAR for failed EVAR. Fenestrated EVAR can be a valuable and safe tool to treat patients with progression of aortic disease or type Ia endoleak after EVAR but may be more complex to achieve than primary FEVAR. CLINICAL IMPACT: This retrospective study assesses the technical outcome of fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (fenestrated EVAR; FEVAR) after prior EVAR. While rates of primary unconnected fenestrations were not different from primary FEVAR, operating time was significantly longer in patients undergoing FEVAR for failed EVAR. Fenestrated EVAR after prior EVAR may be technically more challenging than primary FEVAR procedures, but could be performed with equally good results in this patient cohort. FEVAR offers a feasible treatment option for patients with progression of aortic disease or type Ia endoleak after EVAR.

Predicting Features of Visceral Stent Failure in Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: Visceral stents in fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) have a significant risk of complications and carry a considerable burden of reinterventions. The aim of this study is to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors of visceral stent failure. MATERIALS: A retrospective review of 75 consecutive FEVARs in a single center from 2013 to 2021 was undertaken. Data on mortality, stent failure, and reintervention pertaining to 226 visceral stents were collected. METHODS: Anatomical features including aortic neck angulation, aneurysm diameter, and angulation of target viscerals were obtained from preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Stent oversizing and intraprocedural complications were recorded. Postoperative CT scans were analyzed to determine the length of cover of target vessels. RESULTS: Only bridging stents through fenestrations to visceral vessels were considered; 28 (37%) cases had 4 visceral stents, 24 (32%) had 3, 19 (25%) had 2, 4 (5%) had 1. Thirty day mortality was 8%, a third of which was related to visceral stent complications. Intraprocedural complexity was documented during the cannulation of 8 (3.5%) target vessels, with a technical success rate of 98.7%. A significant endoleak or visceral stent failure was identified in 22 stents (9.8%) postoperatively, of which 7 (3%) had in-patient reintervention within 30 days. Further reinterventions at 1, 2, and 3 years were 12 (5.4%), 2 (1%), and 1 (0.4%), respectively. Most reinterventions were for renal stents (n=19, 86%). A smaller stent diameter and a shorter length of visceral stent were significant predictors of failure. No other anatomical feature or stent choice was found to be a significant predictor of failure. CONCLUSIONS: The modality of visceral stent failures varies, but renal stents with a smaller diameter and/or shorter length are more likely to fail over time. Their complications and reinterventions are common and carry a significant burden; therefore, close surveillance must be continued long term. CLINICAL IMPACT: With this work we share the methodology adopted at our centre to treat juxtarenal aneurysm with FEVAR. Thanks to this detailed review of anatomical and technical features we provide guidance for endovascular surgeons to face hostile aneurysm with peculiar visceral vessels anatomy. With our findings will also motivate industries in their attempt to produce improved technologies able to overcome issues identified in this paper.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ex-Situ and In-Situ Fenestrated Stent-Grafts for Endovascular Repair of Aortic Arch Pathologies.

PURPOSE: To gain insight into safety and efficacy of in situ and ex-situ fenestration techniques for total endovascular arch repair. The term ex-situ fenestration is referring to physician-modified stent-graft technique where fenestration is performed on a back table. METHODS: Electronic search was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analyses) guidelines from 2000 to 2020. The main outcomes measured were 30-day mortality, stroke, aortic-related mortality, and reintervention rates. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were eligible: 7 ex-situ fenestration (189 patients) and 8 in-situ fenestration (149 patients). In ex-situ group, dissection was the main pathology treated and proximal sealing zones were Z0 or 1 in 53.5% of patients. In in-situ group, dissection and aneurysm were equally represented in around 40% of cases and proximal sealing zones were Z0 or 1 in 46.5% of patients. Cumulative 30-day all-cause mortality was similar in both groups: 3.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7%-8.2%) and 3.8% (95% CI: 1.6%-8.9%), respectively, in ex-situ and in-situ groups and stroke rate of 2.8% (95% CI: 1.1%-7%) and 5.3% (95% CI: 2.6%-10.5%). After a 11.1 ± 2.6 months mean follow-up for ex-situ and 16.7 ± 2.3 months for in-situ group, there were 5.2 and 1.4 reinterventions per 100 patients-years, respectively, for ex-situ and in situ groups. Aortic-related mortality rates of, respectively, 3.2% (95% CI: 1.3%-7.4%) and 2.6% (95% CI: 0.9%-7.3%) were noted in ex-situ and in situ groups. CONCLUSION: The reported data show favorable short-term results of both ex-situ and in-situ fenestration techniques with low mortality and strokes rates. However, durability is still questionable given the lack of long-term data. Both options may have their place in arch repair beyond the spectrum of emergent and urgent cases, on condition that results stand the test of time. CLINICAL IMPACT: In situ and ex-situ fenestration techniques have been initially developed to overcome emergency or as a bail out techniques however giving the promessing favorable short term results indications of these techniques may be extended to elective patients ineligible to customized stent-grafts and possibly in the futur to more elective cases as an option for total endovascular arch repair.

Fractured Sealing Rings in a Fenestrated Anaconda Stent-Graft.

An 81 year-old man presented with an asymptomatic juxtrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and was subsequently treated with a fenestrated endovascular Anaconda stent-graft. Surveillance imaging within the first postoperative year demonstrated a lower proximal sealing ring fracture. In the second postoperative surveillance year, the upper proximal sealing ring was also fractured with extension of the wire into the right paravertebral space. Despite these sealing ring fractures, there were no endoleak nor visceral stent complications and the patient continued on standard surveillance protocols. There are an increasing number of reports of fractured proximal sealing rings with the fenestrated Anaconda platform. Those analysing the surveillance scans of patients treated with this device should stay vigilant for the development of this complication.

[Implantation of a fenestriated stent-graft in a patient with thoracic aortic aneurysm]. / Implantatsiya fenestrirovannogo stent-grafta u patsienta s anevrizmoi grudnogo otdela aorty.

The authors present endovascular treatment of a patient with stenosis of the left anterior descending artery, chronic DeBakey type III aortic dissection and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The first stage was percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting of the left anterior descending artery. The second stage implied implantation of a fenestrated stent-graft. The follow-up CT angiography after 6 months revealed occlusion of the left subclavian artery that required stenting. Control CT angiography confirmed adequate stent-graft placement without endoleaks and stenosis of the artery. The choice of these reconstructions and stages of interventions are substantiated. The authors concluded effectiveness of treatment strategy, as well as the need for preventive subclavian artery stenting after implantation of a fenestrated graft.