Low-profile versus standard-profile stent grafts in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case-matched study.

Introduction: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is nowadays a widespread method of managing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Low-profile stent grafts (LPSGs) enable treatment of patients with complex and anatomically challenging aneurysms, and facilitate a percutaneous and thus less invasive procedure. Aim: To assess the outcomes of EVAR with low-profile versus standard-profile stent grafts (SPSGs). Material and methods: Thirty-one patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) were treated by endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) using LPSGs. The control group of patients treated with SPSGs was matched with MedCalc software. The clinical records and the preoperative and follow-up computed tomography angiography of patients who underwent endovascular treatment of AAA were included in this study. Results: Patients in the LPSG group had significantly more often low access vessel diameter (< 6 mm) compared to the SPSG group (38.7% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.003). In 1-year follow-up, there was no rupture, no infection, no conversion to open repair and no aneurysm-related death. Five secondary interventions were necessary in the SPSG group and only 1 in the LPSG group (p = 0.09). Type of stent graft was not a risk factor of perioperative complications, presence of endoleak or reintervention (p > 0.05). Risk factors for perioperative complications were COPD and conical neck (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 1.5-25, p = 0.01 and OR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1-39.76, p = 0.04). The risk factor for endoleak was lower maximal aneurysm diameter. The risk factor for reintervention was proximal neck diameter (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.-0.97, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Our study showed that use of LPSGs is a safe and viable method for patients with narrow access vessels who are not eligible for standard-profile systems.

Comparison of chimney technique and single-branched stent graft in a cohort of patients with type B aortic dissections: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Single-branched stent grafts and the chimney technique are widely used in the treatment of type B aortic dissection (TBAD). The main objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of single-branched stent grafts and the chimney technique in the treatment of TBAD. Methods: From January 2019 to December 2021, the retrospective cohort study contained a cohort of 91 patients with TBAD undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using single-branched stent grafts and the chimney technique. Group A included 55 patients treated with single-branched covered stents, and Group B included 36 patients treated with the chimney technique. We compared the effects of the procedures on peri-/post-operative outcomes between the two groups. The primary endpoint is clinical death, and the secondary endpoints include the patency of branch stents, the incidence of cerebral infarction, false lumen thrombosis, and the proportion of paraplegia. Results: For the baseline data, the two groups of patients show no differences in terms of age, gender, and associated symptoms. All procedures were successfully performed in both groups. The median follow-up period was 17.6 months (range, 10-34 months). During TEVAR, 5 (9.1%) type I endoleaks occurred in group A, and 11 (30.6%) occurred in group B (P<0.05). During follow-up, there were 2 cases (3.6%) of paraplegia and 1 case (1.8%) of cerebral infarction in Group A, while Group B had 1 case (2.8%) of paraplegia. Three patients in group B reported retrograde type A aortic dissection (RTAD), and 1 of them died (2.8%); however, there were no RTAD cases in group A. Complete thrombosis of the false lumen in the thoracic aorta was observed in 45.5% (25/55) of patients in group A and in 41.7% (15/36) in group B (P=0.72). No significant difference in the thrombosis-volume ratio in the whole false lumen was found during follow-up between group A (81.0%±2.9%) and group B (81.8%±2.6%; P=0.23). Conclusions: Branched stent grafts can be used in cases with insufficient proximal landing zones and reduce the occurrence of type 1 endoleak compared to the chimney technique. This may help to prevent RTAD. Further research, including more cases and longer follow-up periods, is needed to substantiate these results.

Viabahn endoprosthesis for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair: safety, success rates, and long-term patency.

BACKGROUND: The Viabahn endoprosthesis has become a vital option for endovascular therapy, yet there is limited long-term data on its effectiveness for peripheral aneurysm repair. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, technical and clinical success, and long-term patency of the Viabahn endoprosthesis for treating femoropopliteal aneurysms. METHODS: This retrospective tertiary single-center study analyzed patients who underwent a Viabahn endoprosthesis procedure for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair from 2010 to 2020. Intraoperative complications, technical and clinical success rates, and major adverse events (MAE, including acute thrombotic occlusion, major amputation, myocardial infarction, and device- or procedure-related death) at 30 days were assessed. Incidence of clinically-driven target lesion revascularisation (cdTLR) was noted. Patency rates were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Among 19 patients (mean age, 72 ± 12 years; 18 male, 1 female) who underwent aneurysm repair using the Viabahn endoprosthesis, there were no intraoperative adverse events, with 100% technical and clinical success rates. At the 30-day mark, all patients (19/19, 100%) were free of MAE. The median follow-up duration was 1,009 days [IQR, 462-1,466]. Popliteal stent graft occlusion occurred in 2/19 patients (10.5%) after 27 and 45 months, respectively. Consequently, the primary patency rates were 100%, 90%, 74% at 12, 24, and 36-72 months, respectively. Endovascular cdTLR was successful in both cases, resulting in sustained secondary patency at 100%. CONCLUSION: The use of Viabahn endoprostheses for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair demonstrated technical and clinical success rates of 100%, a 0% 30-day MAE rate, and excellent long-term patency.

Safety and Performance of a Cell-Impermeable Endoprosthesis for Hemodialysis Vascular Access Outflow Stenosis: A Brazilian Multicenter Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and performance of Wrapsody™, a cell-impermeable endoprosthesis (CIE), for treating hemodialysis vascular access outflow stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Investigators retrospectively analyzed 113 hemodialysis patients treated with a CIE (11/2021-12/2022) across four centers in Brazil. De novo or restenotic lesions were treated. The primary efficacy outcome measure was target lesion primary patency (TLPP) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; the primary safety outcome measure was the absence of serious local or systemic adverse events within the first 30 days post-procedure. Secondary outcome measures included technical and procedural success, access circuit primary patency (ACPP), and secondary patency at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-procedure. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (34.5%) had thrombosed access at the initial presentation, and 38 patients (33.6%) presented with recurrent stenosis. TLPP rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 100%, 96.4%, 86.4%, and 69.7%, respectively. ACPP rates were 100% at 1 month, 89.2% at 3 months, 70.9% at 6 months, and 56.0% at 12 months. The target lesion secondary patency rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 100%, 97.3%, 93.6%, and 91.7%, respectively. In the adjusted multivariate Cox regression analysis, male sex and endoprosthesis with diameters of 10, 12, 14, and 16 mm were associated with improved primary patency rates. No localized or systemic serious adverse event was observed through the first 30 days post-procedure. CONCLUSION: The CIE evaluated in this study is safe and effective for treating peripheral and central outflow stenoses in hemodialysis vascular access. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2b, cohort study.

Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of the Iliac Artery Bifurcation (CERIB).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present the covered endovascular reconstruction of the iliac artery bifurcation (CERIB) technique as a revascularization option for aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) involving the iliac artery bifurcation. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study including all patients undergoing a CERIB procedure from January 2021 until December 2022. Covered endovascular reconstruction of the iliac artery bifurcation procedures were performed percutaneously with bilateral femoral access, excepting cases where simultaneous open femoral artery reconstruction was required due to the extension of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Standard patient, procedural, and follow-up (FU) data including survival and arterial reinterventions were gathered and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were included (11/13 male, median age=70 [60-76] years). Additional open and/or endovascular procedures included endarterectomy of the femoral bifurcation (n=6), rotational atherectomy (n=2), and 1 axillary artery cutdown for upper limb access (n=1). Median operating time was 2.9 hours (1.5-4.9 hours); median radiation duration and dose were 28.4 (14.3-63.3 minutes) and 4090.6 (384.4-9430.1 cGray/cm2), respectively. The stent grafts used for CERIB were BeGraft peripheral n=31, BeGraft Aortic n=4 and BeGraft peripheral plus n=1 (Bentley InnoMed GmbH, Hechingen, Germany). In 2 patients with prior stenting of the common iliac artery (CIA), only the internal and external iliac arteries (IIA and EIA) were treated in this study, and in 2 cases, additional uncovered stents were required for relining. Technical success was 100%. During a midterm FU (median 18 [4-31] months), 2 patients died from cardiovascular reasons and 1 patient with prior iliac stenting required reinterventions for recurring occlusion. CONCLUSION: Covered endovascular reconstruction of the iliac artery bifurcation is a straightforward option for treating AIOD involving the iliac artery bifurcation that allows preservation of internal iliac artery perfusion and shows good early and midterm results. Prior iliac artery stenting may be a risk factor for early occlusion after CERIB. CLINICAL IMPACT: Aorto-iliac occlusive disease with involvement of the internal iliac artery is encountered regularly in vascular surgical practice, but the internal iliac artery is often not included in the revascularization strategy. The present article will increase the awareness for the relevance of including the internal iliac artery in revascularization strategies and presents CERIB as another method to be added to the armamentarium of (endo-)vascular surgeons and interventionalists.

Total Endovascular Repair of a Giant Iliac Vein Aneurysm: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

PURPOSE: The iliac veins are the least frequent location for venous aneurysms, with only a few cases described globally. The etiology and clinical presentation of this extremely rare entity is diverse and unclear and no treatment consensus has been reached yet. Our purpose is to present an interesting iliac vein aneurysm (IVA) case that we treated in our department, with a brief review of the literature. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 74-year-old male patient with a giant, 55 mm in diameter, asymptomatic, right common IVA, with concurrent aplasia of the left common iliac vein and an extensive network of venous collaterals. The patient was treated, under general anesthesia, with total endovascular iliocaval reconstruction through implantation of a 32 × 100 mm thoracic aortic tubular Ankura stent graft. The computed tomography venography at first-month follow-up showed the complete exclusion of the IVA, without any endoleak and the patient remains up to date free of symptoms and thromboembolic events. CONCLUSION: Twelve cases of endovascular treatment of IVA have been reported so far, and our case is the first with implantation of a thoracic aortic stent graft. Our results suggest that this technique is safe, effective, and may be considered for appropriately selected patients. CLINICAL IMPACT: This is the first case with total endovascular repair of an iliac vein aneurysm with contralateral iliac vein aplasia through endovenous implantation of a thoracic aortic stent-graft. Our results suggest that this technique is safe and effective and thus, may be considered for appropriately selected cases.

Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: Insights From a Single-Center Retrospective Experience Over 12 Years.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) is currently a challenge for vascular surgeons, because of the early morbidity and mortality rates and the high risk of late aortic events up to 50% at 5 years. This study presents the initial outcomes of ATBAD treatment using optimal medical therapy alone or combined with proximal entry tear stent-graft coverage. Additionally, it provides an analysis of the evolution of the aortic diameter and its clinical consequences during the chronic phase in each group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conducted as a retrospective, single-center study, we enrolled all consecutive ATBAD patients (n=130) treated between 2008 and 2020. The primary analysis studies the entire patient cohort based on their initial management approach, namely, medical treatment alone for uncomplicated ATBAD (n=67) or combined with stent-graft entry tear coverage (n=63). We also conducted a subgroup analysis to investigate factors associated with disease progression in the medical management group. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 29.5 months. During this time aneurysmal evolution was observed in: 42.4% of cases in the medical group compared with 21.8% in the stent-graft group, primarily affecting the thoracic aorta. The stent-graft group exhibited significant aortic remodeling, with a decrease in false lumen (FL) and thoracic aortic diameters. Initial aortic diameter ≥40 mm and FL ≥22 mm were independent risk factors for aneurysmal degeneration. Five-year survival was consistent at 76.1% in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the safety and efficacy of stent-graft entry tear coverage for ATBAD. Initial thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) appears to reduce late aortic events by promoting aortic remodeling. Considering TEVAR's safety and potential to prevent late aortic complications, it may be considered for uncomplicated ATBAD patients with an initial aortic diameter ≥40 mm or an FL ≥22 mm. CLINICAL IMPACT: This study validates the efficacy and safety of using endovascular stent grafts to seal the proximal entry tear in cases of acute type B aortic dissections, compared to optimal medical therapy. Aortic remodelling significantly benefits from endovascular stent graft coverage of the proximal entry tear. Given the heightened risk of late aortic events observed in the medical therapy cohort, there appears to be a necessity for including endovascular interventions in the management of uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissections, particularly when aortic diameter is ≥40 mm and false lumen diameter is ≥22 mm.

Short-term results of fenestrated physician-modified endografts for type1a endoleak after conventional thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Objective: This study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of physician-modified fenestrated stent grafts (PMEGs) in treating type 1a endoleak after conventional thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in aortic arch pathologies. Methods: Patients who developed a type 1a endoleak after conventional TEVAR were included in the study. They underwent treatment with fenestrated PMEGs, which involved single or double fenestration for the supra-aortic trunks. Results: Twenty patients were treated with PMEGs between October 2018 and November 2023. Among them, 25% received single fenestrated PMEGs and 75% received double fenestrated PMEGs. The technical success rate was 100% for both types. Eighty percent of the PMEGs had a landing zone in zone 0, whereas 20% had a landing zone in zone 2. There were no in-hospital deaths. After 30 days, 1 patient died as the result of an aortic-related cause (retrograde dissection). The mean follow-up time was 16.5 months (range, 0-60 months). No major adverse events such as stroke or spinal ischemia were reported. No type 1 or type 3 endoleaks were observed, and one type 2 endoleaks required peripheral endovascular reintervention. Conclusions: The treatment of type 1a endoleaks using fenestrated PMEGs after conventional TEVAR for aortic arch pathologies is a viable option. It is associated with acceptable rates of early and midterm major morbidity and mortality.

A computational study of artery curvature and endograft oversize influence on seal zone behavior in endovascular aortic repair.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure involving the placement of an endograft inside the dissection or an aneurysm to direct blood flow and prevent rupture. A significant challenge in endovascular surgery is the geometrical mismatch between the endograft and the artery, which can lead to endoleak formation, a condition where blood leaks between the endograft and the vessel wall. This study uses computational modeling to investigate the effects of artery curvature and endograft oversizing, the selection of an endograft with a larger diameter than the artery, on endoleak creation. Finite element analysis is employed to simulate the deployment of endografts in arteries with varying curvature and diameter. Numerical simulations are conducted to assess the seal zone and to quantify the potential endoleak volume as a function of curvature and oversizing. A theoretical framework is developed to explain the mechanisms of endoleak formation along with proof-of-concept experiments. Two main mechanisms of endoleak creation are identified: local buckling due to diameter mismatch and global buckling due to centerline curvature mismatch. Local buckling, characterized by excess graft material buckling and wrinkle formation, increases with higher levels of oversizing, leading to a larger potential endoleak volume. Global buckling, where the endograft bends or deforms to conform to the centerline curvature of the artery, is observed to require a certain degree of oversizing to bridge the curvature mismatch. This study highlights the importance of considering both curvature and diameter mismatch in the design and clinical use of endografts. Understanding the mechanisms of endoleak formation can provide valuable insights for optimizing endograft design and surgical planning, leading to improved clinical outcomes in endovascular aortic procedures.

Clinical outcomes and aortic remodeling after Castor single-branched stent-graft implantation for type B aortic dissections involving left subclavian artery.

Background: The left subclavian artery (LSA) can be intentionally covered by a stent graft to acquire adequate landing zones for a proximal entry tear near the LSA during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The Castor single-branched stent graft is designed to treat type B aortic dissection (TBAD) to retain the LSA during TEVAR. This study investigates clinical outcomes, aortic remodeling, and abdominal aortic perfusion patterns after TEVAR with the novel Castor device. Methods: From November 2020 to June 2023, 29 patients with TBAD involving the LSA were treated with the Castor single-branched stent graft. In-hospital clinical outcome and aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) data were analyzed. CTA was performed preoperatively and at follow-up to observe stent morphology; branch patency; endoleak; change in true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL), and transaortic diameters; and abdominal aortic branch perfusion pattern. Results: The technical success rate was 96.6%. One failure was that the branch section did not completely enter the LSA and the main body migrated distally. No in-hospital mortality, paraplegia, or stroke occurred. During follow-up, one type Ib endoleak, four distal new entry tears, and one recurrent type A dissection arose from a new entry tear at the ascending aorta, no stent migration was observed, and the branch patency rate was 100%. At the thoracic aorta, TL diameters significantly increased, FL diameters markedly decreased, and FL was partially or completely thrombosed in most patients at follow-up. At the abdominal aorta, we observed 33.3% of TL growth and 66.7% of TL stabilization or shrinkage. The initial TL ratio at iliac bifurcation negatively predicted abdominal TL growth after TEVAR with a cutoff of 21.0%. Of the 102 abdominal aortic branches, 94.1% of the branches showed no change in perfusion pattern, 3.9% of the branches had an increased TL perfusion, and 2.0% of the branches had an increased FL contribution. Conclusion: The Castor unibody single-branched stent graft offers an efficient endovascular treatment for TBAD involving the LSA. TEVAR with the Castor device effectively induced thoracic FL thrombosis and thoracic TL enlargement and resulted in abdominal TL growth when the initial TL ratio at iliac bifurcation is less than 21.0%. Abdominal aortic branch perfusion patterns remain relatively stable after TEVAR with the Castor stent graft.

Fenestrated Endovascular Repair using Short Tipped Distal Components with "No Cross" Concept to Prevent Crushing of Target Vessel Bridging Stents.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and evaluate early and midterm outcomes of a "no cross" novel approach with short tip vs. standard tip introducer systems for all distal components to prevent target vessel bridging stent kink or collapse during fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent FEVAR at a tertiary referral centre between October 2016 and July 2022. The inclusion criterion was the use of renal artery fenestrations. Patients who had chronic dissections were included. Endpoints were analysed in two groups comprising the "no cross" group and the standard group, with all cases being consecutive in their respective groups. Cone beam computed tomography was used intra-operatively in all cases, and post-operative compute tomography angiograms and re-interventions were reviewed. Primary endpoints included technical success, intra-operative adjunctive procedures, adverse events related to the fenestration, and re-interventions, while secondary endpoints were secondary interventions and overall mortality. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (35 in each group) were enrolled in the study, with 64 (91%) having juxta-renal aneurysms. There were no differences in demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, or aneurysm characteristics between the two groups. The "no cross" group demonstrated a significantly higher technical success rate (100% in all cases) compared with the standard group (29 cases, 83%; p = .010). Additionally, there were statistically significantly fewer intra-operative adjunctive procedures required in the "no cross" group (1.5% of fenestrations) compared with the standard group (8.2% of fenestrations) (p = .013). Overall median follow up was 32 months (interquartile range 22, 62 months). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a novel "no cross" concept during FEVAR, utilising a short dilator introducer tip on the distal bifurcated component and iliac extensions, significantly reduces intra-operative fenestration related adverse events and enhances technical success. Further studies with larger patient populations and longer follow up are needed to confirm these findings.

Delayed Stent Infection after Deployment of a Carotid Dual Layer Stent in Dialysis Cases.

Objective: Infection after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is rare. We report two dialysis cases of delayed stent infection associated with a carotid dual-layer stent (DLS), which occurred several months after deployment of the stent. Case Presentations: Case 1: A 74-year-old man receiving dialysis underwent CAS with DLS. Three months after CAS, the patient developed a high fever, neck pain, and neck swelling. Neck CT and carotid ultrasonography (CUS) indicated an abscess around the inserted DLS. The patient was treated with antibiotic agents and fully recovered. Case 2: A 73-year-old man receiving dialysis underwent CAS with DLS. Two months after CAS, this patient also developed a high fever, neck pain, and neck swelling. Contrast-enhanced neck CT indicated inflammatory effusion with an abscess and a giant infectious pseudoaneurysm. Endovascular stent graft reconstruction was employed urgently under antibiotic therapy to prevent its rupture. However, intracranial hemorrhage occurred postoperatively and left hemiparesis remained. Conclusion: Delayed carotid stent infection is a rare but severe complication. The use of a DLS might be avoided during CAS for dialysis cases.

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.

Complications of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR): A pictorial review.

Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has replaced open surgical repair as the treatment of choice for several aortic conditions. Despite its lower morbidity and mortality, several TEVAR-related complications can occur and some of which may necessitate surgical or endovascular re-intervention. The current article reviews common and rare complications of TEVAR procedure with emphasis on complications identifiable on cross-sectional imaging and potential pitfalls of pre-procedural planning.

Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair of True and False Aneurysms of the Splenic Artery.

OBJECTIVE: In treatment of aneurysms (SAAs) and pseudoaneurysms (SAPs) of the splenic artery, endovascular coil embolization is the approach most commonly used as it is minimally invasive and safe. However, it carries a significant rate of primary failure (up to 30%) and might be complicated by splenic infarction. The use of stent grafts might represent a valuable alternative when specific anatomical criteria are respected. We report a comprehensive review on technical and clinical outcomes achieved in this setting. Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of the literature through the MedLine and Cochrane databases (from January 2000 to December 2023) on reported cases of stenting for SAAs and SAPs. Outcomes of interest were clinical and technical success and related complications. The durability of the procedure in the long-term was also investigated. Results: Eighteen papers were included in the analysis, totalling 41 patients (n = 20 male 48.8%, mean age 55.5, range 32-82 years; n = 31, 75.6% SAAs). Mean aneurysm diameter in non-ruptured cases was 35 mm (range 20-67 mm), and most lesions were detected at the proximal third of the splenic artery. Stent grafting was performed in an emergent setting in n = 10 (24.3%) cases, achieving immediate clinical and technical success rate in 90.2% (n = 37) of patients regardless of the type of stent-graft used. There were no procedure-related deaths, but one patient died in-hospital from septic shock and n = 2 (4.9%) patients experienced splenic infarction. At the last available follow-up, the complete exclusion of the aneurysm was confirmed in 87.8% of cases (n = 36/41), while no cases of aneurysm growing nor endoleak were reported. None of the patients required re-intervention during follow-up. Conclusions: When specific anatomical criteria are respected, endovascular repair of SAAs and SAAPs using stent grafts appears to be safe and effective, and seems to display a potential advantage in respect to simple coil embolization, preserving the patient from the risk of end-organ ischemia.

A Free-Floating Aortic Thrombus: An Uncommon Approach to Handle a Rare Clinical Entity.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic material in the non-aneurysmatic and non-atherosclerotic aorta is a rare entity without any recommended standard treatment so far. We present a successful treatment strategy for patients who do not fit into any of the common approaches. CASE REPORT: A free-floating thrombus in the descending aorta was found as source of embolism in an 82-year-old female patient with lower limb ischemia. After initial heparinization of the patient without relevant reduction of the thrombotic mass, the thrombus was removed using an interdisciplinary approach. Under echocardiographic guidance to locate the thrombus, the AngioVac device, usually licensed to remove floating thrombi from the venous system, was used off-label to remove the thrombus by a transfemoral approach. To avoid rebuilding of a new thrombus, the attachment point with an exulcerated plaque in the descending aorta was covered by a stent graft via the same femoral access. The patient did not experience any further embolic events, and the postoperative course was uncomplicated. CONCLUSION: Patients with uncommon aortic diseases, such as the reported free-floating thrombus, should be treated by an individualized, interdisciplinary approach. Besides the recommended treatment options, there are other uncommon approaches that might offer an alternative in complex cases. CLINICAL IMPACT: Evidence is rare for the treatment of a free-floating thrombus in the descending aorta and the treatment strategy remains discussed controversially. We present a rather uncommon approach of successful off-label treatment for patients who do not fit into any of the common approaches (operative, endovascular, or conservative treatment based on patient's comorbidities). The AngioVac System has already been successfully used off-label in the arterial system but not in the above presented way of treating a free-floating thrombus in a patient with high embolization risk and treatment-limiting comorbidities.

Six Years' Experience With a Novel Dissection-Specific Stent-Graft to Prevent Distal Stent-Graft-Induced New Entry.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in chronic dissection is associated with a risk for distal stent-graft-induced new entry (dSINE) in up to a quarter of cases. We assess the mid-term outcome of a novel dissection-specific stent-graft (DSSG), which is a custom-made device based on the Cook Alpha platform, with a modified graft design and a distal endovascular elephant trunk without any supporting stent to reduce the radial force on the dissection membrane at the distal landing zone. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study of chronic dissection patients at high risk of dSINE who received an elective endovascular repair with DSSG from January 2017 to June 2023. The primary outcome is Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimated freedom from dSINE during follow-up. Secondary outcomes included technical success, aortic remodeling, and anatomical evaluation of the distal landing zone in cases with dSINE during follow-up versus those without. RESULTS: Thirty patients (24 males) with a median age of 66 years [range=31-78] underwent elective TEVAR with the DSSG. The majority, n=27 (90%), had previous aortic repair; 7 (23%) had established connective tissue disease, and 6 (20%) had established dSINE after previous stent-graft implantation as an indication for TEVAR. Technical success was achieved in n=29 (97%). Median follow-up was 38.5 months (4.3-76.4), and KM estimated freedom from dSINE at 1 and 3 years was 95.6% (SE 0.043) and 89% (SE 0.081), respectively Four cases developed dSINE during follow-up. The median distance from the distal stent-graft to the coeliac trunk was 74mm (range=18-123) in the dSINE group versus 26mm (range=0-74) in the non-dSINE group (p=0.049). Median proximal tangential aortic angulation in the distal landing zone was 38.5° (range=26°-50°) in the dSINE group compared to 21° (range=3-61°) in the non-dSINE group (p=0.052). CONCLUSIONS: The Use of a novel DSSG with low radial force for TEVAR in the setting of chronic dissection is safe and feasible, with remodeling outcomes comparable with standard TEVAR. The reduced distal radial force in the DSSG does not eliminate the risk for dSINE over time, with new entries occurring, particularly in cases where the distal landing zone is in a tortuous aortic segment and not close to the coeliac trunk. CLINICAL IMPACT: Using the novel dissection-specific stent-graft with reduced radial force is safe and feasible but does not completely eliminate the risk of dSINE occurring over time. The exact positioning of the distal stent-graft in a straight aortic segment, close to the coeliac trunk, may be of importance to further mitigate the risk.

Long-term results of the frozen elephant trunk technique in primary chronic type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze long-term results of the total aortic arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique for primary chronic type B aortic dissection. METHODS: Among 322 patients who had the frozen elephant trunk technique, 43 (13.4%) patients (median age, 64.0 years) with primary chronic type B aortic dissection were analyzed. The patients underwent surgery at a median of 27.0 months after the onset of aortic dissection. The false lumen was patent in 30 (69.8%) patients preoperatively. RESULTS: Two patients suffered paraplegia and another died of cerebral infarction. Complete thrombosis of the peri-stent false lumen was achieved in 36 (83.7%) patients. Overall survival, freedom from aortic events, and freedom from aortic reintervention were 83.5%, 37.2%, and 42.2% at 5 years, respectively. Survival rates of the patients with or without aortic events were 75.0% and 95.8% at 5 years (Log-rank, p = 0.22). Late aortic events occurred in 19 (44.2%) patients including distal stent graft-induced new entry, type Ib endoleak, and false lumen dilation. The ratio of the stent graft diameter to the preoperative short axis diameter of the true lumen (hazard ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.59), and the maximal diameter of a postdissection aneurysm (1.07; 1.01-1.12) were the significant multivariate risk predictors of late aortic events. CONCLUSIONS: Late aortic events occurr fairly frequently, and new strategies need to be explored to enhance the effectiveness of this procedure in the future.

Multicentric Use of Commercially Available Infrarenal Endografts During Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and short-term outcomes of different manufactured proximal and distal stent graft components during fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review was conducted at 3 aortic centers, involving all consecutive patients who underwent FEVAR utilizing a customized Dacron-based tubular proximal and a distal bifurcated polytetrafluoreten (PTFE)-based commercially available stent grafts. Primary outcomes were 30 day mortality, major adverse events, and technical and clinical success. Secondary outcomes assessed stent graft migration, occurrence of types I/III endoleak, and reintervention. RESULTS: A total of 23 FEVAR cases across all centers were included in this study. Technical success was achieved in all cases, with a median procedure time of 183 (153-244) minutes. There were no major adverse events, except for 1 transient acute renal failure. The median follow-up period was 23 (17-28) months. All target vessels retained patent with the exception of 1 right renal fenestration that showed signs of kinking at the first follow-up, and despite secondary intervention with relining and distal extension, there was an occlusion afterward and 1 hepatic artery with a separate fenestration. This and 1 successful relining of a superior mesenteric artery kink were the only reinterventions in this cohort. One case of persistent type 1b endoleak was reported in a patient with chronic type B aortic dissection, which resolved with distal extension on the external iliac artery 5 months after the index procedure. No deaths occurred throughout the follow-up with, and there were no signs of stent graft migration or type 3 endoleak. CONCLUSION: The use of commercially available PTFE-based bifurcated stent grafts to extend distally the tubular graft appears to be a feasible approach during FEVAR, with promising short-term outcomes. Further studies are necessary to define the applicability of this solution and evaluate long-term outcomes. CLINICAL IMPACT: This multicentric study on fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) demonstrates the feasibility and good short-term outcomes of utilizing a PTFE-based commercially available stent graft to extend the proximal tubular custom-made fenestrated stent graft. The high technical success rate, absence of major adverse events, and low occurrence of complications such as stent graft migration and endoleaks highlight the potential clinical benefits of this approach with an off-the-shelf distal extension whose delivery system does not cross the fenestrations intraoperatively.