Aortic Cuff Research Articles

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in pigs causes shifts in posttranscriptional checkpoints.

Left ventricular pressure overload (LVPO) can lead to heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and LV chamber stiffness (LV Kc) is a hallmark. This project tested the hypothesis that the development of HFpEF due to an LVPO stimulus will alter posttranscriptional regulation, specifically microRNAs (miRs). LVPO was induced in pigs (n = 9) by sequential ascending aortic cuff and age- and weight-matched pigs (n = 6) served as controls. LV function was measured by echocardiography and LV Kc by speckle tracking. LV myocardial miRs were quantified using an 84-miR array. Treadmill testing and natriuretic peptide-A (NPPA) mRNA levels in controls and LVPO were performed (n = 10, n = 9, respectively). LV samples from LVPO and controls (n = 6, respectively) were subjected to RNA sequencing. LV mass and Kc increased by over 40% with LVPO (P < 0.05). A total of 30 miRs shifted with LVPO of which 11 miRs correlated to LV Kc (P < 0.05) that mapped to functional domains relevant to Kc such as fibrosis and calcium handling. LVPO resulted in reduced exercise tolerance (oxygen saturation, respiratory effort) and NPPA mRNA levels increased by fourfold (P < 0.05). RNA analysis identified several genes that mapped to specific miRs that were altered with LVPO. In conclusion, a specific set of miRs are changed in a large animal model consistent with the HFpEF phenotype, were related to LV stiffness properties, and several miRs mapped to molecular pathways that may hold relevance in terms of prognosis and therapeutic targets.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is an ever-growing cause for the HF burden. HFpEF is particularly difficult to treat as the mechanisms responsible for this specific form of HF are poorly understood. Using a relevant large animal model, this study uncovered a unique molecular signature with the development of HFpEF that regulates specific biological pathways relevant to the progression of this ever-growing cause of HF.

A spotter's guide to endovascular endograft recognition

Since the first endovascular aneurysm repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms in the 1980s, there has not only been exponential growth of procedures performed per year, but also rapid proliferation of stent grafts. With the resultant growth in revision and explant procedures on these grafts, we developed this guide to aid trainees in surgery and radiology in identifying these grafts. Our goal with this spotter's guide is to allow the identification of key features from commonly implanted devices radiographically, such as points of fixation, radiopaque markers, and stent patterns. The operative approach for the treatment of endograft complications, including endoleak embolization, aortic cuff extension, laser fenestration, limb extension, and endograft explant is often dramatically impacted by the type of endograft and its individual device characteristics. The intent of this guide is to aid practitioners in identifying endovascular aneurysm repair endografts of all ages, even those that have not been implanted in years.

Physician-Modified Endograft with the TREO Stent Graft System.

Description of physician-modified endograft technique and its advantages using the TREO stent graft system. After partial back-table deployment of the TREO endograft, fenestrations are created using a scalpel and reinforced with a double snare loop and running suture. The distance between the Z-shaped stents of the TREO main body of almost 20 mm allows for more flexible placement of multiple fenestrations and easier and faster re-sheathing. The technique is illustrated with physician modification of a TREO aortic cuff and bifurcated endograft in three patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysms or type Ia endoleak after previous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Physician modification of the TREO stent graft system can be safely performed, making it an excellent additional option to treat juxtarenal aneurysms. The TREO stent graft system offers various sizing options including different main body lengths and diameters, thus increasing applicability. Larger distance between the main body's stents facilitates placement of multiple physician-modified fenestrations. Re-sheathing is easier and faster due to the low number of main body stents which have to be re-sheathed. Therefore, the TREO stent graft system is an excellent platform for the physician-modified technique.

P.285: Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation from a small pediatric donor with ipsilateral implantation over aortic cuff.

P.285: Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation from a small pediatric donor with ipsilateral implantation over aortic cuff.

Efficacy of the Stripped AFX Aortic Cuff as a Scaffolding Bare Stent to Facilitate the Expansion of the Thoracoabdominal and Visceral Aorta during Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Complicated Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection.

During thoracic endovascular aortic repair for complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection, large bare stent placement for the abdominal aorta is sometimes necessary. In smaller abdominal aortic diameter cases, we used the stripped AFX aortic cuff as a scaffolding bare stent rather than the Zenith Dissection Endovascular Stent, which is a commercially available, large bare stent. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of the stripped AFX aortic cuff and experiments were conducted to compare the stripped AFX and the Zenith Dissection Endovascular Stent. The type B aortic dissection patients treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair using stripped AFX at three institutions between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, including technical success, perioperative complication, and overall survival, were evaluated. The experiment assessed the chronic outward force that reflected the load acting on the artery wall from the stent. Eight cases (seven males) were reviewed. The median (interquartile range, IQR) age of the patients was 60 years (46.3-70.3). The technical success rate was 100%, and no perioperative complications were observed. The median (IQR) follow-up period was 28.9 months (17.5-31.5). During the follow-up, one patient died of septic shock unrelated to aortic events. The median (IQR) diameter of the stripped AFX on the last follow-up CT was 23.5 mm (21.9-25.0). The chronic outward force of the Zenith Dissection Endovascular Stent was two to three times that of the stripped AFX. The stripped AFX aortic cuff is feasible and safe as a scaffolding stent during thoracic endovascular aortic repair for Stanford Type B aortic dissection.

Midterm outcomes of endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm using the cuff-first technique to prevent type II endoleaks

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the initial and midterm outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using the cuff-first technique (CFT) to prevent type II endoleak (T2EL). MethodsCFT involves deploying an aortic cuff inside the AAA to cover the ostium of the aortic side branch vessels before deploying the main body. We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing EVAR with CFT or side branch embolization (SBE) for AAAs at The Jikei University Hospital between 2016 and 2022. Primary endpoint was the rate of aneurysm sac shrinkage. Secondary endpoints were procedure time, radiation exposure, technical and clinical success rates, occurrence of T2EL, and freedom from reintervention or aneurysm-related death. ResultsOf 406 patients who underwent EVAR for AAAs, CFT was utilized in 56 (CFT group) and SBE in 35 (SBE group); all 91 patients were included in this study. There were no differences in patient demographics between groups, but there were differences in patency rate of the inferior mesenteric artery and absent intraluminal thrombus. The technical success rate per target vessel in the CFT and SBE group was 97.8% and 91.8%, and the clinical success rate was 91.0% and 100%, respectively. The median procedure time was shorter for CFT than for SBE: CFT, 10 (interquartile range [IQR], 6-14) minutes vs SBE, 25 (IQR, 18.5-45) minutes; P < .05), and median radiation exposure was lower for CFT than for SBE (CFT, 1455 (IQR, 840-2634) mGy vs SBE, 2353 (IQR, 1552-3586) mGy; P < .05). During the median follow-up of 25 months (IQR, 12.5-47 months), sac shrinkage occurred at similar rates in both groups (CFT, 37.5% vs SBE, 40.0%; P = .812), and there were no differences in freedom from reintervention (CFT, 96.2% and 91.4% at 12 and 36 months vs SBE, 100% and 89.5% at 12 and 36 months; log-rank P = .761) and freedom from aneurysm-related death (100% at 36 months in both groups; log-rank P = .440). The odds ratio of CFT vs SBE for sac regression was calculated by adjusting for inferior mesenteric artery patency and absent intraluminal thrombus, resulting in no statistical significance (odds ratio, 1.231; 95% confidence interval, 0.486-3.122). ConclusionsCFT is feasible with a shorter procedure time and lower radiation exposure than SBE and comparable mid-term outcomes, including sac shrinkage rate, compared with SBE. We believe that CFT, if anatomically suitable, is an alternative to SBE for the prevention of T2EL during EVAR.

Endovascular repair of ascending aortic pathologies in patients unfit for open surgery: Case series and literature review

The number of vascular centers performing endovascular repair of ascending aortic disease is constantly increasing. Accordingly to the guidelines, open surgical repair remains the gold standard for these pathologies. However, approximately one quarter of patients are deemed unfit for open surgery. In this study, we describe three cases of ascending thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) performed at our center. All the patients were deemed unfit for open surgery by the aortic team. Two patients had an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm, and the third had a focal type A aortic dissection. In two cases, we used two abdominal aortic cuffs deployed from zone 0B to zone 0C, with no need for supra-aortic trunk debranching. In one case, we performed a “reverse” extrathoracic debranching, and we deployed a thoracic endograft from zone 0B to zone 2. Complications included one minor stroke and one inguinal hematoma. In one patient with an infected pseudoaneurysm, we performed ascending TEVAR as a bridge strategy for open repair. This patient developed a type Ia endoleak; however, clinical stabilization and infection control were obtained, and he was able to undergo heart surgery successfully. He underwent a second reintervention to treat superior mesenteric embolic occlusion. At 2 years of follow-up, all three patients were alive. Our preliminary experience demonstrates the technical feasibility and clinical appropriateness of ascending TEVAR using standard, commercially available endografts. However, no consensus has been reached regarding some critical aspects, such as the development of a standardized technique or the efficacy of the currently available devices. The improvements in graft design and the adoption of the “aortic team” approach could help in the near future to standardize the procedure, establish appropriate indications, and ensure good clinical outcomes.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Reinforcement of suture lines with adventitial eversion in acute type A aortic dissection

TechniqueThe reinforcement of the suture lines in acute type A aortic dissection include the treatment of proximal and distal anastomoses. The intima of the proximal site is transected circumferentially, approximately 1.0 cm above the sinotubular junction. The adventitia is folded outwards along the cutting edge of the intima, and the eversion forms an overlap. An autologous pericardial strip is placed inside the aorta as a mattress and secured with 4-0 prolene running sutures to the adventitial eversion overlap to reinforce the proximal cuff without any glue.The distal aortic cuff is trimmed and retained at 1.5 cm longer than the stent graft.The autologous pericardial strip is placed between the aortic intima and the stent graft and secured with 4-0 prolene running sutures to the adventitial eversion overlap to reinforce the distal cuff and completely obliterate the distal false lumen. ResultsThe modified sandwich technique using adventitial eversion combined with an autologous pericardial strip achieved complete hemostasis at the anastomosis site and effectively obliterated the false lumen of the proximal and distal aorta. ConclusionsThe adventitial valgus technique combined with autologous pericardial strip reinforcement can be inexpensive and effective for the surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection, especially in patients with fragile aortic wall.

Initial experience with a modified "candy-plug" technique for false lumen embolization in chronic type B aortic dissection.

Persistent distal false lumen (FL) perfusion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can lead to aneurysmal degeneration and an increased risk of rupture. We have presented our initial experience using a modified "candy-plug" (CP) technique for FL embolization. From February 2021 to July 2022, we treated six patients using the modified CP technique. All the patients had undergone prior or simultaneous TEVAR for chronic TBAD with persistent FL perfusion and aneurysm expansion. Bilateral common femoral artery access was obtained, and intravascular ultrasound was used to confirm wire access in the true lumen (TL) and FL. A conformable TAG device (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) was used in four cases and an Excluder aortic cuff (W.L. Gore & Associates) in two cases. The device was modified by placing a constraining "napkin-ring" suture through the middle segment of the device. Femoral sheaths were placed in the TL and FL. A standard TL TEVAR extension was performed at the level of the celiac artery (zone 5). Next, the CP device was advanced and deployed in the FL, distally aligning it with the TL device. An appropriately sized Amplatzer II plug (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) was then deployed in the constrained segment of the modified stent graft. Completion angiography was performed to confirm successful FL embolization. Technical success was defined as successful deployment of the CP device in the FL. The technical success rate was 100% (six of six patients). Clinical success was defined as the cessation of aneurysm growth on follow-up computed tomography angiography. No 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, spinal cord ischemia, access site complications, or aortic-related reinterventions occurred. Surveillance imaging at a mean follow-up of 10months confirmed clinical success (stable aneurysm size or shrinkage) for all five patients with follow-up data available. The modified CP embolization technique is a promising solution for persistent distal FL perfusion after TEVAR for TBAD. Further investigation is required to determine the long-term durability of this technique as an adjunct to TEVAR to promote aortic remodeling.

Evaluation of large animal models for preclinical studies of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction using clinical score systems.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by a complex, heterogeneous spectrum of pathologic features combined with average left ventricular volume and diastolic dysfunction. HFpEF is a significant public health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, effective treatments for HFpEF represent the greatest unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. A lack of an efficient preclinical model has hampered the development of new devices and medications for HFpEF. Because large animal models have similar physiologic traits as humans and appropriate organ sizes, they are the best option for limiting practical constraints. HFpEF is a highly integrated, multiorgan, systemic disorder requiring a multipronged investigative approach. Here, we review the large animal models of HFpEF reported to date and describe the methods that have been used to create HFpEF, including surgery-induced pressure overloading, medicine-induced pressure overloading, and diet-induced metabolic syndrome. In addition, for the first time to our knowledge, we use two established clinical HFpEF algorithms (HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores) to evaluate the currently available large animal models. We also discuss new technologies, such as continuous remote pressure monitors and inflatable aortic cuffs, as well as how the models could be improved. Based on current progress and our own experience, we believe an efficient large animal model of HFpEF should simultaneously encompass multiple pathophysiologic factors, along with multiorgan dysfunction. This could be fully evaluated through available methods (imaging, blood work). Although many models have been studied, only a few studies completely meet clinical score standards. Therefore, it is critical to address the deficiencies of each model and incorporate novel techniques to establish a more reliable model, which will help facilitate the understanding of HFpEF mechanisms and the development of a treatment.

Clinical presentation, operative management, and long-term outcomes of rupture after previous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the presentation trends, intervention, and survival of patients who had been treated for late abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (LAR) after open repair (OR) or endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). MethodsWe reviewed the clinical data from a single-center, retrospective database for patients treated for LAR from 2000 to 2020. The end points were the 30-day mortality, major postoperative complication, and survival. The outcomes between LAR managed with EVAR (group I) vs OR were compared (group II). ResultsOf 390 patients with infrarenal aortic rupture, 40 (10%) had experienced aortic rupture after prior aortic repair and comprised the LAR cohort (34 men; age 78 ± 8 years). LAR had occurred before EVAR in 30 and before OR in 10 patients. LAR was more common in the second half of the study with 32 patients after 2010. LAR after prior OR was secondary to ruptured para-anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. After initial EVAR, LAR had occurred despite reintervention in 17 patients (42%). The time to LAR was shorter after prior EVAR than after OR (6 ± 4 vs 12 ± 4 years, respectively; P = .003). Treatment for LAR was EVAR for 25 patients (63%; group I) and OR for 15 (37%, group II). LAR after initial OR was managed with endovascular salvage for 8 of 10 patients. Endovascular management was more frequent in the latter half of the study period. In group I, fenestrated repair had been used for seven patients (28%). Salvage for the remaining cases was feasible with EVAR, aortic cuffs, or limb extensions. The incidence of free rupture, time to treatment, 30-day mortality (8% vs 13%; P = .3), complications (32% vs 60%; P = .1), and disposition were similar between the two groups. Those in group I had had less blood loss (660 vs 3000 mL; P < .001) and less need for dialysis (0% vs 33%; P < .001) than those in group II. The median follow-up was 21 months (interquartile range, 6-45 months). The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival was 76%, 52%, and 41%, respectively, and was similar between groups (28 vs 22 months; P = .48). Late mortality was not related to the aorta. ConclusionsLAR after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair has been encountered more frequently in clinical practice, likely driven by the frequency of EVAR. However, most LARs, including those after previous OR, can now be salvaged with endovascular techniques with lower morbidity and mortality.

Morphological, functional, and biomechanical progression of LV remodelling in a porcine model of HFpEF

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for about half of heart failure cases, but the progression of cardiac biomechanics during pathogenesis is not completely understood. We investigated a published porcine model of HFpEF, generated by progressive constriction of an aortic cuff causing progressive left ventricle (LV) pressure overload, and characterized by hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and overt HF with elevated plasma beta natriuretic peptide (BNP). We characterized morphological and functional features and performed image-based finite element modelling over multiple time points, so as to understand how biomechanics evolved with morphological and functional changes during pathogenesis, and to provide data for future growth and remodeling investigations. Results showed that the hypertrophic responses quickly manifested and were effective at preventing an elevation of systolic myocardial stresses, suggesting active compensated remodeling. Consequent to the hypertrophy, diastolic myocardial stresses decreased despite the elevations in diastolic pressures. The left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH) myocardium also exhibited a quick elevation of active tension at the onset of the disease. There was a progressive and significant decrease in myocardial strain, which was more significant in the longitudinal direction. Further, elevated myocardial stiffness and diastolic pressures, which reflected diastolic dysfunction, also manifested, but this was delayed from the onset of the disease. Correlation analysis showed that hypertrophy was closely correlated to systolic pressure, active tension and systolic myocardial stress, suggesting that these factors may play a role in initiating hypertrophy. Myocardial stiffness was weakly correlated to LV pressures and myocardial stresses.

Coil Embolization Of Persistent Type 1 Endoleak

Type I endoleak is a well-known complication of endovascular repair which could be due to the patient or technical factors during the procedure. Every type I or type III endoleak should be repaired prior to completion of the endovascular repair procedure. In the case of type I endoleak aneurysm, the sac is still pressurized and will grow over time. Every attempt should be made to resolve endoleak prior to the completion of the procedure. Available strategies to treat type I endoleak include: (1) Repeat angioplasty of the seal zone; (2) Addition of an aortic cuff; (3) Use of balloon-expandable bare-metal stents to increase the radial force; (4) Use of endoanchors to obtain better graft/aorta apposition; (5) Extension of the graft with snorkel or fenestrated endograft to extend the seal zone beyond the visceral branches; and (6) Explantation and open repair.

Midterm outcomes of AFX2 endografts used in combination with aortic cuffs

ObjectiveType III endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with the Endologix unibody endograft remain a major concern, despite fabric, system, and instructional updates. The purpose of this study was to examine real-world outcomes of repairing AAAs using the current version of the AFX2 main body in combination with an aortic cuff, specifically focusing on type III endoleaks and morphological changes of the endograft. MethodsWe recruited facilities in Japan that used AFX2 combined with an aortic cuff for at least five cases between April 2017 and March 2018. A total of 175 cases in 24 facilities were analyzed. Patients’ background information, including anatomic factors, operative findings, device component variations, and midterm outcomes at 3 years after the EVAR were collected. The data on computed tomography scans from cases registered as types I and III endoleaks and migration from each institute were sent to our department for verification. ResultsThe mean patient age was 74.6 ± 8.1 years, and 48 cases (27%) were saccular aneurysms. The mean fusiform and saccular AAA diameters were 50.5 ± 5.8 mm and 43.5 ± 8.9 mm, respectively. No in-hospital deaths occurred. Data at 3 years, including computed tomography images, of 128 cases were analyzed. Overall survival, freedom from aneurysm-related mortality, and freedom from reintervention rates at 3 years were 85.8%, 99.3%, and 87.3%, respectively. There were three, one, and three cases of types I, IIIa, and IIIb endoleaks without sac dilatations, respectively. Among five migration cases, one case of aortic cuff migration presented as a type Ia endoleak, and four cases demonstrated sideways displacement, one of which presented as a type IIIa endoleak. The sac regression and enlargement rates at 3 years were 41.4% and 20.5% in the fusiform group and 44.2% and 16.7% in the saccular group, respectively. The proximal neck diameter slightly increased from 20.8 ± 2.7 mm before the EVAR to 22.2 ± 4.6 mm after the repair. ConclusionsMidterm outcomes of the AFX2 used in combination with an aortic cuff were acceptable, considering the rates of types I and III endoleaks. However, there were cases of sideways displacement that could cause future type IIIa endoleaks. When the AFX2 is used in combination with an aortic cuff, close surveillance for endograft deformations and subsequent adverse events, including type III endoleaks, is needed.

Unconventional treatment in a Rare Case of Complex Coral Reef Aorta

Unconventional treatment in a Rare Case of Complex Coral Reef Aorta

O068 EVAR Gore salvage fabric technique (ARAFAT) to salvage evar fabric fatigue and graft failure

Abstract Introduction EVAR GORE SalvAge Fabric Technique (ARAFAT) is an innovative management protocol to seal material graft failure due to type IIIb endoleak (EL) in patients who are mainly at high risk for open conversion. We aim to discuss ARAFAT, an innovative management protocol to seal material graft failure due to type IIIb endoleak (EL). Methods We employed ARAFAT in patients following type IIIb EL to salvage previous EVAR with a polyester-based stent graft. The ARAFAT principle relies on the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the realignment of the polyester stent graft for sealing the microleaks and aortic sac hygroma, resulted due to polyester filtration. First, an oversized EXCLUDER® aortic cuff (GORE®, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA) is deployed into the previously implanted polyester-based stent graft. This is followed by simultaneous deployment of an EXCLUDER® iliac extension, as necessary, in double barrel configuration from the main cuff. A minimum of 2 cm of a distal seal zone is provided to promote stability. Results ARAFAT was employed in 18 patients (mean age 80 ± 6.86 years; 77% male). The average size of the aortic sac that underwent re-intervention was 6.68 ± 2.13 cm. All the patients had primary technical success. There was no peri-operative mortality. The average follow-up was 35.6 ± 6.24 months. Conclusion We successfully employed the ARAFAT technique as a fully functioning protocol to overcome apparent challenges in managing material fatigue graft failure EL in high-risk patients. Take-home message EVAR GORE Salvage Fabric Technique (ARAFAT) technique could be successfully employed as a fully functioning protocol to overcome apparent challenges in managing material fatigue graft failure EL in high-risk patients.

Physician-modified aortic cuff to "stabilize" paravisceral aortic thrombus and minimize risk of distal embolization during pararenal aneurysm repair with fenestrated stent graft.

As technology and surgeon experience evolve, endovascular repair of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms is often preferred in appropriately selected patients. However, the presence of pedunculated aortic thrombus represents a relative contraindication for endoluminal therapy due embolization risks. Here, we present a 68-year-old woman with a 5.8-cm pararenal aortic aneurysm associated with pedunculated aortic thrombus. She was treated with a modified Cook-Zenith aortic cuff to first entrap the aortic thrombus, followed by treatment of the aneurysm with a modified Z-FEN graft. This cuff modification provides a novel approach to deal with such luminal thrombus.

Early- and Mid-Term Results of Abdominal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Using an Aortic Cuff Prior to the Main Body to Prevent Type II Endoleaks

Purpose: Postoperatively persistent type II endoleaks (T2ELs) in abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are known risk factors for long-term aneurysm enlargement. Therefore, various measures have been proposed to prevent T2ELs. Notably, the Kilt technique, which can be used in patients with dumbbell-shaped morphology, employs an aortic cuff deployed in the distal seal zone before the main body. Although previous studies have successfully applied this technique for preventing T2ELs, the mid- and long-term outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to report the early- to mid-term outcomes in cases where an aortic cuff technique was used to prevent T2ELs. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study analyzed 9 patients (mean age, 79 years; range, 69–88 years; 8 men) with abdominal aortic aneurysms. All patients underwent EVAR using an aortic cuff to prevent T2ELs. The primary end points were technical success (successful deployment) and clinical success (no T2ELs). Secondary end points included morbidity, reintervention, and aortic remodeling during follow-up. Results: The technical success rate was 100%. There were no intraprocedural or postoperative complications. No deaths or reinterventions occurred. Postoperative computed tomography showed no endoleaks in 6 patients, while T2ELs from the lumbar artery outside the aortic cuff deployment range were noted in 3 patients. However, no T2ELs were observed in the artery in the aortic cuff deployment range in any patient. The average number of successfully occluded arteries was 4.2 (range, 2–8). All patients had follow-up >6 (mean, 18.6; range, 6–36) months. Aneurysm sac shrinkage occurred in 5 patients during the follow-up period, whereas aneurysm size was stable in 3 patients. In contrast, only 1 patient showed transient dilation of the aneurysm sac enlargement; however, this dilation remained unchanged even after 1.5 years. Conclusion: The aortic cuff technique is a favorable endovascular method for preventing T2ELs in EVAR. The present study showed that a single aortic cuff could easily and reliably occlude arteries branched from the aneurysm sac.

Collapsed endograft and lower limb ischemia from type B dissection repaired with thoracic endovascular aortic graft and iliac stenting: A case report and review of the literature

The collapse of an abdominal aortic endograft is a rare event. We present the case of a 60-year-old man with an abdominal endograft who came to the emergency department with chest, back, abdominal, and lower extremity pain in addition to a cool left foot. On imaging, he was found to have a type B aortic dissection and a collapsed abdominal endograft. Subsequently, the patient was taken to the operating room and treated with a thoracic endovascular aortic repair, abdominal aortic cuff, and an iliac stent. Our study details this case and thoroughly reviews similar cases in the literature.