Stent-graft Repair Research Articles

Efficacy of Unibody Bifurcated Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

To compare the clinical efficacy of unibody bifurcated endovascular stent-graft repair versus conventional open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Interventional study. Department of Vascular Surgery, Gansu Province People's Hospital, China, from January 2015 to December 2016. A total of 80 patients with AAA were randomly divided into Group A and Group B, with 40 cases in each group. Group A was treated with conventional open surgical repair, and Group B was treated with unibody bifurcated endovascular stent-graft repair. The efficacy of the two groups was compared. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ambulation time, and postoperative hospital stay in Group B were all lower than those in Group A (all p <0.001). The incidence of pulmonary complications and electrolyte imbalance in Group B were lower than those in Group A (p=0.026 and p <0.001, respectively). The survival rate of patients in Group B at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after operation was higher than that of Group A (p=0.002, 0.002 and 0.005, respectively). Unibody bifurcated endovascular stent-graft repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm has advantages of short operation time, little trauma, short recovery time, high safety and efficacy compared with the conventional open surgery.

Successful endovascular coil embolization of large pseudoaneurysm of ductus arteriosus diverticulum

BackgroundPseudoaneurysm of the ductus arteriosus diverticulum, although rare in adults, may have catastrophic consequences if left untreated due to erosion and rupture of the pseudoaneurysm into adjacent thoracic structures. Although thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the standard treatment method for aneurysm closure of the ductus arteriosus diverticulum, it was not possible in our patient secondary to marked aortoiliac access vessel tortuosity, significant vascular calcific burden, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm. We describe the first reported case of endovascular coil embolization being successfully used as the definite repair of a ductus arteriosus diverticulum pseudoaneurysm.Case presentationAn 85-year-old man with history of severe coronary arterial disease presented with an enlarging pseudoaneurysm of a ductus arteriosus diverticulum. The diverticulum and thoracic aortic junction demonstrated the typical obtuse angles and wide neck, differentiating it from otherwise similar-appearing diagnostic considerations. Repair was attempted with conventional aortic stent graft but the patient’s infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and his heavily calcified, tortuous iliac vessels could not accommodate the 24Fr introducer sheath necessary for stent graft placement. Therefore, endovascular coil embolization was successfully completed through a 4Fr directional catheter. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged from the hospital in good condition on post-embolization day six.ConclusionsEndovascular coil embolization is an alternative treatment for ductus arteriosus diverticulum pseudoaneurysm closure in cases where the standard TEVAR method is unsuccessful. Instead of the wide entry point at the aorta we used the junction of the diverticulum and pseudoaneurysm as the “neck” for satisfactory and stable coil placement. Endovascular coil embolization alone may be a viable definitive therapy for occlusion of the ductus pseudoaneurysm component of the diverticulum in cases where complex anatomy or extensive vascular disease makes stent graft repair impractical if not impossible.

Hybrid Aortic Arch Repairs.

Hybrid aortic arch repair (HAAR) consists of thoracic stent-graft repair and procedures to maintain cerebral blood flow. Several hybrid techniques have been used, including arch artery debranching, parallel graft technique, fenestration or branching of endograft, or a combination of these. We provided an overview of HAAR by presenting literature reviews as well as our clinical experience. The experience consisted of 172 patients who had undergone HAAR. The 30-day mortality was 3% (5/172). Persistent neurologic deficits occurred in 7 patients (4%), respiratory failure in 5 (3%), de novo aortic dissection in 3 and spinal cord injury in 2. 17% of the patients experienced type Ia endoleak. Seventeen patients required redo thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Fifty-six late deaths occurred during the follow-up period, including aortic-related death in 9 patients. In conclusion, hybrid arch debranching repair should be performed for elderly or high-surgical-risk patients. However, refining techniques and device technology is likely to reduce late endograft-related events. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2018; 27: 385–391.)

Endovascular Reconstruction of Subclavian Artery Aneurysms in Patients with Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Subclavian artery aneurysms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) have traditionally been managed by open surgical reconstruction. Endovascular subclavian artery reconstruction is novel in the setting of arterial TOS (aTOS). Our objective is to report our results with endovascular subclavian artery reconstruction in aTOS patients over a 10-year period with attention to surgical approach and late results. Patients who underwent stent-graft reconstruction of subclavian artery aneurysms associated with aTOS between 2006 and 2016 were identified in a prospective database. Data collected included age, gender, presentation, surgical details, and outcomes. Over the study period, 869 TOS procedures were performed. Of these, 7 (0.8%) were aTOS related subclavian artery aneurysms managed with stent-graft repair. All presented with upper extremity pain (7) and a majority with limb-threatening ischemia (6). Other significant findings included subclavian artery aneurysm (7), cervical rib (4), and clavicular fracture (3). TOS decompression was accomplished via transaxillary cervical and first rib resection. Stent-graft deployment was performed concurrently with TOS decompression via brachial artery approach. The mean follow-up period was 24.9months (range 1-60). Two patients required reintervention for stent thrombosis (1.5months, 36months) and 1 required balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis (24months). Limb salvage was achieved in all patients with no major amputations, no minor amputations, and restoration of normal function in all. Our experience indicates that stent-graft reconstruction of subclavian artery aneurysms associated with aTOS is successful. This procedure was characterized by short surgical times, low blood loss, and no complications. It may be subject to late graft thrombosis or stenosis and requires life-long surveillance.

Combined proximal descending aortic endografting plus distal bare metal stenting versus conventional proximal descending aortic stent graft repair for complicated type B aortic dissections

Combined proximal descending aortic endografting plus distal bare metal stenting versus conventional proximal descending aortic stent graft repair for complicated type B aortic dissections

Transradial interventions in contemporary vascular surgery practice.

Upper extremity arterial access is often required for endovascular procedures, especially for antegrade access to the visceral aortic branches. Radial arterial access has been shown previously to have low complication rates, and patients tolerate the procedure well and are able to recover quickly. However, transradial access remains relatively uncommon amongst vascular surgeons. The radial artery was evaluated by ultrasound to evaluate for adequate caliber, and to identify any aberrant anatomy or arterial loops. A modified Barbeau test was performed to ensure sufficient collateral circulation. A cocktail of nitroglycerin, verapamil and heparin was administered intra-arterially to combat vasospasm. Sheaths up to 6 French were utilized for interventions. On completion of the procedure, a compression band was used for hemostasis in all cases. Twenty-five interventions were performed in 24 patients. The left radial artery was used in 23/25 cases (92.0%). Procedures included visceral and renal artery interventions; stent graft repair of a renal artery aneurysm; embolization of splenic, pancreaticoduodenal and internal mammary aneurysms; embolization of bilateral hypogastric arteries following blunt pelvic trauma; interventions for peripheral arterial disease; delivery of a renal snorkel graft during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, and access for diagnostic catheters during thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Technical success was 92.0%. There was one post-operative radial artery occlusion (4.3%) which led to paresthesias but resolved with anticoagulation. There were no instances of arterial rupture, hematoma, or hand ischemia requiring intervention. Using the transradial approach, we have demonstrated a high technical success rate over a range of clinical contexts with minimal morbidity and no significant complications such as bleeding or hand ischemia. The safety profile compares favorably to historical complication rates from brachial access. Radial access is a safe and useful skill for vascular surgeons to master.

Case Series of Aortic Arch Aneurysm in Patients with Bovine Arch Treated with Proximal Scalloped and Fenestrated Stent Graft.

The bovine arch is the most common variant of the aortic arch and occurs when the innominate artery shares a common origin with the left common carotid artery. We report an endovascular repair of aortic arch aneurysm in patients with a bovine arch using the Najuta proximal scalloped and fenestrated stent graft. Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repairs using the Najuta stent graft were performed at our facility. It was inserted and deployed at a zone 0 with precise positional adjustment of the scallop of the stent graft to the brachiocephalic trunk. Overall, eight patients with bovine aortic arch were treated with fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair. Technical success was 100% with no 30-day death. The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 29 (median 12) months. None of the patients had a stroke or paraplegia, and no endoleak was observed. All brachiocephalic trunks scalloped, and the left subclavian artery fenestrated vessels remained patent during the follow-up period. The Najuta stent graft repair of aortic arch aneurysms in patients with a bovine arch is a safe and effective treatment option, with good immediate and short-term results.

Use of a Steerable Sheath for Retrograde Access to Antegrade Branches in Branched Stent-Graft Repair of Complex Aortic Aneurysms

Purpose: To describe how to use a steerable sheath from a femoral access to catheterize antegrade branches in a branched aortic stent-graft. Technique: Following femoral cutdown, a stent-graft with antegrade branches destined for renovisceral target vessels was deployed in the desired position. A steerable sheath with a tip that rotates up to 180° was introduced from the common femoral artery and navigated to the antegrade branches for consecutive catheterization of the target vessels and deployment of one or more bridging stents per branch. The technique is demonstrated in 4 patients who underwent successful complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal branched endovascular repairs with 1, 2, and 4 antegrade branches. Conclusion: Retrograde access for complex aortic endografts with antegrade branches using a steerable sheath appears feasible and effective and may serve as an alternative to upper extremity access.

A Case of Stent Graft Repair for Chronic Type B Dissecting Aneurysm with Three-channeled Aortic Dissection Using the Candy Plug Technique

A Case of Stent Graft Repair for Chronic Type B Dissecting Aneurysm with Three-channeled Aortic Dissection Using the Candy Plug Technique

Aortic rupture due to pseudocoarctation caused by migrated stent graft

Migration of the stent graft is one of the complications of the endovascular aneurysm repair. Sometimes migration might cause fracture of the stent graft. This fracture might be viewed like a coarctation in the computerized tomographic examinations. In this situation, intraluminal aortic pressure of the proximal segment of the aorta will increase and might cause aortic rupture. Herein, we are presenting surgical treatment of the aortic rupture of the aorta, caused by the pseudocarctation of the migrated stent graft 6-year after the endovascular stent graft repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Flow pattern analysis in type B aortic dissection patients after stent-grafting repair: Comparison between complete and incomplete false lumen thrombosis.

Endovascular stent graft repair has become a common treatment for complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection to restore true lumen flow and induce false lumen thrombosis. Using computational fluid dynamics, this study reports the differences in flow patterns and wall shear stress distribution in complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection patients after endovascular stent graft repair. Five patients were included in this study: 2 have more than 80% false lumen thrombosis (group 1), while 3 others had less than 80% false lumen thrombosis (group 2) within 1year following endovascular repair. Group 1 patients had concentrated re-entry tears around the abdominal branches only, while group 2 patients had re-entry tears that spread along the dissection line. Blood flow inside the false lumen which affected thrombus formation increased with the number of re-entry tears and when only small amounts of blood that entered the false lumen exited through the branches. In those cases where dissection extended below the abdominal branches (group 2), patients with fewer re-entry tears and longer distance between the tears had low wall shear stress contributing to thrombosis. This work provides an insight into predicting the development of complete or incomplete false lumen thrombosis and has implications for patient selection for treatment.

Case series of aortic arch disease treated with branched stent-grafts.

Surgical repair of aortic arch pathology is complex and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Alternative approaches have been developed to reduce these risks, including the use of thoracic stent-grafts with fenestrations or in combination with bypass procedures to maintain supra-aortic trunk blood flow. Branched stent-grafts are a novel approach to treat aortic arch pathology. Consecutive patients with aortic arch disease presenting to a single university hospital vascular centre were considered for branched stent-graft repair (October 2010 to January 2017). Patients were assessed in a multidisciplinary setting including a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon and vascular surgeon. All patients were considered prohibitively high risk for standard open surgical repair. The study used reporting standards for endovascular aortic repair and PROCESS (Preferred Reporting of Case Series in Surgery) guidelines. Some 30 patients (25 men) underwent attempted branch stent-graft repair. Mean age was 68 (range 37-84) years. Eighteen patients had chronic aortic dissection, 11 patients had an aneurysm and one had a penetrating ulcer. Fourteen patients had disease in aortic arch zone 0, six in zone 1 and ten in zone 2. Twenty-five patients had undergone previous aortic surgery and 24 required surgical revascularization of the left subclavian artery. Technical success was achieved in 27 of 30 patients. Four patients had an endoleak (type Ia, 1; type II, 3). The in-hospital mortality rate was three of 30. Mean length of follow-up was 12·0 (range 1·0-67·8) months, during which time 12 patients required an aortic-related reintervention. Repair of aortic arch pathology using branched stent-grafting appears feasible. Before widespread adoption of this technology, further studies are required to standardize the technique and identify which patients are most likely to benefit.

Epidemiology and contemporary management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is most commonly defined as a maximal diameter of the abdominal aorta in excess of 3 cm in either anterior-posterior or transverse planes or, alternatively, as a focal dilation ≥1.5 times the diameter of the normal adjacent arterial segment. Risk factors for the development of AAA include age >60, tobacco use, male gender, Caucasian race, and family history of AAA. Aneurysm growth and rupture risk appear to be associated with persistent tobacco use, female gender, and chronic pulmonary disease. The majority of AAAs are asymptomatic and detected incidentally on various imaging studies, including abdominal ultrasound, and computed tomographic angiography. Symptoms associated with AAA may include abdominal or back pain, thromboembolization, atheroembolization, aortic rupture, or development of an arteriovenous or aortoenteric fistula. The Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Efficiently (SAAAVE) Act provides coverage for a one-time screening abdominal ultrasound at age 65 for men who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes and women who have family history of AAA disease. Medical management is recommended for asymptomatic patients with AAAs <5 cm in diameter and focuses on modifiable risk factors, including smoking cessation and blood pressure control. Primary indications for intervention in patients with AAA include development of symptoms, rupture, rapid aneurysm growth (>5 mm/6 months), or presence of a fusiform aneurysm with maximum diameter of 5.5 cm or greater. Intervention for AAA includes conventional open surgical repair and endovascular aortic stent graft repair.

Best Medical Treatment and Selective Stent-GraftRepair for Acute Type B Aortic Intramural Hematoma

This study aimed to describe our experience with the management and the results of stent-graft (SG) repair of acute type B aortic intramural hematoma (B-IMH). Between January 2005 and July 2016, we identified 41 B-IMHs. Major end points were early and long-term survival, aortic remodeling, freedom from aortic-related mortality (ARM), and freedom from reintervention. Thirty-one (76%) patients eventually underwent SG repair: 16 (52%) cases in the acute phase, and 6 (19%) in the subacute (14-30 days) phase. Nine (29%) patients showed aortic lesion progression in the follow-up despite best medical treatment, and required SG repair in the chronic phase. The presence of ulcer-like projections at the admission computed tomography angiography was significantly higher in patients who eventually required SG repair (5% vs 36%, odds ratio: 4.08, P = .043). At 12 months, whereas ARM showed a trend in favor of SG (84% ± 10 vs 100%; log-rank: P = .075), the freedom from aortic progression was significantly lower in the SG group (64% ± 13 vs 94% ± 5; log-rank: P = .002). Median follow-up was 31 months (range, 2-96; interquartile range, 11-62.5). Freedom from ARM and freedom from aortic reintervention was 92% ± 5 (95% confidence interval: 75-98) at 12 months. Aortic remodeling was observed in 26 (84%) patients. No differences were noted between patients treated with SG in the acute and in the chronic phase. In our experience, B-IMH was associated with 47% aortic adverse event rate in the follow-up with best medical treatment alone. At mid-term, results of SG repair are encouraging.

Recurrence Aortic Abdominal Dissection after Stent Grafting for Stanford Type B thoracic Dissection Case Report

Acute aortic dissection remains the most common aortic catastrophe currently. It is significant to be on the alert for the recurrent aortic dissection. A 62-yearold woman with hypertension was admitted to the Emergency department with sudden intense back pain, profuse sweating and with the feeling of impending death for 3 hours. The surgeon of Peking University Shougang hospital conducted TEVAR in the first day after hospitalization and the back pain had lessened after the surgeon. The fourth day after hospitalization, the patient had Intermittent back pain. The recurrent dissection entry was found on the bottom of the thoracic artery stent-graft. The surgeon of Peking University Shougang hospital conducted the endovascular covered stent-graft repair of the abdominal aorta.

Comparison of short- and mid-term results of open surgery versus endovascular stent graft repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Comparison of short- and mid-term results of open surgery versus endovascular stent graft repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Open stent graft repair with upper-half Sternotomy for blunt thoracic aortic injury: a case report

BackgroundThoracic endovascular aortic repair is now widely applied to the treatment of blunt aortic injury. However, its long-term outcomes remain unclear. Endoleakage and migration might occur in the long term, especially when younger patients undergo endovascular aortic repair. In open stent grafting, the proximal end of the open stent graft is directly sutured to the native aorta, which may reduce the risk of endoleakage and migration. We applied open stent grafting to the treatment of blunt aortic injury in the subacute phase and herein report the patient’s clinical course.Case PresentationA 20-year-old man with a developmental disorder collided with a steel tower while skiing. He was transferred to our hospital by helicopter. X-ray examination and computed tomography revealed fractures of left humeral head and femoral neck and aortic isthmus dissection. We did not perform an acute-phase operation because of the presence of multiple trauma and instead performed open stent grafting with an upper-half sternotomy 42 days after the injury. He recovered uneventfully without psychological problems other than his preexisting developmental disorder. No endoleakage or aneurysm was observed during an 18-month follow-up period.ConclusionsOpen stent grafting might be an alternative to open surgery and thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt chest trauma, although intensive follow-up is needed.

Utilization of stent grafts in the management of arteriovenous access pseudoaneurysms.

Objective Endovascular stent graft repair for exclusion of pseudoaneurysm is currently being explored to replace open surgical repair as current management. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of endovascular stent graft intervention in pseudoaneurysms complicating arteriovenous reconstructions in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Methods A retrospective analysis of all pseudoaneurysms treated with stent grafts at our institution over a period of five years was performed. The indications for endovascular intervention included bleeding from the pseudoaneurysm, infection, and significant skin compromise overlying the pseudoaneurysm or combination of the above. The rates of technical success, complication, and primary patency were measured at one-week, one-month, and six-month follow-up. Results A total of 33 endovascular stent graft interventions in 29 patients were performed for the treatment of pseudoaneurysms. The average age of patients was 68 years (range 31-90 years), with 13 female. Diabetes and hypertension were present in 15 and 22 patients, respectively. In eight patients, there was evidence of active infection at the fistula site. The choice of stent grafts include Viabahn ( n = 31), Wallgraft ( n = 1), and i-Cast ( n = 1). The initial technical success rate was 94%. The two failed interventions included occlusion of inflow artery with immediate conversion to open procedure ( n = 1) and incomplete pseudoaneurysm exclusion ( n = 1). Primary patency at one month and six months was 83 and 60%, respectively. An additional balloon angioplasty of outflow tract or central stenosis was performed in 18 cases (54%). The explanation of stent grafts due to persistent or recurrent bacteremia/site infection was required in four out of eight patients. The average time to explanation was 93 days (range 6-204 days). Conclusion The stent graft implantation is a safe, minimally invasive and efficient way to control and manage arteriovenous accesses with pseudoaneurysms. In the presence of infection, this approach may be less durable.

Outcomes analysis of stent-graft repair for thoracic aorta emergencies

This study aimed to identify patient, pathology and procedure-related factors affecting perioperative and mid-term mortality of thoracic aorta emergencies. Between 2007 and 2014, patients treated emergently with thoracic stent-graft were retrospectively reviewed. Variables analyzed were: age, renal insufficiency, shock, cardiac arrest, transfer status, pathology, debranching procedures, operation duration, vascular access and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE). Seventy-four patients (54.5±22 years) were treated for traumatic rupture (N.=31), aneurysm (TAA) (N.=16), acute aortic syndrome (N.=18), aorto-esophageal fistula (N.=2), floating thrombus (N.=7). Thirty-four patients (46%) were in shock, including 3 suffering preoperative cardiac arrest. Proximal landing zones were: zone 0 (N.=4), zone 1 (N.=4), zone 2 (N.=37), zone 3 (N.=21) and zone 4 (N.=8). Debranching procedures were performed in 16 cases (22%). Perioperative all-cause- mortality was 18.9% (N.=14). Univariable analysis identified age, renal insufficiency, shock, transfer status, cardiac arrest, debranching procedures in zones 0 or 4 and EuroSCORE as predictors of death (P=0.002, P=0.001, P=0.002, P=0.05, P=0.006, P=0.028, P<0.001 respectively). Multivariable analysis pinpointed shock and renal insufficiency as independent risk factors. Over a mean 41 months follow-up, survival was 72% at both 1 and 3 years and was impacted by pathology and debranching procedures. Aortic re-intervention rate was 12% (N.=9), significantly higher in TAA group (P=0.004). Hemorrhagic shock remains highly lethal for endovascular repair. Hybrid procedures in zones 0 or 4 should be avoided to improve short and mid-term outcomes. TAA groups require close surveillance to detect late events.

Acute Intramural Hematoma of the Descending Aorta Treated with Stent Graft Repair Is Associated with a Better Prognosis

PurposeTo compare midterm outcomes of optimal medical treatment (OMT) alone with OMT and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of acute type B intramural hematoma (IMHB). Materials and MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed of 65 patients treated with OMT alone (31 patients) or OMT with TEVAR (34 patients) for acute uncomplicated or complicated IMHB from January 2006 to December 2015 in a single institution. Primary outcome was aortic-related mortality during follow-up. Secondary outcomes were aortic-related adverse events, all-cause mortality, and occurrence of complete aortic remodeling. ResultsExcept for the morphologic nature of the aortic lesion, no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups were observed. Mean follow-up time was 32 months ± 19 (range, 1–120 months). Patients in the OMT group had a significantly increased rate of aortic-related mortality (12.9% vs 0% in TEVAR group, P = .046) and aortic-related adverse events (29.0% vs 0% in TEVAR group, P < .001) and an insignificant but higher trending all-cause mortality rate (38.8% vs 19.8% in TEVAR group, P = .15). The occurrence of complete aortic remodeling was significantly lower in the OMT group (15.4% vs 82.1% in TEVAR group, P < .001). ConclusionsTEVAR is likely to protect from progression of IMHB and to be associated with a better prognosis than OMT alone.