Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Research Articles

VESS04. The Durability of Open Surgical Repair of Type I to Type III Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm

VESS04. The Durability of Open Surgical Repair of Type I to Type III Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm

IP093. Early Experience With the Octopus Endovascular Strategy in the Management of Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

IP093. Early Experience With the Octopus Endovascular Strategy in the Management of Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

IF04. The “Bare Branch” as an Adjunct to Prevent Paraplegia After Total Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

IF04. The “Bare Branch” as an Adjunct to Prevent Paraplegia After Total Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

Assessment of failure to rescue after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program procedure-targeted data set

ObjectiveOpen aortic repair (OAR) is associated with higher risk of mortality compared with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The aim of this study was to compare failure to rescue (FTR) after major predischarge complications in patients undergoing OAR and EVAR. MethodsPatients who underwent OAR or EVAR in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2011 and 2015 were selected. Patients with ruptured aneurysm and those with type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms were excluded. The primary outcome was FTR, defined as 30-day mortality in patients who developed at least one complication during their hospital stay. Univariable and multivariable statistics were used. ResultsA total of 9097 patients underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Of those, 3291 (36.2%) had at least one major predischarge complication, 82.5% after OAR (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.9%-84.1%) vs 21.3% after EVAR (95% CI, 20.4%-22.3%; P < .001). Increased FTR was seen after aneurysm rupture, cardiac arrest, septic shock, and acute kidney injury. On multivariable analysis, FTR was not significantly different between OAR and EVAR (adjusted odds ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.61-1.24; P = .44). Propensity score matching and coarsened exact matching showed similar results. ConclusionsAlthough EVAR has fewer complications and lower in-hospital mortality than OAR, FTR after major predischarge complications does not depend on the type of surgical approach. When an in-hospital major complication occurs after EVAR, surgeons should be alert that FTR risk resulting in mortality is similar to that of OAR. Therefore, there is no safety net with EVAR.

Repair of Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Mycotic Aneurysms and Infected Aortic Grafts Using Allograft

Mycotic aneurysm of the thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta and infection of thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic grafts are challenging problems with high mortality. In situ reconstruction with cryopreserved allograft (CPA) avoids placement of prosthetic material in an infected field and avoids suppressive antibiotics or autologous tissue coverage. Fifty consecutive patients with infection of a thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic graft or mycotic aneurysm underwent resection and replacement with CPA from 2006 to 2016. Intravenous antibiotics were continued postoperatively for 6 weeks. Long-term suppressive antibiotics were uncommonly used (8 patients). Follow-up imaging occurred at 6, 18, and 42 months postoperatively. Initial follow-up was 93% complete. Men comprised 64% of the cohort. The mean age was 63 ± 14 years. The procedures performed included reoperations in 37 patients; replacement of the aortic root, ascending aorta, or transverse arch in 19; replacement of the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta in 27; and extensive replacement of the ascending, arch, and descending or thoracoabdominal aorta in 4. Intraoperative cultures revealed most commonly Staphylococcus (24%), Enterococcus (12%), Candida (6%), and gram-negative rods (14%). Operative mortality was 8%, stroke was 4%, paralysis was 2%, hemodialysis was 6%, and respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy was 6%. Early reoperation for pseudoaneurysm of the CPA was necessary in 4 patients. One-, 2-, and 5-year survival was 84%, 76%, and 64%, respectively. Radical resection and in situ reconstruction with CPA avoids placing prosthetic material in an infected field and provides good early and midterm outcomes. However, early postoperative imaging is necessary given the risk of pseudoaneurysm formation.

Custom-Made Endograft for Endovascular Repair of Thoraco-Abdominal Aneurysm and Type B Dissection: Single-Centre Experience.

To report a series of patients treated with the Jotec custom-made endograft for thoraco-abdominal aneurysms and dissections and identify predictive factors for re-intervention. We retrospectively analysed 49 patients unsuitable for surgery, treated between 2011 and 2017 (71.3 ± 9.5years; 15 females). Indications included Crawford type 4 aneurysm in 25 patients, type 3 in 13, type 2 in 4, type 1 in 2 and chronic aneurysmal dilatation of the false lumen following dissection in 5 cases. Mean aneurysm diameter was 58.7 ± 8.4mm. The study aims were to assess procedural success, complications rate, mortality and long-term follow-up. We also analysed factors that predicted the need for re-intervention. The endograft was successfully deployed in all patients, catheterization of the fenestration and/or branches was achieved in 152/156 (97.4%) vessels. Early complications occurred in 10 patients (3 paraplegia, 3 haemorrhages, pancreatitis, aortic rupture, iliac artery rupture, 2 strokes). Thirty-day mortality was 10.2% and 180-day mortality 14.3%; two non procedure related deaths occurred. Mean follow-up was 23.6 ± 29.9months [range 1-80]. No patients needed surgical explantation or developed significant renal impairment. Endoleak rate was 34.6% and re-intervention rate 9.7%. The aneurysm sac reduced or was stable in 36/49, and enlarged in 9/49 patients prompting re-intervention. Primary, primary-assisted and secondary patency of fenestrations/branches at 80months was 90, 96 and 100%. Re-intervention was required more frequently in braches than in fenestrations, most commonly the external type branches. The results of the Jotec endograft are comparable to other devices, with acceptable complication and re-intervention rates. Fenestration and inner-branch should be preferred due to lower re-intervention rates.

A propensity-matched comparison of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and open surgical repair of pararenal and paravisceral aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveThis study investigated the outcomes of a current series of patients treated with fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR) or open surgical repair (OSR) for pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (pr-AAAs), including juxtarenal, suprarenal, and type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms. This study compares the outcomes of these procedures from two high-volume centers without the bias induced by a learning curve. MethodsAll patients with pr-AAAs undergoing repair at two centers between January 2010 and June 2016 were included in a prospective database. Patients undergoing F-BEVAR and OSR were propensity matched for age, sex, anatomic criteria (aortic clamp site), coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, smoking, chronic kidney disease, aneurysm diameter, and previous aortic surgery. The primary end points were mortality and dialysis. Secondary end points included any myocardial ischemia, respiratory and early procedural complications, acute kidney injury (AKI) according to RIFLE criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage renal failure), spinal cord ischemia, a composite of these complications, and postoperative intensive care unit length of stay. During follow-up, all-cause survival and freedom from reintervention were compared, as was the patency of stented vessels and renal and visceral bypasses. Late renal function deterioration was evaluated. ResultsIn this period, 157 F-BEVAR patients and 119 OSR patients were operated on. After 1:1 propensity matching, the study cohort consisted of 102 F-BEVARs and 102 OSRs. In the matched population, an average of 2.5 vessels were treated per patient. Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant difference in 30-day mortality (2.9% vs 2.0%; P = .68), dialysis (4.9% vs 3.9%; P = 1), cardiac ischemic complications (3.8% vs 5.9%; P = .52), pulmonary complications (5.9% vs 5.9%; P = 1), or any complications (28.4% vs 30.4%; P = .63) in the F-BEVAR and OSR groups, respectively. AKI was significantly lower in the F-BEVAR group than in the OSR group (19.6% vs 52%; P < .001), as was severe AKI (>50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate, 6.9% vs 16.7%; P = .03). There was no spinal cord ischemia. The median intensive care unit length of stay was 1 day in both groups (P = .33). During follow-up, we found occlusions of five stented vessels and three surgical bypasses. Late renal function deterioration was comparable between the two groups. According to Kaplan-Meier estimates, all-cause survival at 24, 48, and 72 months was 85.6%, 66.8%, and 55.8% after F-BEVAR and 90.5%, 82.9%, and 68.5% after OSR (P = .04). Rates of freedom from reintervention were 97.6% vs 97.5% at 24 months, 90.1% vs 93.4% at 48 months, and 63.9% vs 93.4% at 72 months in the F-BEVAR and OSR groups (P = .05), respectively. Thus, both all-cause survival and freedom from reintervention were lower in the F-BEVAR group. ConclusionsThis propensity score analysis in patients with pr-AAA undergoing F-BEVAR or OSR suggests no difference in terms of 30-day mortality, dialysis, or organ-specific postoperative complications, with the exception of AKI. Postoperative AKI was significantly higher after OSR, although most patients had recovered before discharge. Our data suggest similar outcomes after F-BEVAR or OSR for pr-AAA.

Early Experience with the Use of Inner Branches in Endovascular Repair of Complex Abdominal and Thoraco-abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Visceral arteries in fenestrated and branched endovascular repair (F/BEVAR) have been addressed by fenestrations or directional side branches. Inner branches, as used in the arch branched device, could provide an extra option for visceral arteries "unsuitable" for fenestrations or directional side branches. Early experience with the use of inner branches for visceral arteries in F/BEVAR is described. All consecutive patients treated by F/BEVAR for complex abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or thoraco-abdominal aneurysm (TAAA) using stent grafts with inner branches were included. Data were collected prospectively. Thirty-two patients (28 male, mean age 71.6±8.3 years) were included. Seven (21.9%) patients had a complex AAA and 25 (78.1%) had a TAAA. A stent graft with inner branches only was used in four (12.5%) patients. The remaining 28 (87.5%) patients received a stent graft with fenestrations and inner branches. In total 52 vessels were targeted with inner branches. Technical success was achieved in all 32 (100%) patients. All 38 inner branch target vessels in grafts including fenestrations and inner branches were instantly catheterised (<1minute), whereas catheterisation of target vessels in "inner branch only" grafts proved more difficult (<1minute, n=3; 1-3min, n=4; and >3min, n=7). The 30 day operative mortality was 3.1% (1/32). Estimated survival at 1 year was 80.0%±8.3%. During follow-up, four renal inner branches occluded in three patients. The estimated inner branch target vessel stent patency at 1 year was 91.9±4.5%. The estimated freedom from re-intervention at 1 year was 78.4%±8.9%. Early data suggest that visceral inner branches might represent a feasible third option to address selected target vessels in F/BEVAR. Stent grafts with inner branch(es) in combination with fenestrations seem to be a better configuration than stent grafts with inner branches alone. Durability of the inner branch design needs further investigation.

Common trunk of the posterior intercostal arteries from the thoracic aorta: anatomical variation, frequency, and importance in individuals.

A common trunk of the posterior intercostal arteries originating from the descending thoracic aorta is normally an anatomical variation. A search through the literature disclosed the frequencies of common trunks variations among population, but no information relates to particular topic of simultaneous multiple common trunks of the PIA present in individuals. A total of 396 intercostal spaces were dissected in 44 cadavers from the vertebral body to the mid-axillary line to observe a common trunk of the paired posterior intercostal artery at the level from T2 to T11 intercostal space. In 31 cadavers (70%), a common trunk of posterior intercostal arteries arising from descending thoracic aorta was visualed and 22 of those (71%) had two or more common trunks simultaneously present. It is important to recognize this anatomical variation when the number of origins of the posterior intercostal arteries from the thoracic aorta due to the multiple common trunk present can be reduced, as their origins and vascular territories are involved in primary diseases of the thoracic aorta, like atherosclerosis, aneurysm, or dissection that lead to serious complications. For example, in thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, reimplantation of the posterior intercostal arteries is recommended to avoid potential ischemic injury to the supplying areas, especially to the spinal cord.

Complications and Reinterventions After Fenestrated and Branched EVAR in Patients with Paravisceral and Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms.

The application of endovascular strategies to treat aneurysms involving the abdominal and thoracoabdominal aorta has evolved significantly since the inception of endovascular aneurysm repair. Advances in endograft technology and operator experience have enabled the management of a wider spectrum of challenging aortic anatomy. Fenestrated endovascular and branched endovascular aneurysm repair represent two technical innovations, which have expanded endovascular treatment options to include patients with paravisceral and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Although similar in many ways to standard aortic endografts, fenestrated and branched endografts have specific short- and long-term complications due to their unique modular endograft design and their sophisticated deployment mechanisms. This article aims to examine the commonly encountered complications with these devices and the endovascular reintervention strategies.

Technical Note: Dissection Flap Perforation with Use of a TIPS-Needle During Fenestrated Endografting for Post-dissection Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms.

Fenestrated/branched thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (F/Br-TEVAR) is a new minimal invasive treatment option for patients with post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. This specific pathology is challenging to F/Br-TEVAR, especially when target vessels originate from the false lumen. Crossing from the true lumen into the false lumen to catheterize such target vessels may prove cumbersome in the usually thickened dissection flap. We describe a bailout technique when standard catheterization techniques fail, by using a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)-needle to perforate the dissection flap. The fenestration is subsequently dilated using balloon angioplasty to allow for insertion and deployment of the bridging stent graft. When other catheterization techniques fail in vessel originating from the false lumen, TIPS-needle perforation of the dissection flap is a useful bailout tool.

Clinical Utility of Intraoperative Motor-Evoked Potential Monitoring to Prevent Postoperative Spinal Cord Injury in Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Repair: An Audit of the Japanese Association of Spinal Cord Protection in Aortic Surgery Database.

Spinal cord ischemic injury is the most devastating sequela of descending and thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) have been used to intraoperatively assess motor tract function, but it remains unclear whether MEP monitoring can decrease the incidence of postoperative motor deficits. Therefore, we reviewed multicenter medical records of patients who had undergone descending and thoracoabdominal aortic repair (both open surgery and endovascular repair) to assess the association of MEP monitoring with postoperative motor deficits. Patients included in the study underwent descending or thoracoabdominal aortic repair at 12 hospitals belonging to the Japanese Association of Spinal Cord Protection in Aortic Surgery between 2000 and 2013. Using multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression analysis, we investigated whether intraoperative MEP monitoring was associated with postoperative motor deficits at discharge after open and endovascular aortic repair. We reviewed data from 1214 patients (open surgery, 601 [49.5%]; endovascular repair, 613 [50.5%]). MEP monitoring was performed in 631 patients and not performed in the remaining 583 patients. Postoperative motor deficits were observed in 75 (6.2%) patients at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that postoperative motor deficits at discharge did not have a significant association with MEP monitoring (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-1.88; P = .624), but with other factors: history of neural deficits (adjusted OR, 6.08; 95% CI, 3.10-11.91; P < .001), spinal drainage (adjusted OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.32-3.47; P = .002), and endovascular procedure (adjusted OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27-0.76; P = .003). The sensitivity and specificity of MEP <25% of control value for motor deficits at discharge were 37.8% (95% CI, 26.5%-49.5%) and 95.5% (95% CI, 94.7%-96.4%), respectively. MEP monitoring was not significantly associated with motor deficits at discharge.

Images of the aorta before placement of ‘elephant trunk’ graft shows extensive thoracoabdominal aneurysm

Images of the aorta before placement of ‘elephant trunk’ graft shows extensive thoracoabdominal aneurysm

Fenestrated and Branched Endografts

Multiple clinical trials have established the safety and efficacy of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, which has resulted in a major paradigm shift from open to endovascular repair for the treatment of most aortic aneurysms. However, juxtarenal aneurysms (JRAAs) and more complex aneurysms involving the visceral aorta pose a significant challenge to the goals of fixation and seal using standard infrarenal devices. The need for branch vessel preservation and the individual variability of their origins from the aorta add significant complexity to the design, manufacturing, and implantation of endovascular grafts. To address these limitations, fenestrated and branched endografts have been developed that allow fixation and seal above the renal or visceral vessels but maintain perfusion to these branches by aligning fenestrations in the endograft fabric to the origins of these vessels or, in the case of thoracoabdominal aneurysms, providing branches. This review discusses fenestrated and branched endografts, as well as their complications and outcomes. Figures show definitions and examples of complex abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), features of the Zenith Fenestrated AAA Endovascular Graft, and features of the Cook Zenith P-branch device, an off-the-shelf fenestrated device under investigation for endovascular repair of JRAA. Tables list Zenith Fenestrated AAA Endovascular Graft indications for use and device components, graft and vessel-sized diameters for fenestrated devices, accessories for fenestrated endovascular repair, and results of reports dealing with fenestrated and branched endografts for juxtarenal and suprarenal AAA. This review contains 12 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 53 references. Key words: abdominal aortic aneurysm, branched endograft, complex abdominal aortic aneurysm, endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, fenestrated endograft, juxtarenal aneurysms, suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm

State-of the-art review on the renal and visceral protection during open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

During open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (OTAAAR), there is an inevitable organ ischemic period that occurs when the abdominal arteries are being reattached to the aortic graft. Despite various protective techniques, the incidence of renal and visceral complications remains substantial. This state-of-the-art review gives an overview of the current and most evidence-based organ protection methods during OTAAAR, based on the most recent publications and personal experience. An electronic search was performed in four medical databases, using the following MeSH terms: thoracoabdominal aneurysm, TAAAR, visceral protection, renal protection, kidney, perfusion, and intestines. Every publication type was considered. The literature search was ended on August 31st, 2017. The left heart bypass (LHB) is currently the most frequent adjunct to provide distal aortic perfusion (DAP) during aortic clamping. Together with systemic hypothermia, it forms the cornerstone in organ protection during aortic clamping. Further renal protection can be obtained by selective renal perfusion (SRP) with cold blood or cold crystalloid solution, the latter enriched with mannitol. The perfusion should be administered in a volume- and pressure-controlled way and, if possible, by use of a pulsatile pump. Selective visceral perfusion (SVP) is not routinely used, as it does not provide adequate blood flow for visceral protection. The best way to protect the intestines is by minimizing the ischemic time. The preservation of renal and visceral function after OTAAAR can only be obtained with specific strategies before, during, and after the operation. This involves a series of measures, including selective digestive decontamination (SDD), avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs, minimizing the renal and intestinal ischemic time, systemic cooling, avoidance of hemodynamic instability, and regional protective perfusion of the kidneys. Future innovations in catheters, cardiac bypass flow types, mechanical components, hybrid vascular grafts, and pharmaceutical protection measures will hopefully further reduce organ complications.

Du nouveau dans les anévrysmes thoraco-abdominaux

Endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms: what's new? Thoracoabdominal aneurysms (T-AAA) are aortic aneurysms that involve both the thoracic and abdominal segments of the aorta and its associated visceral branches. Although the first successful open repair was reported over 50 years ago, the risks of treatment remain considerable. As the first generations of devices available for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) were relatively simple tubes or bifurcated grafts, initial attempts to extend the benefits of EVAR to patients with T-AAA lead to "hybrid solution". Good results with hybrid repairs have not been universal and the approach does not exploit all of the potential advantages of a "pure" endovascular approach (lesser surgical insult). This unmet need, together with rapid technological advances, has encouraged the development of custom-made endografts with fenestrations and/or branches (F-BEVAR) for extension into the visceral vessel ostia. F-BEVAR requires considerably more complex device design and planning than conventional EVAR. Deployment is more technically demanding and takes longer to complete. Thus, patient, aneurysm anatomy and surgical team selection is paramount. Favorable outcomes have been widely reported following T-AAA repair with F-BEVAR in expert centers; more complex aortic lesions such as T-AAA in the context of chronic dissection or arch aneurysms are thus now also offered endovascular repair with F-BEVAR.

Endovascular Thoracoabdominal Replacement after Total Abdominal Aortic Debranching.

Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder affecting mainly eyes and skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Cardiovascular involvement may lead to life-threatening aortic pathologies including aneurysms and/or dissections. In this report, the authors present images of a patient with Marfan syndrome with a history of Bentall-De Bono procedure followed by aortic arch and infrarenal aortoiliac replacements who strongly refused conventional open repair and underwent abdominal debranching followed by thoracoabdominal endovascular stent grafting for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysm.

Upper extremity access options for complex endovascular aortic interventions.

The advancement of endovascular therapy has led to minimally invasive solutions to increasingly complex aortic pathology, including thoracoabdominal aneurysms and those involving the visceral segment. Upper extremity access is beneficial in a variety of these complex interventions, and may be absolutely required for certain procedures such as placement of parallel chimney grafts. Traditionally, the brachial artery has been the primary access site on the arm, using either a percutaneous or open approach. Brachial access is safe and effective, and remains suitable for the majority of clinical situations. More recently though, descriptions of axillary and radial access have emerged and may provide a useful alternative in specific cases. These options should be viewed as complementary rather than competitive, and facility with all three techniques is desirable. Here, we describe in detail the various options for upper extremity access during complex aortic aneurysm repair and their relative advantages.

Postoperative Outcomes of Complex Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Hybrid Open-Endovascular Techniques

Aortic disease becomes more prevalent with age and can result in acute aortic conditions including aneurysm, dissection, intramural hematoma and penetrating ulcers. Repair techniques for these conditions remain controversial due to the varying outcomes of studies. This retrospective study collected and analyzed data from twenty-three (23) patients with complex aortic aneurysms repaired using hybrid open-endovascular techniques. A high percentage of patients (82.6%) suffered from multiple comorbidities, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, renal disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and prior aortic procedures. All patients presented with ASA scores 3 or 4. Eleven patients (47.8%) presented with aneurysms of the ascending, transverse and descending arch, and seven patients (30.4%) with thoracoabdominal aneurysm. 78.3% of patients underwent thoracic vessel debranching, while the remainder underwent visceral vessel debranching (13.0%) or thoracic and visceral debranching (8.7%). No patients suffered visceral ischemia, spinal cord injury, extremity amputation or reoperation for bleeding post-operatively. Two patients suffered minor stroke (8.7%) and one patient (4.3%) had major stroke. Three patients (13.0%) suffered temporary kidney injury and one patient (4.3%) developed renal failure requiring dialysis. Four patients (17.4%) developed Type II stent graft endoleaks. All patients had patent grafts. Reintervention occurred in two patients (8.7%). Thirty-day mortality occurred in three patients (13.0%). These results are within the range reported in other studies involving hybrid repair of aortic conditions, and show that hybrid open-endovascular repair is a feasible alternative in high-risk patients.

Onyx Migration Into the Anterior Spinal Artery During Lumbar Artery Embolisation: an Adverse Event

IntroductionThe impact of sequential lumbar and intercostal artery occlusion on the risk of spinal cord ischaemia was evaluated; however, an adverse event (paraplegia) was encountered, which resulted in study interruption. Investigations were carried out to understand the reasons for the paraplegia.ReportTo develop a porcine model of spinal cord ischaemic preconditioning prior to extensive thoraco-abdominal aneurysm endovascular aortic repair, the lumbar arteries were selectively embolised with Onyx 5 days prior to an extended thoracic aortic stent graft. Six pigs were used in this preliminary work. Four cases of paraplegia secondary to accidental migration of Onyx to the anterior spinal artery from the lumbar arteries are reported. Histological analysis confirmed severe spinal ischaemic injury and the presence of Onyx particles in the anterior spinal artery.DiscussionOnyx is used for lumbar artery embolisation in type II endoleak treatment after endovascular aortic repair, and while migration in lumbar arteries is frequent, the risk of spinal cord ischaemia has never been described. The current study demonstrates the risk of paraplegia following Onyx migration to the anterior spinal artery from the lumbar artery in an experimental model. Thus, Onyx treatment for type II endoleaks from lumbar arteries should be used cautiously.