Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Repair Research Articles

Physician-modified endografts are associated with a survival benefit over parallel grafting in thoracoabdominal aneurysms

ObjectivePhysician-modified endografts (PMEG) and parallel grafting (PG) are important techniques for endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms using off-the-shelf devices. However, there are few data regarding the relative efficacy and outcomes of these techniques in thoracoabdominal extent aneurysms. This study sought to compare the outcomes of PG and PMEG across different extents of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAAs) for which they can be used. MethodsThe Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative thoracic endovascular aortic repair/complex endovascular aortic repair module was queried for all patients undergoing repair of an unruptured, TAAA (extents I-IV) from 2012 to 2020; aneurysm types were defined by repair extent as determined by proximal and distal seal zones. Patients were differentiated based on whether they underwent repair with a PMEG or PG. The primary outcomes for this study were overall survival and freedom from aneurysm- or procedure-related mortality at 1 year determined via Kaplan-Meier analysis, with a Cox hazard regression analysis conducted to examine the independent association of repair modality with primary outcomes. ResultsThere were 813 patients who met the inclusion criteria (TAAA I-III, n = 362; TAAA IV, n = 451; PG, n = 426; PMEG, n = 387). PMEG repairs were performed at centers with a nearly two- to three-fold higher annual volume of endovascular TAAA repairs. Type Ia endoleaks were reduced with PMEG repair, most significantly in TAAA IV (TAAA I-III, 2.2% PMEG vs 10% PG [P = .2]; TAAA IV, 1.2% PMEG vs 21.6% PG [P < .001]). Thoracoabdominal repairs demonstrated improved survival at 1 year with PMEG devices, significant for TAAA I to III repairs (TAAA I-III, PMEG 85% vs PG 74% [P = .01]; TAAA IV, 84% PMEG vs PG 78% [P = .08]). Freedom from aneurysm- or procedure-related mortality was also improved with PMEG repairs, remaining significant at 1 year in the case of TAAA IV (TAAA I-III:, PMEG 94% vs PG 86% [P = .06]; TAAA IV, PMEG 94% vs PG 88% [P = .02]). PMEG demonstrated decreases in several measures of postoperative morbidity, including stroke, death, major adverse cardiovascular events, and postoperative complications. In the multivariate analysis, repair modality was not associated with either primary outcome; rather, several perioperative complications conveyed the greatest hazard for both primary outcomes across repair extents. ConclusionsSurvival after endovascular TAAA repair is improved with the use of PMEG compared with PG. Several key factors of this study demonstrate the shortcomings of PG in complex aneurysm repair, namely, high rates of critical endoleaks, the need for adjunctive access sites, and an increase in perioperative complications that influence longer term outcomes.

Staging Endovascular Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repairs and the Risk of Post-operative Spinal Cord Ischemia

Staged aortic aneurysm repair is one method used to decrease the risk of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) following endovascular aortic intervention. Sequential sacrifice of arteries perfusing the spine may allow for improved spinal perfusion through the development of collateral networks over time. To evaluate the impact of staging endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs on SCI, we conducted a conservative analysis of Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) data. De-identified VQI data were queried for cases of endovascular thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repairs from year 2014 to 2019. Cases were selected based on inclusion criteria: aneurysmal disease, no ruptures, no prior aortic surgeries, no retreatments, and only cases with complete data on aortic zones and SCI. Chi-square, Student's t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for univariable analyses, as appropriate. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of outcome. There were 116 staged aortic repairs (SARs) (8.2%) performed out of a total of 1421 endovascular aortic repairs that fit study criteria. The overall rate of SCI within the study cohort was 3.4% (n=48). The distribution of SARs and SCI events according to aortic zone coverage are displayed in Table1. Patients who underwent staged endovascular aortic repairs had higher rates of SCI, pre-op spinal drain placement, non-African-American race, COPD, smoking history, positive stress tests, aspirin and statin use, increased estimated blood loss, physician-modified endografts, number of aortic zones covered, lower pre-op hemoglobin levels, larger aneurysm sac size, fusiform aneurysms, and longer total procedure times, Table2. After adjusting for factors associated with SCI, a priori, and factors with a P<0.1 univariable analysis, SAR was not associated with SCI (odds ratio [OR]=1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.77-4.50, P=0.17). Of the six factors associated with SCI on univariable analysis, only procedure time ≥6hours (OR=2.49, 95% CI=1.09-5.70, P=0.031) and the number of aortic zones covered (OR=1.15, 95% CI=1.00-1.32, P=0.047) were predictive of SCI. Staged repairs had a lower proportion of permanent SCI (38%, 3 of 8 cases) compared with repairs that were not staged (68%, 27 of 40 cases), with a relative risk reduction of 44% for those who developed SCI, P=0.21. In a large national data set, SARs were performed for patients with more extensive aortic disease. SARs were only performed in about 8% of cases and the rate of SCI remained low. After adjusting for baseline comorbidities, extent of aortic disease, and other factors that may potentiate SCI, staged aortic aneurysm repair had a similar risk of SCI compared with non-staged repairs. However, there was a trend toward decreased permanent SCI risk in the SAR group.

Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair With Chimney Graft for Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm.

Thoracoabdominal aneurysms pose technical challenges for endovascular repair due to involvement of visceral and renal vessels. We report a case series of four patients diagnosed with thoracoabdominal aneurysm who underwent complex endovascular repair with Fenestrated Device and chimney grafts (FEVARCh). FEVARCh is a technically feasible approach for repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms that involve renal, superior mesenteric, and celiac arteries for patients not appropriate for open surgical repair. Further studies are needed to understand the implications of resultant Type 1a endoleaks and strategies to minimize the displacement of the main body graft with adjunct chimneys.

Chapter 22 - Neuromonitoring during descending aorta procedures

Thoraco-abdominal aneurysm (TAA) repair carries a significant risk of spinal cord infarction. The latter results from irreversible changes in the spinal cord arterial network, e.g., sacrifice of the segmental arteries. Intra-operative neurophysiology with somatosensory and especially motor evoked potential (SEP and MEP respectively) monitoring, has emerged as an effective tool to assess the efficiency of the collateral blood flow, detect reversible spinal cord ischemia and guide the peri-operative multidisciplinary management to prevent postoperative paraplegia. The main roles of such monitoring include diagnosis of spinal cord vs peripheral limb ischemia, titration of mean arterial pressure during aortic clamping, the guidance of selective re-implantation of critical segmental arteries, and management of hemodynamics in the immediate postoperative period. In addition, manipulation of the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta, adds the risk of cerebral infarction from both low flow state and/or thromboembolic events. As such, EEG monitoring may be a useful add-on for either assessment of the efficiency of cerebral cooling as a neuroprotective method and/or for detection and treatment of reversible cerebral ischemia. This chapter presents the multimodality approach to open TAA monitoring as a versatile tool for the prevention of devastating postoperative neurologic deficits.

Follow-up Results of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Following Abdominal Visceral Debranching.

The aim of this study is to present a series of six cases with thoracoabdominal aneurysm treated with hybrid technique in our center. Between May 2015 and December 2018, the data of six patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms and various comorbidities who underwent visceral debranching followed by endovascular aortic aneurysm repair were reviewed retrospectively. Patients' mean age was 65.3±19.6 years. All of them were male. Comorbidities were old age, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, previous surgical interventions, and/or esophageal hemangioma. Except for one patient who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (inflow was taken from ascending aorta), debranching was performed from the right iliac artery. Debranching of four visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, and bilateral renal right arteries) was performed in three patients, of three visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, right renal artery) was performed in one, and of two visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk) was performed in two patients. Great saphenous vein and 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were used in one and five patients, respectively, for debranching. Endovascular aneurysm repair was performed following debranching procedures as soon as the patients were stabilized. In total, three patients died at the early, mid, and long-term follow-up due to multiorgan failure, pneumonia, and unknown reasons. Hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms may be an alternative to fenestrated or branched endovascular stent grafts in patients with increased risk factors for open surgical thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair; however, the procedure requires experience and care.

Mortality Differences in Complex Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms in the VQI and Aortic Research Consortium

In the setting of increasing “off-label” use of aortic devices, such as physician-modified devices, recent Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) studies demonstrate high mortality following endovascular repair of TAAA, with increased mortality in patients with more extensive disease. US Food and Drug Administration-approved investigational device exemption (IDE) studies, performed at 10 high-volume aortic centers within the US Aortic Research Consortium (ARC), allow controlled implementation of investigational technologies for treatment of complex TAAA using purpose-built devices.

Results of open thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair with left partial cardiopulmonary bypass in a low-volume center

Results of open thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair with left partial cardiopulmonary bypass in a low-volume center

Multi-Staged Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms by Fenestrated and Branched Endografts

To report outcomes of a multi-staged approach for endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) by fenestrated/branched endografting (F/B-EVAR). Between 2010 and 2020 (June), patients undergoing F/B-EVAR for TAAAs were collected. Data of cases managed by a multi-staged approach, to reduce the incidence of spinal cord ischemia (SCI), were retrospectively analyzed and reported in a cohort study. Thirty-day mortality and SCI were assessed as study's outcomes. One hundred and thirty-seven patients underwent TAAAs repair by F/B-EVAR. A multi-staged approach was applied in 73(53%) cases, more frequently for Crawford's extent I-III (60/78) compared with IV (13/59) (P < 0.0001). A complete TAAAs exclusion was achieved in 2, 3 or 4 steps in 64(88%), 8(11%) and 1(1%) cases, respectively, within the same hospitalization in 68(93%) cases. The mean time between first and last step was 16 ± 8days, with a mean hospital stay of 21 ± 12days. In 3(4%) cases the complete TAAA repair was not achieved due to inter-steps mortality (2) or permanent paraplegia (1). There were no cases of aortic rupture or target visceral vessels occlusions between the different steps. Seven (10%) patients suffered postoperative SCI with 2(4%) cases of permanent paraplegia. In 5/7 cases SCI occurred after the first stage; in 3/5 cases TAAAs exclusion was successfully completed with total SCI recovery. The 30-day mortality was 4% (3/73). A multi-staged endovascular repair with F/B-EVAR can be safely performed for TAAAs repair. The majority of cases can be treated within a single, long hospitalization. The cost/effectiveness of the prolonged in-hospital time should be evaluated.

Utilizing patient-specific 3D printed guides for graft reconstruction in thoracoabdominal aortic repair

In thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, repairing the visceral and segmental arteries is challenging. Although there is a pre-hand-sewn and multi-branched graft based on the conventional image-based technique, it has shortcomings in precisely positioning and directing the visceral and segmental arteries. Here, we introduce two new reconstruction techniques using patient-specific 3D-printed graft reconstruction guides: (1) model-based technique that presents the projected aortic graft, visualizing the main aortic body and its major branches and (2) guide-based technique in which the branching vessels in the visualization model are replaced by marking points identifiable by tactile sense. We demonstrate the effectiveness by evaluating conventional and new techniques based on accuracy, marking time requirement, reproducibility, and results of survey to surgeons on the perceived efficiency and efficacy. The graft reconstruction guides cover the segmentation, design, fabrication, post-processing, and clinical application of open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysm, and proved to be efficient for accurately reconstructing customized grafts.

Outcomes of Total Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair with Surgeon-Modified Fenestrated Stent-Grafts on Zone 0 Landing for Aortic Arch Pathologies

Objectives This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of total endovascular aortic arch repair with surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-graft on zone 0 landing for aortic arch pathologies. Methods Between June 2016 and October 2019, 37 consecutive patients underwent total endovascular arch repair with surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-grafts on zone 0 landing. Outcomes included technical success, perioperative and follow-up morbidity and mortality, and branch artery patency. Results During the study period, 37 patients were treated with total endovascular aortic arch repair with surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-graft. Twenty-one (56.8%) patients were diagnosed with aortic dissections, 15 (40.5%) patients with aneurysms, and 1 (2.7%) patient required reintervention due to endoleak and sac expansion from previous thoracic endovascular aortic repair for thoracoabdominal aneurysm. The proximal landing zone for all patients were in zone 0, and all branch arteries of aortic arch were reconstructed. Technical success was achieved in 34 cases (91.9%). Three (8.1%) patients had fenestrations misaligned with target arteries, and the chimney technique was applied as a complementary measure. Thirty-day mortality rate was 5.4% (n=2). Thirty-day stroke rate was 5.4% (n=2). Thirty-day reintervention rate was 2.7% (n=1). At a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 3–49 months), 5 (13.5%) patients died, including 2 aortic-related deaths, 1 nonaortic-related death, and 2 deaths of unknown reason. One (2.7%) patient had stroke. Four patients (10.8%) had reintervention during the follow-up, including 2 cases of left subclavian artery occlusion and 2 cases of type II endoleak. The estimated survival (±SE) at 2 years was 72.4%±9.7% (95% CI 53.4%–91.4%). The estimated freedom from reintervention (±SE) at 2 years was 87.4%±5.9% (95% CI 75.84%–98.96%). Conclusions Total endovascular aortic arch repair with surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-grafts on zone 0 landing is an alternate option for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies in experienced centers.

The Early Outcomes of BeGraft Peripheral Plus in Branched Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

Objective No bridging stent-graft (BSG) has been specifically designed for branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR) and therefore different “off-label” stent-grafts have been used. Recently, a third generation of balloon-expandable stent-graft has become available. Here we evaluate the outcomes of the BeGraft Peripheral Plus (B+) used as a BSG for internal/externalor inner branches during BEVAR. Materials and Methods Consecutive patients undergoing BEVAR using B+ as a BSG since its release in 2017 were included into the study. The primary endpoints were technical success and target vessel patency during follow-up. Secondary endpoints included the need for adjunct extension and relining of the BSG, branch instability rate, including occlusion, reinterventions for restonosis, kink, fracture, or endoleak (types 1 and 3). Results A total of 163 visceral branches in 46 patients were included with a median follow-up 15 months (4–36 months). Primary technical success was achieved in all visceral branches (69 inner branches and 94 internal/external branches) with the exception of 1 BSG that required serial dilatation until full expansion was achieved with overall branch patency was 98% at 2 years. An additional stent-graft was necessary in 35 branches (21%) following deployment of a B+ BSG to cover a longer bridging distance and optimize the distal and proximal sealing. Relining of B+ BSG was not routinely carried out during the index procedure and a self-expanding uncovered nitinol stent was necessary in only 3% of branches to smooth the distal transition zone between the BSG and target vessel. There were 4 events (2.4%) of branch related instability, including 2 occlusions and 2 late reinterventions for a partial in-stent-graft thrombosis. Conclusion Our study findings show satisfactory early outcomes of B+ as a BSG in BEVAR with low occlusion and reintervention rates. Extensions of BSG might be required to achieve adequate seal in the target vessels but routine relining BSG in branches was not required.

The long-term fate of renal and visceral vessel reconstruction after open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectivesIn the ever-advancing era of endovascular thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAAA) repair, understanding long-term patency of renovisceral reconstructions after open TAAA repair provides important benchmarks. MethodsInstitutional open TAAA repair patient data were queried. Patients dying during index admission or with incomplete operative detail were excluded. Visceral and renal reconstructions were categorized as bypass, incorporation into a proximal or distal beveled aortic anastomosis, inclusion button, Carrel patch, or hybrid stent along with endarterectomy/stent adjuncts. Axial imaging or angiography determined long-term patency. Vessel event was defined as new occlusion or reintervention after repair. Overall time-to-event analysis was performed as well as separate analyses for each vessel (celiac, superior mesenteric artery [SMA], right renal, left renal) by reconstruction type utilizing Kaplan-Meier methods. Log-rank testing was employed to compare reconstructive strategies. ResultsOver 28 years, 604 repairs (type I, 106 [18%]; type II, 73 [12%]; type III, 195 [32%]; and type IV, 230 [38%]) were identified. Follow-up (median, 500 days) was available in 410/570 (72%) celiac, 406/573 (71%) SMA, 379/532 (71.2%) right renal, and 370/515 (72%) left renal reconstructions. There were five celiac, one SMA, eight right renal, and 10 left renal events. No type of reconstruction or adjunct was significantly associated with event. Overall 5-year patency of all renal/visceral reconstructions was 94% (95% confidence interval, 90%-96%). Estimated 5-year patency of the celiac, SMA, left renal, and right renal were similar, and were 99%, 100%, 97%, and 96%, respectively (P = .09). ConclusionsVisceral and renal long-term patency after open TAAA repair is excellent regardless of reconstructive technique. No differences are appreciated even when target vessel disease is addressed at the time of reconstruction. These findings continue to substantiate the effective long-term durability of open TAAA repair and are particularly germane to the ongoing evolution of endovascular strategies.

“Powered Cheese Wire Technique” for Septal Fenestration in Complex Endovascular Repair for Chronic Thoracoabdominal Aortic Dissection

Purpose Endovascular repair of chronic thoracoabdominal aortic dissection with aneurysmal degeneration presents a therapeutic challenge when one or more visceral branches arise from the false lumen without an adjacent reentry. The chronic dissection flap can be thick and resistant to flap fenestration with standard techniques. Technique The powered cheese wire technique facilitates cutting of a dissection flap using electrical current on a noninsulated through-and-through wire segment. The mid-shaft of the guidewire is denuded and kinked to form the “flying V” configuration. This solution is based on the BASILICA procedure, which uses electrosurgery to split aortic valve tissue lengthwise prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement to prevent coronary artery obstruction. We demonstrate the technique in a case of branched endovascular aortic repair of a complex thoracoabdominal dissecting aneurysm in which a renal artery from the false lumen was catheterized by creating a powered cheese wire fenestration. Conclusion The powered cheese wire technique is an effective approach to access false lumen originating branches during endovascular aortic repair of chronic aortic dissections.

Lateral Axillary Exposure for Antegrade Access during Endovascular Repair of Complex Abdominal Aortic and Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

Retrospective, single-center review between 2006 and 2018. Fifty-three patients were treated with 260 parallel renovisceral stents or stent grafts to treat pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using a lateral axillary artery exposure. The axillary artery was exposed using a vertical skin incision in the axilla with retraction of the lateral border of the pectoralis major distal to the pectoralis minor to expose the axillary artery and then directly accessed with multiple sheaths (5F-12F). There were two local complications (hematoma managed conservatively and brachial vein thrombosis managed with anticoagulation). Left axillary exposure is a valid approach for upper extremity access during endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms requiring simultaneous delivery of multiple renovisceral devices.

Four-year results of the Bolton relay proximal scallop endograft in the management of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic pathology with unfavorable proximal landing zone

BackgroundThoracic endovascular aortic repair with a scallop design (scallop-TEVAR) is a useful treatment strategy to extend the proximal landing zone (PLZ), while maintaining perfusion to one or more of the supra-aortic trunks (SATs) when treating aortic pathology with an unfavorable PLZ. The durability of this approach with the Bolton Relay scallop endograft (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, Fla) has not been established. MethodsA retrospective review of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients that received scallop-TEVAR in zones 0 to 2 at a tertiary aortic unit was undertaken. The main outcome was durability, characterized by survival estimates, freedom from reintervention to the thoracic aorta and PLZ, migration and aneurysm sac regression. ResultsBetween 2009 and 2019, 38 patients (71% male; median age, 70 years) underwent scallop-TEVAR for thoracic aortic pathology (n = 28, 74%) or as a part of thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair (n = 10 [26%]). The use of scallop-TEVAR significantly extended the PLZ (median, 5 mm preoperative PLZ vs 26 mm extended PLZ; P = .0001). A total of 41 SATs were perfused with a scallop, including the left subclavian artery (n = 25), left common carotid artery (n = 6), neo/innominate artery (n = 4), left subclavian artery, and vertebral artery (n = 1), innominate artery, and left common carotid artery (n = 2) in conjunction with 15 extra-anatomical bypasses. The PLZ was at Ishimaru zone 0 and 1 in 6 cases (16%), respectively, and zone 2 in 26 cases (68%). Technical success was 98%. The 30-day mortality was 5% (2/38; 1 death from myocardial infarction and 1 from multiorgan failure). A minor stroke occurred in three patients (8%) and temporary spinal cord ischemia in two patients (5%). The median follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 0-10.53 years) during which two patients (5%) developed type Ia endoleak and required intervention to the PLZ (one from device-related migration and one from disease progression). All-cause and aorta-related survival were 72% and 85% and freedom from thoracic and PLZ reintervention was 92% and 97%, respectively. There were no cases of early or late thoracic aortic rupture, retrograde type A aortic dissection or SAT occlusion. ConclusionsScallop-TEVAR offers a less invasive treatment option to extend the seal zone in selected patients with an unfavorable PLZ, allowing for a durable repair in terms of overall survival and reintervention. Periprocedural stroke remains a principle concern.

Utilizing Patient-Specific 3D Printed Guides for Graft Reconstruction in Thoracoabdominal Aortic Repair

Background: In thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, repairing the visceral and segmental arteries is challenging. Although there is a pre-hand-sewn and multi-branched graft based on the conventional image-based technique, it has shortcomings in precisely positioning and directing the visceral and segmental arteries. Methods: We introduce two new reconstruction techniques using patient-specific 3D-printed graft reconstruction guides: 1) model-based technique that presents the projected aortic graft, visualizing the main aortic body and its major branches and 2) guide-based technique in which the branching vessels in the visualization model are replaced by marking points identifiable by tactile sense. The graft reconstruction guides cover the segmentation, design, fabrication, post-processing, and clinical application of open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysm, and proved to be efficient for accurately reconstructing customized grafts. Findings: This study is demonstrated to the effectiveness and efficiency by evaluating conventional and new techniques with digital model. The accuracy, reproducibility, and satisfaction of the two new techniques were higher than that of the conventional technique, and the marking time requirement for graft reconstruction was reduced. Interpretation: The two new reconstruction techniques have the potential to improve outcome as they can solve anatomical hurdles for individual anatomical variation and focus on important procedures by reducing the level of fatigue of operating surgeons for lengthy and exhausting surgery. Funding Information: This study was supported by a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (HI18C2383). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The institutional review board for human investigations at Asan Medical Center approved this study with a waiver of informed consent from patients because of the use of retrospective clinical and imaging data. The data were de-identified, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy rule.

Performance of the Gore VBX Balloon Expandable Endoprosthesis as Bridging Stent-Graft in Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair for Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

Purpose Bridging stent stability is crucial for efficacy and safety of branched aortic endovascular repair (bEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). In this study, we assess the performance of the new Viabahn Balloon-Expandable endoprosthesis (VBX) in bEVAR. Based on our learning curve we give recommendations for a safe and effective use of the device. Materials and Methods We prospectively collected the data of patients with TAAAs undergoing bEVAR between December 2017 and December 2019. All patients with implantation of at least 1 VBX stent-graft as bridging stent were included in our single-center analysis. Demographic, comorbidity, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) data of 112 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Primary endpoint was a composite of branch-related technical success and freedom from target vessel instability. Secondary endpoints were clinical and ongoing clinical success. Results Primary endpoint: technical success was achieved in all patients (100%) with a freedom from target vessel instability of 96.3% after a median follow-up of 18 months. Overall mortality was 13.4% (n=15) and 13 patients underwent secondary interventions, 12 of them are still alive and 1 suffered from aneurysm sac expansion, consequently an ongoing clinical success of 75.9% was reached. After modification of the implantation technique during the course of the study by selecting longer stent lengths after accurate estimation of vessel curvature and expected adaptation of the flexible endoskeleton to the specific anatomical conditions, no type Ic endoleaks were observed in the last 70 cases. Conclusions The VBX stent-graft can be safely used as bridging stent for branched thoracoabdominal repair. However, learning curve should be considered to avoid type Ic endoleak and edge stenosis. Based on this experience longer landing zones and 2-step deployment of VBX are useful for successful bridging also of challenging target vessels.

Splanchnic occlusive disease predicts for spinal cord injury after open descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair

ObjectiveIn the present study, we sought to discern the effects of splanchnic occlusive disease (SOD; renal, superior mesenteric, and/or celiac axis arteries) on spinal cord injury (SCI; paraparesis or paraplegia) and major adverse events (MAE) after descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) open repair. MethodsPatients who had undergone DTA/TAAA repair at our institution were dichotomized according to the presence of SOD, which was investigated as a predictive factor of our primary (SCI) and secondary (operative mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, tracheostomy, de novo dialysis, MAE, survival) endpoints. Risk adjustment used both propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression. ResultsFrom July 1997 to October 2019, 888 patients had undergone DTA/TAAA repair, of whom 19 were excluded from our analysis for missing data. SOD was absent in 712 patients and present in 157 patients. The patients with SOD had presented with a greater incidence of preoperative renal impairment (61 [38.9%] vs 175 [24.6%]; P < .01) and peripheral arterial disease (60 [38.2%] vs 162 [22.8%]; P < .01] and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (45%; interquartile range, 10%; vs 50%; interquartile range, 4%; P < .01). The etiology of aortic disease was more frequently dissection in the SOD group (56.1% vs 43.7%) and more frequently nondissecting aneurysm in the non-SOD group (56.3% vs 43.9%; P < .01). Patients without SOD had presented with aneurysms more cranially located (DTA, 34.0% vs 7.6%; extent I TAAA, 44.0% vs 7.6%). In contrast, patients with SOD had presented with aneurysms more caudally located (extent II TAAA, 36.9% vs 8.6%; extent III TAAA, 30.6% vs 11.0%; extent IV TAAA, 17.2% vs 2.5%; P < .01). Propensity score matching led to 144 pairs, with SOD significantly associated with SCI (10 [6.9%] vs 2 [1.4%]; P = .03) and MAE (47 [32.6%] vs 26 [15%]; P < .01). Ten-year survival was reduced in those with SOD (31.5% vs 45.2%; P < .01). Conditional multivariable regression confirmed SOD to be a predictor of SCI in the matched sample (odds ratio, 6.60; P = .02). ConclusionsOur results have shown that SOD is a significant predictor of SCI in patients undergoing open DTA/TAAA repair. The investigation of measures to prolong neuronal ischemia tolerance (eg, hypothermia) is warranted for such patients.

Commentary: Thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair: Not for the faint of heart—or is it?

Ando and colleagues1 describe their management of a 16-year-old patient with Marfan syndrome and concomitant aneurysmal degeneration of the descending thoracic aorta (chronic dissection after mechanical Bentall repair) and dilated cardiomyopathy with very severely reduced ejection fraction (<10%). They successfully performed an extent II open thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair with the ultimate goal of candidacy for durable left ventricular assist device as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.

Effect of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm extent on outcomes in patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair

ObjectiveThe outcomes after open repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAAs) have been definitively demonstrated to worsen as the TAAA extent increases. However, the effect of TAAA extent on fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) outcomes is unclear. We investigated the differences in outcomes of F/BEVAR according to the TAAA extent. MethodsWe reviewed a single-institution, prospectively maintained database of all F/BEVAR procedures performed in an institutional review board-approved registry and/or physician-sponsored Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption trial (trial no. G130210). The patients were stratified into two groups: group 1, extensive (extent 1-3) TAAAs; and group 2, nonextensive (juxtarenal, pararenal, and extent 4-5) TAAAs. The perioperative outcomes were compared using the χ2 test. Kaplan-Meier analysis of 3-year survival, target artery patency, reintervention, type I or III endoleak, and branch instability (type Ic or III endoleak, loss of branch patency, target vessel stenosis >50%) was performed. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the independent effect of extensive TAAA on 1-year mortality. ResultsDuring the study period, 299 F/BEVAR procedures were performed for 87 extensive TAAAs (29%) and 212 nonextensive TAAAs (71%). Most repairs had used company-manufactured, custom-made devices (n = 241; 81%). Between the two groups, no perioperative differences were observed in myocardial infarction, stroke, acute kidney injury, dialysis, target artery occlusion, access site complication, or type I or III endoleak (P > .05 for all). The incidence of perioperative paraparesis was greater in the extensive TAAA group (8.1% vs 0.5%; P = .001). However, the incidence of long-term paralysis was equivalent (2.3% vs 0.5%; P = .20), with nearly all patients with paraparesis regaining ambulatory function. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, no differences in survival, target artery patency, or freedom from reintervention were observed at 3 years (P > .05 for all). Freedom from type I or III endoleak (P < .01) and freedom from branch instability (P < .01) were significantly worse in the extensive TAAA group. Cox proportional hazards modeling demonstrated that F/BEVAR for extensive TAAA was not associated with 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-3.52; P = .13). ConclusionsUnlike open TAAA repair, the F/BEVAR outcomes were similar for extensive and nonextensive TAAAs. The differences in perioperative paraparesis, branch instability, and type I or III endoleak likely resulted from the increasing length of aortic coverage and number of target arteries involved. These findings suggest that high-volume centers performing F/BEVAR should expect comparable outcomes for extensive and nonextensive TAAA repair.