Use of modified Sandwich-graft technique to preserve hypogastric artery in EVAR treatment of complex aortic aneurysm anatomy.

AIM: Since the introduction of the first endoprosthetic devices, continuous development in techniques and implants has occurred, such as the introduction of a stent graft with branches designed to preserve antegrade flow in the hypogastric artery, a stent-graft designed to treat extreme neck angulation and iliac tortuosity, as well as "Sandwich" and "Chimney" techniques used to maintain perfusion in branch vessels originating in the region to be treated. This paper describes how the Sandwich-Graft technique was adapted, as described by Lobato et al., employing the Aorfix™ system (Lombard Medical) and the Viabahn™ (W.L.Gore) to preserve hypogastric flow in cases with extreme neck angulation and iliac tortuosity. METHODS: The study included four patients treated from April 2010 until November 2010 with the modified Sandwich technique. All patients eligible for this approach were considered unfit for open repair and were not suitable for an iliac branch graft (Z-BIS Zenith™ Cook Medical). RESULTS: A bifurcated endograft was implanted with specific, in-situ, branching to the target hypogastric artery and achieved clinical and technical success, in all the patients. After a 11-month follow-up in two cases and a six-month follow-up in the other two, clinical results were successful. All patients were endoleak-free, had patent hypogastric branches and had shrinking or stable aneurysms. CONCLUSION: The initial experience shows that the Sandwich technique with the Aorfix™ stent-graft demonstrated to be effective in endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with aortoiliac anatomy hostile to preserving hypogastric artery patency. This graft allows a broader group of patients to be treated with endovascular repair without potential complications of hypogastric artery occlusion; however, further studies are needed to evaluate long-term results in larger numbers of patients.

Hybrid approach to AAA: bilateral "banana" technique to preserve hypogastric artery in complex anatomy aorto-biiliac aneurysm.

UNLABELLED: The surgical approach for hypogastric preservation in aorto-iliac aneurysm (AAA) open repair (OR) has been described and performed with different techniques but all of them represent a higher mortality and potencial complications to the procedure; this is even more critical in bilateral disease. Since the introduction of the first endograft, a continuous development has occurred, such as the stent graft with specific branch designed for preserving antegrade flow in the hypogastric artery. On highly angulated and tortuous iliac anatomies, the use of Sandwich-Graft technique, as described by Armando Lobato, represents a valid alternative to iliac branch. The hybrid approach could be a good treatment option in young patients with AAA affecting hypogastric arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present the technical description and a case report of bilateral "banana" technique perfor- med with flexible covered stent (Viabahn(®) WL Gore) to preserve both hypogastric arteries combined with open repair in a 52 years old patient. Technical report and Results: A bilateral retrograde endograft was implanted from both external ilac arteries to hypo- gastric artery excluding bilateral common iliac aneurysms followed by an open repair to the AAA (aneurismectomy + aorto bifemoral by-pass) with good inmediate and short-midterm follow up (12 months) CONCLUSIONS: This hybrid technique could be a good approach to hypogastric preservation in low risk and young patients reducing potencial complications of hypogastric artery oclusion.