Three-Dimensional Geometric Analysis of Viabahn VBX Bridging Stent Grafts in Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to assess the 3-dimensional flare geometry of the Gore Viabahn VBX balloon-expandable covered stent (BECS) after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) and to determine and visualize BECS-associated complications. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included patients who underwent FEVAR between 2018 and 2022 in 3 vascular centers participating in the VBX Expand Registry. Patients with at least one visceral artery treated with the VBX and with availability of 2 post-FEVAR computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans (follow-up [FU] 1: 0-6 months; FU2: 9-24 months) were included. The flare geometry of the VBX, including flare-to-fenestration distance, flare-to-fenestration diameter ratio, flare angle, and apposition with the target artery were assessed using a vascular workstation and dedicated CTA applied software. RESULTS: In total, 90 VBX BECS were analyzed in 43 FEVAR patients. The median CTA FU for FU1 and FU2 was 35 days (interquartile range [IQR], 29-51 days) and 14 months (IQR, 13-15 months), respectively. The mean flare-to-fenestration distance was 5.6±2.0 mm on FU1 and remained unchanged at 5.7±2.0 mm on FU2 (p=.417). The flare-to-fenestration diameter ratio was 1.19±0.17 on FU1 and remained unchanged at 1.21±0.19 (p=.206). The mean apposition length was 18.6±5.3 mm on FU1 and remained 18.6±5.3 mm (p=.550). The flare angle was 31°±15° on FU1 and changed to 33°±16° (p=.009). On FU1, the BECS-associated complication rate was 1%, and the BECS-associated reintervention rate was 0%. On FU2, the BECS-associated complication rate was 3%, and the BECS-associated reintervention rate was 1%. CONCLUSIONS: The flare geometry of the VBX bridging stent did not change significantly during 14 months follow-up in this study. Three-dimensional geometric analysis of the flare may contribute to identify the origin of endoleaks and occlusions, but this should be confirmed in a larger study including enough patients and BECS to compare complicated and uncomplicated cases. CLINICAL IMPACT: The three-dimensional flare geometry of the Gore Viabahn VBX BECS was assessed on the first and second postoperative CTA scans, and geometrical changes during this period were identified. For BECS that were diagnosed with a type 3c endoleak or occlusion, the BECS geometry was analyzed to detect geometrical components that were related to the complication. Geometric analysis of the flare may help to better detect and identify the cause of such complications.

One-year results of a balloon expandable endoprosthesis as a bridging stent for branched endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: This post-market multicenter registry aimed to evaluate the safety and performance of the GORE VIABAHN VBX balloon expandable endoprosthesis (VBX stent) implanted in peripheral vessels. In this subgroup analysis, we assessed the outcomes of the VBX stent as a bridging stent graft for visceral vessels during branched endovascular aortic repair at 1 year. METHODS: A single cohort from a prospective, multicenter, observational, 16-site European registry. Patients were enrolled from November 2018 to March 2022. Endpoints included 1-year primary patency (PP), primary assisted patency (PAP), and secondary patency (SP), stent graft-related death and serious adverse events through 30 days. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were enrolled in this registry sub-cohort, 57 (78.1%) were male, and the mean age was 73 ± 8.1 years. Thoracoabdominal aneurysms predominated the cohort with 68 patients (93.2%), followed by five patients (6.8%) with pararenal and infrarenal aneurysms. Overall, 233 target vessels were treated with the index bridging graft. The overall per stent graft analysis demonstrated a PP of 95.8% at 1 year; PAP was 95.8%, and SP reached 97.9%. The per-target vessel analysis demonstrated a PP, PAP, and SP in the celiac trunk of 100%, 100%, and 100%; in the superior mesenteric artery of 96.0%, 96.0%, and 100%, and in the renal arteries of 94.2%, 94.2%, and 95.1%, respectively. Four patients (5%) died at 1 year; none of the deaths were device-related. The composite endpoint of target vessel technical success and freedom from VBX stent-related serious adverse events through 30 days was achieved in 98.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective post-market multicenter registry, the VBX stent demonstrated excellent results at 1 year, with almost 96% primary patency and 98% secondary patency. Patency in the renal arteries seems to be lower. Nevertheless, the VBX stent appears to be a reliable bridging stent for branched endovascular aortic repair.

Relining of a Bridging Covered Stent to Treat a Rare Cause of Type IIIc Endoleak Following Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: To present a rare cause of type III endoleak via the left renal artery (LRA) fenestration following fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and to describe a successful reintervention for treating this endoleak. TECHNIQUE: The patient presented with a type IIIc endoleak following FEVAR, due to inadvertent placement of the LRA bridging balloon expandable covered stent (BECS) via the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) fenestration, but deployed outside the SMA fenestration. The proximal part of the BECS was positioned outside of the main body. This caused a type IIIc endoleak via the open LRA fenestration. Reintervention was performed by relining the LRA with a new BECS. First, access to the lumen of the previously placed BECS was gained using a re-entry catheter, followed by placement of a new BECS via the LRA fenestration. Completion angiography, and computerized tomography angiography (CTA) at 3 months follow-up showed total obliteration of the endoleak and patency of the LRA. CONCLUSION: Placement of a bridging stent via an incorrect fenestration during FEVAR is a rare cause of type III endoleak. In certain cases, successful treatment of such an endoleak could be achieved by perforation and relining of the misplaced BECS via the correct fenestration of the target vessel. CLINICAL IMPACT: To our best knowledge, a type IIIc endoleak following fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair, due to placement of a bridging covered stent through an incorrect fenestration and deployed short of the fenestration, has not been described before. Reintervention was performed with perforation of the previously placed covered stent and relining using a new bridging covered stent. The technique presented here was successful for treating the endoleak in this case and could help guide clinicians when dealing with this or similar complications.

Midterm changes in iliac limb apposition after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Literature is scarce on the course of iliac endograft limb apposition after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), which is why this study was conducted. METHODS: A retrospective observational imaging study was performed to measure iliac apposition of endograft limbs on the first post-EVAR computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan and on the latest available follow-up CTA scan. With center lumen line reconstructions and CT-applied dedicated software, the shortest apposition length (SAL) of the endograft limbs was assessed as well as the distance between the end of the fabric and the proximal border of the internal iliac artery or the endograft-internal artery distance (EID). RESULTS: Ninety-two iliac endograft limbs were eligible for measurements, with a median follow-up of 3.3 years. At the first post-EVAR CTA, the mean SAL was 31.9±15.6 mm, and the mean EID was 19.5±11.8. At the last follow-up CTA, there was a significant decrease in apposition of 10.5±14.1 mm (P<0.001) and a significant increase in EID of 5.3±9.5 mm (P<0.001). A type Ib endoleak developed in three patients due to a reduced SAL. The apposition was <10 mm in 24% of limbs at the last follow-up vs. 3% at the first post-EVAR CTA. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study documented a significant decrease in post-EVAR iliac apposition over time, partly due to retraction of iliac endograft limbs at mid-term CTA follow-up. Further research is required to identify whether regular determination of iliac apposition may predict and prevent type IB endoleaks.

Mid-term proximal sealing zone evaluation after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is used in pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms to achieve a durable proximal seal. This study investigated the mid-term course of the proximal fenestrated stent graft (FSG) sealing zone on the first and latest available post-FEVAR computed tomographic angiography (CTA) scan in a single-center series. METHODS: In 61 elective FEVAR patients, the shortest length of circumferential apposition between the FSG and the aortic wall (shortest apposition length [SAL]) was retrospectively assessed on the first and last available postoperative CTA scans. Patient records were reviewed for FEVAR-related procedural details, complications, and reinterventions. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) time between the FEVAR procedure and the first and last CTA scan was 35 (30-48) days and 2.6 (1.2-4.3) years, respectively. The median (interquartile range) SAL was 38 (29-48) mm, and 44 (34-59) mm on the first and last CTA scans, respectively. During follow-up, the SAL increased >5 mm in 32 patients (52%), and decreased >5 mm in six patients (10%). Reintervention was performed for a type 1a endoleak in one patient. Twelve other patients needed 17 reinterventions for other FEVAR-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Good mid-term apposition of the FSG in the pararenal aorta was achieved post-FEVAR, and the occurrence of type 1a endoleaks was low. The number of reinterventions was substantial, however, but for reasons other than loss of proximal seal.

Long-Term Survival and Quality of Life After Fenestrated Endovascular Repair for Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: Fenestrated endovascular repair (FEVAR) has become a widely used treatment option for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) but long-term survival and quality of life (QoL) outcomes are scarce. This single center cohort study aims to evaluate both long-term survival and QoL after FEVAR. METHODS: All juxtarenal and suprarenal AAA patients treated with FEVAR in a single-center between 2002 and 2016 were included. QoL scores, measured by the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), were compared with baseline data of the SF-36 provided by RAND. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients were included at a median follow-up of 5.9 years (IQR 3.0-8.8). Follow-up at 5 and 10 years post-FEVAR yielded survival rates of 59.9% and 18%, respectively. Younger patient age at surgery had a positive influence on 10-year survival and most patients died due to cardiovascular pathology. Emotional well-being was better in the research group as compared to baseline RAND SF-36 1.0 data (79.2 ± 12.4 vs 70.4 ± 22.0; P < 0.001). Physical functioning (50 (IQR 30-85) vs 70.6 ± 27.4; P = 0.007) and health change (51.6 ± 17.0 vs 59.1 ± 23.1; P = 0.020) were worse in the research group as compared to reference values. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival was 60% at 5-years follow-up, which is lower than reported in recent literature. An adjusted positive influence of younger age at surgery was found on long-term survival. This could have consequences for future treatment indication in complex AAA surgery but further large-scale validation is necessary.

Atherosclerosis and Intrarenal Resistance Index in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Atherosclerosis of the aortoiliac vessels can adversely affect kidney perfusion after kidney transplantation. Atherosclerosis severity can be determined using the calcium score (CaScore). Potential problems with posttransplantation kidney perfusion can be determined using the intrarenal resistance index (RI). This study investigated the association between aortoiliac CaScore and RI in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: Kidney transplant recipients (2004-2019), for whom the CaScore and RI were determined, were included in this dual-center cohort study. CaScore was measured in 3 aortoiliac segments using noncontrast CT imaging. RI was determined using Doppler ultrasound. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed between the CaScore and RI, adjusted for confounding variables. Results: The mean age of the 389 included patients was 59 (±13) y. The mean RI (unitless) was 0.71 (±0.09)' and the median CaScore (unitless) was 3340 (399-7833). In univariable linear regression analyses with RI as the dependent variable, CaScore (ß = 0.011; P < 0.001) was positively associated with RI. Moreover, recipient age (ß = 0.014; P < 0.001), history of diabetes (ß = 0.029; P = 0.003), recipient history of vascular interventions (ß = 0.032; P = 0.002), prior dialysis (ß = 0.029; P = 0.003), deceased donor transplantation (ß = 0.042; P < 0.001), donation after cardiac death (ß = 0.036; P = 0.001), an increase in cold ischemia time (ß = 0.011; P < 0.001), and the Comprehensive Complication Index (ß = 0.006; P = 0.002) were also positively associated with RI, whereas preoperative recipient diastolic blood pressure (ß = -0.007; P = 0.030) was inversely associated. In multivariable analyses, CaScore and RI remained significantly (P = 0.010) associated, independent of adjustment for potential confounders. Furthermore, in univariable linear regression analyses, multiple graft function characteristics were associated with RI. Conclusions: A significant association was found between CaScore and RI, independent of adjustment for multiple potential confounding factors, leading to a better insight into the development and interpretation of RI. Aortoiliac atherosclerosis should be considered when interpreting the RI and determining the possible cause of malperfusion and graft failure after kidney transplantation.

In Vitro Geometry Analysis of Fenestrations in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: Changes in the flared end of balloon-expandable covered stent (BECS) may precede BECS-associated complications but are not regularly assessed with computed tomographic angiography (CTA) after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR). Validation of the flare geometric analysis (FGA) and assessment of intraobserver and interobserver variability are investigated in this study. METHODS: Two series of 3 BeGraft BECSs (Bentley InnoMed GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) and 1 series of 3 Advanta V12 BECSs (Getinge AB, Göteborg, Sweden) were deployed in 3 side branches (45°, 60°, and 90° aortic branch angles) of an aorta phantom model. A standard post-FEVAR CTA scan was acquired. Computed tomographic angiography-derived measurements consisted of centerline reconstructions and placement of 3-dimensional coordinate markers by 2 observers in a vascular workstation. Flare geometric analysis calculates 3 BECS parameters: the circumferential flare-to-fenestration distance (FFD), which is the distance from the proximal end of the flare to fenestration, and diameters at the proximal end of the flare (Dflare) and at the fenestration (Dfenestration). Computed tomographic angiography-derived measurements were validated against microscopy measurements. Bland-Altman plots were used to determine the intraobserver and interobserver variability of the BECS parameters and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: For each BECS, the FFD at 4 equidistant quadrants of the circumference, Dflare, and Dfenestration were calculated. The mean difference and repeatability coefficient (RC) of the validation were 0.8 (2.1) mm for FFD, 0.4 (1.0) mm for Dflare, and -0.2 (1.2) mm for Dfenestration. The mean intraobserver and interobserver difference (RC) was 0.5 (1.6) mm and 0.7 (2.6) mm for FFD, 0.1 (0.6) mm and 0.1 (0.7) mm for Dflare, and -0.1 (0.8) mm and -0.8 (1.0) mm for Dfenestration. The mean ICC of intraobserver variability was 0.86 for FFD, 0.94 for Dflare, and 0.78 for Dfenestration. The mean ICC of interobserver variability was 0.77 for FFD, 0.92 for Dflare, and 0.48 for Dfenestration. CONCLUSION: This study showed that FGA of the flared ends of BECS can be performed with high accuracy in a phantom model, with good intraobserver and interobserver variability. Flare geometric analysis can be used to determine flare geometry of the BECS on standard post-FEVAR CTA scans.

Diagnosis and treatment of vascular graft and endograft infections: a structured clinical approach.

A vascular graft or endograft infection (VGEI) is a severe complication that can occur after vascular graft or endograft surgery and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. A multidisciplinary approach, consisting of a team of vascular surgeons, infectious diseases specialists, medical microbiologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and hospital pharmacists, is needed to adequately diagnose and treat VGEI. A structured diagnostic, antibiotic, and surgical treatment algorithm helps clinical decision making and ultimately aims to improve the clinical outcome of patients with a VGEI.

Three-Dimensional Geometric Analysis of Balloon-Expandable Covered Stents Improves Classification of Complications after Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

In balloon-expandable covered stent (BECS) associated complications after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR), geometric analysis may determine the cause of failure and influence reintervention strategies. This study retrospectively classifies BECS-associated complications based on computed tomographic angiography (CTA) applied geometric analysis. BECS-associated complications of FEVAR-patients treated in two large vascular centers between 2012 and 2021 were included. The post-FEVAR CTA scans of complicated Advanta V12 BECSs were analyzed geometrically and complications were classified according to its location in the BECS. BECS fractures were classified according to an existing classification system. In 279 FEVAR-patients, 34 out of the 683 included Advanta V12 BECS (5%) presented with a complication. Two Advanta V12 complications occurred during the FEVAR procedure and 32 occurred during follow-up of which five post-FEVAR CTA scans were missing or not suitable for analysis. In the remaining 27 BECSs complications were classified as (endoleaks (n = 8), stenoses (n = 4), occlusions (n = 6), fractures (n = 3), and a combination of complications (n = 6)). All BECSs associated complications after FEVAR with available follow up CTA scans could be classified. Geometric analysis of BECS failure post-FEVAR can help to plan the reintervention strategy.

Endograft apposition and infrarenal neck enlargement after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient apposition and oversizing of the endograft in the aortic neck are both essential for durable endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). These measures are however not regularly stated on post-EVAR computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan reports. In this study endograft apposition and neck enlargement (NE) after EVAR with an Endurant II(s) endograft were analyzed and associated with supra- and infrarenal aortic neck morphology. METHODS: In 97 consecutive elective patients, the aortic neck morphology was measured on the pre-EVAR CTA scan on a 3mensio vascular workstation. The distance between the lowest renal artery and the proximal edge of the fabric (shortest fabric distance, SFD), and the shortest length of circumferential apposition between endograft and aortic wall (shortest apposition length, SAL) were determined on the early post-EVAR CTA scan. NE, defined as the aortic diameter change between pre- and post-EVAR CTA scan, was determined at eight levels: +40, +30, +20, +15, +10, 0, -5 and -10 mm relative to the lowest renal artery baseline. The aortic neck diameter and preoperative oversizing were correlated to NE with the Pearson correlation coefficient. The effective post-EVAR endograft oversizing is calculated from the nominal endograft diameter and the post-EVAR neck diameter where the endograft is circumferentially apposed. RESULTS: The median time (interquartile range, IQR) between the EVAR procedure and the pre- and post-EVAR CTA scan was 40 (25, 71) days and 36 (30, 46) days, respectively. The Endurant II(s) endograft was deployed with a median (IQR) SFD of 1.0 (0.0, 3.0) mm. The SAL was <10 mm in 9% of patients and significantly influenced by the pre-EVAR aortic neck length (P=0.001), hostile neck shape (P=0.017), and maximum curvature at the suprarenal aorta (P=0.039). The median (interquartile range) SAL was 21.0 (15.0, 27.0) mm with a median (IQR) pre-EVAR infrarenal neck length of 23.5 (13.0, 34.8) mm. The median (IQR) difference between the SAL and neck length was -5.0 (-12.0, 2.8) mm. Significant (P<0.001) NE of 1.7 (0.9, 2.5) mm was observed 5 mm below the renal artery baseline, which resulted in an effective post-EVAR endograft oversizing <10% in 43% of the patients. No correlation was found between NE and aortic neck diameter or preoperative oversizing. CONCLUSIONS: Circumferential apposition between an endograft and the infrarenal aortic neck, SAL, and NE can be derived from standard postoperative CT scans. These variables provide essential information about the post-procedural endograft and aortic neck morphology regardless of the preoperative measurements. Patients with SAL<10 mm or effective oversizing <10% due to NE may benefit from intensified follow-up, but clinical consequences of SAL and NE should be evaluated in future longitudinal studies with longer term follow-up.

Outcomes of Advanta V12 Covered Stents After Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is a well-established endovascular treatment option for pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms in which balloon-expandable covered stents (BECS) are used to bridge the fenestration to the target vessels. This study presents midterm clinical outcomes and patency rates of the Advanta V12 BECS used as a bridging stent. METHODS: All patients treated with FEVAR with at least 1 Advanta V12 BECS were included from 2 large-volume vascular centers between January 2012 and December 2015. Primary endpoints were freedom from all-cause reintervention, and freedom from BECS-associated complications and reintervention. BECS-associated complications included significant stenosis, occlusion, type 3 endoleak, or stent fracture. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality in-hospital and during follow-up. RESULTS: This retrospective study included 194 FEVAR patients with a mean age of 72.2±8.0 years. A total of 457 visceral arteries were stented with an Advanta V12 BECS. Median (interquartile range) follow-up time was 24.6 (1.6, 49.9) months. The FEVAR procedure was technically successful in 93% of the patients. Five patients (3%) died in-hospital. Patient survival was 77% (95% CI 69% to 84%) at 3 years. Freedom from all-cause reintervention was 70% (95% CI 61% to 78%) at 3 years, and 33% of all-cause reinterventions were BECS associated. Complications were seen in 24 of 457 Advanta V12 BECSs: type 3 endoleak in 8 BECSs, significant stenosis in 4 BECSs, occlusion in 6 BECSs, and stent fractures in 3 BECSs. A combination of complications occurred in 3 BECSs: type 3 endoleak and stenosis, stent fracture and stenosis, and stent fracture and occlusion. The freedom from BECS-associated complications for Advanta V12 BECSs was 98% (95% CI 96% to 99%) at 1 year and 92% (95% CI 88% to 95%) at 3 years. The freedom from BECS-associated reinterventions was 98% (95% CI 95% to 100%) at 1 year and 94% (95% CI 91% to 97%) at 3 years. CONCLUSION: The Advanta V12 BECS used as bridging stent in FEVAR showed low complication and reintervention rates at 3 years. A substantial number of FEVAR patients required a reintervention, but most were not BECS related.

Endograft Conformability in Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Purpose: To compare the impact of 2 commercially available custom-made fenestrated endografts on patient anatomy. Materials and Methods: The records of 234 patients who underwent fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm from March 2002 to July 2016 in 2 hospitals were screened to identify those who had pre- and postoperative computed tomography angiography assessments with a slice thickness of ≤2 mm. The search identified 145 patients for further analysis: 110 patients (mean age 72.4±7.1 years; 94 men) who had been treated with the Zenith Fenestrated (ZF) endograft and 35 patients (mean age 72.3±7.3 years; 30 men) treated with the Fenestrated Anaconda (FA) endograft. Measurements included aortic diameters at the level of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and renal arteries, target vessel angles, target vessel clock positions, and the target vessel tortuosity index. Variables were tested for inter- and intraobserver agreement. Results: There was a good agreement between observers in all tested variables. The native anatomy changed in both groups after endograft implantation. In the ZF group, changes were seen in the angles of the celiac artery (p=0.012), SMA (p=0.022), left renal artery (LRA) (p<0.001), and the right renal artery (RRA) (p<0.001); the aortic diameter at the SMA level (p<0.001); and the LRA (p<0.001) and RRA (p<0.001) clock positions. In the FA group, changes were seen in the angles of the LRA (p=0.001) and RRA (p<0.001) and in the SMA tortuosity index (p=0.044). Between group differences in changes were seen for the aortic diameters at the SMA and renal artery levels (p<0.001 for both) and the LRA clock position (p=0.019). Conclusion: Both custom-made fenestrated endografts altered vascular anatomy. The data suggest a higher conformability of the Fenestrated Anaconda endograft compared with the Zenith Fenestrated.

Outcome of Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in Octogenarians: A Retrospective Multicentre Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: An ageing population leads to more age related diseases, such as complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Patients with complex AAAs and multiple comorbidities benefit from fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR), but for the elderly this benefit is not completely clear. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2016 all patients treated for complex AAA by FEVAR at two tertiary referral centres were screened for inclusion. Group 1 consisted of patients aged 80 years and older and group 2 of patients younger than 80 years of age. The groups were compared for peri-operative outcome, as well as patient and re-intervention free survival, and target vessel patency during follow up. RESULTS: Group 1 consisted of 42 patients (median age 82 years; interquartile range [IQR] 81-83 years) and group 2 of 230 patients (median age 72 years; IQR 67-77 years). No differences were seen in pre-operative comorbidities, except for age and renal function. Renal function was 61.4 mL/min/1.73 m2vs.74.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < .01). No differences were seen between procedures, except for a slightly longer operation time in group two. Median follow up was 26 and 32 months, respectively. No difference was seen between the groups for estimated cumulative overall survival (p = .08) at one, three, and five years, being 95%, 58%, and 42% for group 1, and 88%, 75%, and 61% for group 2, respectively. There was no difference seen between groups for the estimated cumulative re-intervention free survival (p = .95) at one, three, and five years, being 84%, 84%, and 84% in group 1, respectively, and 88%, 84%, and 82% in group 2, respectively. Ultimately, no difference was seen between groups for the estimated cumulative target vessel patency (p = .56) at one, three, and five years, being 100%, 100%, and 90% for group 1, and 96%, 93% and 92% for group 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age itself is not a reason to withhold FEVAR in the elderly, and choice of treatment should be based on the patient's comorbidities and preferences.

Geometric changes over time in bridging stents after branched and fenestrated endovascular repair for thoracoabdominal aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess long-term durability of bridging stents in branched and combined branched and fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (B/F-EVAR) for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: A retrospective database analysis was performed of patients treated by B/F-EVAR for TAAA. Computed tomography angiography images were analyzed to assess patency, bridging stent angulation and migration, aneurysm diameter, and migration of the endograft. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with a median age of 70 years (interquartile range [IQR], 67-77 years) were included. Assisted technical success was 89%. Within 30 days postoperatively, five patients died. In the remaining 23 patients, median follow-up was 5.3 years (IQR, 2.9-7.2 years), and 1-, 3-, and 5-year estimated overall survival was 69%, 65%, and 44%, respectively. During follow-up, 12 of 47 (26%) branches occluded and 5 of 47 (11%) branches developed a 70% to 99% stenosis. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year estimated freedom from adverse events was 78%, 76%, and 59% for branch stents and 100%, 96%, and 90% for fenestration stents, respectively. The median distal bridging stent migration was 0.5 mm (IQR, -1.9 to 1.4; P > .05 mm). In 10 branches, migration >10 mm was seen, ranging from 14.1 mm sliding in to 23.0 mm sliding out. The angulation between branch and stent became 4 degrees more angulated (IQR, -14 to +2 degrees). In 23 branches, the angulation changed 10 degrees or more, leading to an occlusion in 7 branches, a 70% to 99% stenosis in 3 branches, and a 50% to 70% stenosis in 4 branches. In three cases, the endograft migrated >5 mm caudally, with a breach in a fenestration stent in one and a breach in a branch stent in another. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic configuration of branches in B/F-EVAR of TAAAs and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms changes over time. The change in angle of branches and the bridging stent influences the likelihood of stenosis and occlusion. Follow-up of B/F-EVAR should include computed tomography angiography measurements of aortic diameter, endograft migration, target vessel stent length, and angulation to detect disconnection, stenosis, and occlusion.

Modified Gott shunt to avoid left ventricular overload and cerebral hypoperfusion during distal aortic arch surgery.

We present a simple solution to address-at the same time-the issue of spinal perfusion, overload on the left ventricle, and brain perfusion during complex distal arch and descending aortic surgery. It is a modification of a passive Gott shunt that includes an extra 10-mm tube interposed between the side port of the ascending aorta cannula and the left subclavian artery. This technique may represent an extra option for surgeons during complex aortic surgery to maintain satisfactory distal perfusion, to reduce the cardiac load, and to provide adequate perfusion to the brain.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic thoracic aortic lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To provide an overview of the experience of endovascular treatment for traumatic thoracic aortic lesions (TTAL). Thoracic aortic injury secondary to high-energy chest trauma constitutes an emergency situation with potentially devastating outcome. In the present time, the majority of patients are treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic overview of endovascular aortic repair in patients with TTAL with special attention to perioperative mortality, paraplegia, stroke, influence of left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage herein, and long-term stent-related complications. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PubMed and Embase were searched for studies describing endovascular treatment of TTAL in the period between January 1st, 2000 and January 30th, 2016. The methodological quality of articles was assessed using the MINORS score and PRISMA guidelines. Data on early mortality, perioperative complications, and long-term stent-related complications were extracted. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 2005 reports were screened, and 74 publications were finally included in the analysis describing treatment of 1882 patients. Early mortality rate, paraplegia rate, and stroke rate were 7.5%, 0.4%, and 1.5%, respectively. LSA coverage did not increase the risk of stroke. The severity of injuries had a positive association on early mortality. Late stent related mortality and morbidity were uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: TTAL can be treated endovascularly with low mortality and (neurological) morbidity. LSA coverage does not increase the risk of neurological complications but is associated with a moderate risk of left arm ischemia. Long-term stent-related complications are rare, but the available data is limited.