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Large-bore arteriotomy for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) requires percutaneous vascular closure devices, but real-world data comparing different closure strategies are limited.We sought to compare a dual ProGlide strategy vs a combination of one ProGlide and one FemoSeal for vascular closure after TAVI.We retrospectively analysed 874 propensity score-matched patients undergoing TAVI at the Munich University Hospital from August 2018 to October 2020. From August 2018 to August 2019, a dual ProGlide strategy was used for vascular closure. From October 2019 to October 2020, a combination of one ProGlide and one FemoSeal was used. The primary endpoint was defined as access-related major vascular complications or bleeding ≥Type 2 according to Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria.Patients in the dual ProGlide group (n=437) had a higher incidence of the primary endpoint than patients treated with one ProGlide and one FemoSeal (n=437; 11.4% vs 3.0%; p0.001). Furthermore, they had a higher rate of closure device failure (2.7% vs 0.9%; p=0.044) and more often required unplanned surgery or endovascular treatment (3.9% vs 0.9%; p=0.004). The incidence of death did not differ significantly between groups (3.4% vs 1.6%; p=0.08).A combined ProGlide and FemoSeal strategy might have the potential to reduce access-related vascular complications following TAVI.

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the outcomes of physician modified endografts (PMEG) for the treatment of thoraco-abdominal (TAAA) and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (C-AAA).MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scielo, and Open Grey.The databases were searched from inception to July 2021 for studies reporting on outcomes of PMEGs for TAAA or C-AAA repair. A systematic review was conducted (protocol CRD42021267856) and data were pooled using a random effects model of proportions. The outcomes analysed were major adverse events at 30 days (30 day mortality, myocardial infarction, respiratory failure requiring prolonged ventilation [24 hours or re-intubation], renal failure requiring dialysis, bowel ischaemia requiring surgery, major stroke, or definitive paraplegia); technical success; 30 day mortality; ruptures; spinal cord ischaemia; endoleaks; re-interventions; and target vessel patency.Twenty studies were included. Overall study quality assessment was found to be low. Overall, 909 PMEGs were reported and analysed. Regarding aneurysm location (n = 867), 222 patients had extent I - III TAAAs and 645 had C-AAA or extent IV TAAA. Regarding presentation, 14 studies reported whether the patients were treated in an elective or urgent setting (n = 782). Overall, 500 (63.9%) patients were treated in an elective setting and 282 (36.1%) in an urgent setting. Major adverse events (at 30 days) occurred in 15.5% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.8 - 20.8; IPhysician modified fenestrated or branched grafts for endovascular aortic repair seem feasible and safe in the short term. However, the quality of the available data is low, which highlights the need for better and more accurate data regarding this technique.

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (F-EVAR) has allowed successful treatment of patients with complex aortic aneurysms. Custom-made devices (CMDs) are manufactured by companies and tailored to the patient's anatomy to incorporate target vessels, while there is also the "off label" alternative with the devices modified by a surgeon in the operating room: surgeon-modified FEVAR (sm-FEVAR). This study aims to present and compare technical durability of CMDs- and sm-FEVAR for complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic pathologies.A retrospective cohort study was undertaken including all consecutive patients treated with sm- or CMD-FEVAR during a 3-year period in a single center. Only cases with at least 3 reno-visceral target vessels were included. Primary outcomes were technical success, and freedom from endoleak (EL) (Ia or III; all branch related) and re-intervention during follow-up period. Mortality and morbidity were also recorded.Thirty-two sm-FEVAR patients (81,3% male) and 79 CMD-FEVAR patients (77,2% male) were included. Indication for sm-FEVAR was exclusively urgent, while all CMD- FEVAR were elective. Technical success was similar in sm-FEVAR (100%) and CMD-FEVAR (98,7%) (P = 0.523). Mean follow-up was 16.3 ± 13 and 20 ± 17.3 months for sm-FEVAR and CMD- FEVAR, respectively (P = 0.28). The freedom from EL Ia rate was 91.7% [standard error (SE) 5.7%] at 12 months in sm-FEVAR, while it was 97.7% (SE 2.2%) and 92.3% (SE 4.3%) at 12 and 24 months, respectively in CMD-FEVAR (P = 0.69). The freedom from EL III rate was 95.5% (SE 4.4%) and 88% (SE 8.2%) at 12 and 24 months, respectively in sm-FEVAR, while it was 92.1% (SE 3.8%) and 89.2% (SE 4.7%) at 12 and 24 months, respectively in CMD-FEVAR (P = 0.68). The freedom from re-intervention rate was 91.6% (SE 5.7%) and 84.6% (SE 8.6%) at 12 and 24 months, respectively in sm-FEVAR, while it was 91.7% (SE 4%) and 83.4% (SE 5.9%) at 12 and 24 months, respectively in CMD-FEVAR (P = 0.90). The survival rate was 87.5% (5.8%) and 76.3% (7.9%) at 1 and 12 months, respectively in sm-FEVAR, while it was 93.7% (2.7%) at 1 month in CMD-FEVAR without any other death during FU period. No bridging stent occlusions were noted during follow-up period in any patient.Sm-FEVAR offers good technical success and mid-term clinical outcomes in urgent cases of complex aortic pathologies. Its durability is acceptable and comparable to CMD-FEVAR with a relatively low re-intervention rate.

Objectives: To study the outcome of endovascular treatment of aortic pathologies in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) at a single institution. Methods: Consecutive MFS patients who underwent endovascular repair or hybrid procedures for aortic pathologies from January 2010 to May 2020 were identified. Several endovascular and hybrid strategies have been used. Technical success, short- and mid-term survival, complications, and re-interventions were retrospectively analyzed. Results: During the study period, 24 patients with MFS (median age, 48 [13–78] years; 58% males) were treated. Indications for intervention were chronic aortic dissection with aneurysm degeneration in 16 patients (67%), acute type B aortic dissection in 4 patients (17%), aortic aneurysm without any dissection in 3 patients (13%), and aortic intramural hematoma in 1 patient (4%). Most patients were asymptomatic (83%), three (13%) were symptomatic and one (4%) had a contained rupture. The median aneurysm diameter was 56 (35–86) mm. Hybrid procedures were performed in 7 (29%) patients. Thoracic endovascular repair was performed in 12 (50%) patients, a fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair in 4 (17%) patients, and placement of an iliac artery stent-graft in 1 (4%) patient. Procedures were staged in 12 (50%) patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median intensive care unit stay was 6 (range, 1–30) days, and the median hospital stay was 23 (range, 3–112) days. Early mortality was reported in 1 (4%) patient. Wound infection was seen in 7 (29%) patients and gastrointestinal complications in 3 (13%) patients. The median follow-up was 42 (range, 1–127) months. The cumulative survival rate was 87% at 24 months. The cumulative freedom from re-intervention was 77% at 12 months. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of aortic pathologies in patients with MFS appears feasible with acceptable early and mid-term outcomes in terms of mortality and re-intervention rates. Endovascular therapy plays an increasing role in MFS patients with aortic pathology.

Objective To determine short and midterm outcomes of a pre-loaded fenestrated thoracic endograft (f-TEVAR) for exclusion of distal aortic arch pathologies. Methods This was a multicentre, retrospective study including consecutive patients from six experienced European vascular centres undergoing f-TEVAR for distal arch pathologies. Primary endpoints included peri-operative mortality and peri-operative stroke and/or spinal cord ischaemia rates. Secondary outcomes were technical success and mid to late events, including death and re-interventions. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 26. Mid to late term events were calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results One hundred and eight patients were included (mean age 68 ± 11 years, 70% men). A total of 38% (n = 42) had a prior history of aortic dissection, and 24% (n = 26) prior aortic surgery. The mean aneurysm diameter was 59 ± 12 mm and the most frequent indication for treatment was post-dissection aneurysms (n = 42, 39%). Technical success was 99% (n = 107) despite intra-operative wire entanglement occurring in 29% (n = 31). The 30 day mortality rate was 3.7% (n = 4), with a 5.6% major stroke incidence (n = 6) and 3.7% (n = 4) spinal cord ischaemia rate. Three cases of retrograde dissection occurred (two of which were fatal), all in post-type B dissecting aneurysm patients without prior aortic surgery (three of 19, 15.8%). Median follow up was 12 months (range, 1 – 26). Endoleaks were documented during follow up, with 3.5% type Ia (4/104) and 2.9% type Ib (3/104) as a result of persistent false lumen perfusion. The one, two, and three year survivals and freedom from re-intervention rates were 93.2% and 92.1%, 89.1% and 86.3%, and 84.4% and 73%, respectively. Conclusion This multicentre study shows that treatment of the distal aortic arch by f-TEVAR is feasible, with promising 30 day mortality, stroke, and spinal cord ischaemia rates.

Objective To report the outcomes of redo fenestrated and/or branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR in FEVAR) to rescue previous failed FEVAR. Methods Retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing F/BEVAR in FEVAR at eight aortic centres including pre-, intra-, and post-operative data according to a pre-established protocol. Follow up consisted of at least yearly computed tomography angiography. Values are presented as median and interquartile range, and survival as estimate ± standard error in percentage. Results 18 male patients (76 years old; range 69 – 78 years) receiving FEVAR involving two (two or three) target vessels between 2006 and 2016 underwent F/BEVAR in FEVAR between 2012 and 2019 (aneurysm diameter of 63 mm; range 56 – 69 mm). Median interval between the procedures was 53 (29 – 103) months. The indication for F/BEVAR in FEVAR was type Ia endoleak in 16 cases (eight isolated and eight combined with graft migration), one graft migration without endoleak and one migration with significant proximal aortic expansion. F/BEVAR in FEVAR involved all patent renovisceral arteries and had an operating time of 260 (204 – 344) minutes. Technical success was achieved in 15 (83%) cases. There was a failure to bridge one renal artery, one renal capsular bleed with the subsequent need for renal artery embolisation within 24 hours and one persistent type Ib endoleak despite iliac extension. There was no peri- or in hospital death. Two patients developed spinal cord ischaemia, one transient paraparesis and one permanent paraplegia. The latter occurred in a non-staged procedure where spinal drainage was used. During a follow up of 27 (7 – 39) months, three (17%) patients underwent late re-interventions. Overall survival at 24 months was 70 ± 11% with no aneurysm related death and a secondary clinical success at 24 months of 84 ± 11%. Conclusion F/BEVAR in FEVAR is a technically challenging but feasible solution to rescue failed FEVAR. The outcomes are promising in many aortic centres but need to be confirmed by further studies with longer follow up.

Journal of endovascular therapy 28(6), 914-926 (2021). doi:10.1177/15266028211030536, Published by Sage, Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Objective This study aims to determine the outcomes of transcaval embolization (TCE) for type II endoleak after infrarenal endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and fenestrated/branched EVAR (F/BEVAR). Methods A retrospective single-center cohort study of all consecutive TCE procedures between August 2015 and August 2019 was performed to investigate technical success, in-hospital morbidity, and 30-day mortality as well as clinical success during follow-up. The indication for TCE was an aneurysm sac growth of 5 mm or more owing to a type II endoleak after EVAR for infrarenal or F/BEVAR for juxtarenal and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Results A total 25 TCE procedures in 24 patients (95.8% male) were included. Technical success was 96.0% (24/25); selective and nonselective TCE were performed in 48% of patients. The in-hospital morbidity and 30-day mortality were 0%. The median follow-up was 23.1 months (interquartile range, 10.9-40.1 months). Freedom from type II endoleak-related reintervention was 84.6% at 12 months. Comparing clinical success after TCE, reintervention was necessary in 16.7% of patients after nonselective and 20% of patients after selective TCE. Regarding TCE after EVAR vs F/BEVAR, reintervention was performed in 12.5% of EVAR and 33.3% of F/BEVAR patients during follow-up. Conclusions TCE is an acceptable treatment alternative for type II endoleak with aneurysm sac enlargement and can be used after EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and F/BEVAR for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Purpose To describe the use of large-diameter balloon-expandable stent-grafts (BeGraft aortic stent-graft, Bentley InnoMed GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) in the treatment of infrarenal penetrating aortic ulcer (iPAU). Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing endovascular treatment with the BeGraft aortic stent-graft in 8 European centers from January 2017 to October 2020. Demographics, perioperative data, and midterm outcomes were collected. Endpoints of the study were technical feasibility, early mortality, and morbidity. Results A total of 40 patients were included. The mean age was 73.9±7.05 years and 63.2% were male. Indications for treatment included size and morphology (65%), presence of symptoms (29.5%), and contained ruptures (5.5%). Urgent treatment was performed in 5% of cases. Technical success was 97.5%. Median operation time was 58 minutes (19–170 minutes), with 27.5% of patients having additional procedures during the main intervention (1 additional repair with a C-TAG (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) thoracic endoprosthesis, 5 covered endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation procedures, 3 extensions with proximal cuffs, and 2 percutaneous angioplasties of the common iliac arteries). Percutaneous femoral access was used in 72.5%, while groin cut-down was performed in 27.5%. Repair was successful with only 1 stent in 45% of cases, while 37.5% required 2 stents and nearly 17.5% required 3/4 stent-grafts. The 30-day mortality was 0%, with a 2.5% reintervention rate (1 patient required evacuation of an intra-abdominal hematoma). Median follow-up was 13.9 months (2–39 months), during which no vascular-related reinterventions or deaths were reported. In 4 patients, a type II endoleak was observed. No cases of graft migration, thrombosis, or stent-fracture were observed. Conclusions The treatment of iPAU with the BeGraft aortic stent-graft in a selective patient group is feasible with low rate of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Balloon-expandable stent-grafts offer the option to repair iPAUs with a shorter coverage of the aorta using low-profile sheath, that enables treatment in the presence of calcified access vessels and small diameter aortic bifurcations.

Purpose: This study describes technical success, feasibility, and early results of fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) for treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) or pararenal aneurysms with more than 4 target visceral vessels (TVs) due to renovisceral arterial anatomical variations. Materials and Methods: Patients with TAAAs or pararenal aortic aneurysms who had more than 4 TVs due to renovisceral arterial anatomical variations of renal, celiac, and/or superior mesenteric arteries and received F/B-EVAR between January 2017 and September 2019 at a single aortic center were included in this study. We analyzed technical success, feasibility, and early outcomes. Results: Twelve patients (mean age 70±10 years, 9 males) were included. The anatomical variations included 6 right accessory renal arteries, 8 left accessory renal arteries, and 1 celiac artery variant. Stent-grafts were fenestrated, branched or combined in 6, 5, or 1 patients, respectively. The mean operating time was 346±120 minutes, the mean fluoroscopy time was 80±29 minutes, and the mean radiation dose area product was 430±219 Gy·cm2. The mean contrast volume was 129±45 mL. The total number of TVs was 64; 5 TVs in 9 patients, 6 in 2 patients, and 7 in 1 patient. Technical success was achieved in all cases. The mean intensive care unit stay was 6±5 days, and the mean total hospital stay was 14±10 days. One patient died early (30-day). Early morbidities included respiratory complication in 1 patient, renal insufficiency in 1 patient, and wound infection in 2 patients. No spinal cord ischemia, stroke, or bowel ischemia occurred. Early computed tomography angiography showed 100% patency of the bridging covered stents and TVs. The mean follow-up was 13±4.3 months. No mortality or adverse major event occurred during the follow-up. Two patients with developed type Ic endoleak related to 1 right renal artery and 1 celiac artery covered stent. Patency of the TVs during follow-up was 100%. Conclusion: The use of F/B-EVAR for the treatment of TAAA with more than 4 TVs due to renovisceral arterial anatomical variations in our own experience is feasible and not related to increased morbidity and mortality.

Background Acute occlusion of renal bridging stent grafts after fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) is an acknowledged complication with high morbidity that often results in chronic dialysis dependence. The feasibility and effect of timely or late (≥6 hours of ischemia) renal artery revascularization has not been adequately reported. Methods We performed a retrospective, multicenter study across 11 tertiary institutions of all consecutive patients who had undergone revascularization of renal artery stent graft occlusions after complex EVAR. The end points were technical success, association between ischemia time and renal function salvage, interventional complications, mortality, and mid-term outcomes. Results From 2009 to 2019, 38 patients with 46 target vessels (TVs; eight bilateral occlusions) were treated for renal artery occlusions after complex EVAR (mean age, 63.5 ± 10 years; 63.2% male). Six patients had a solitary kidney (15.8%). Of the 38 patients, 16 (42.1%) had undergone FEVAR and 22 (57.9%) had undergone BEVAR. The technical success rate was 95.7% (44 of 46 TVs). The recanalization technique used was sole aspiration thrombectomy in 5.3%, aspiration thrombectomy and stent graft relining in 52.6%, and sole stent graft relining in 36.8%. The median renal ischemia time was 27.5 hours (range, 4-720 hours; interquartile range, 4-36 hours). Most patients (94.4%) had been treated after ≥6 hours of renal ischemia time, and 55.6% had been treated after 24 hours. In 14 patients (36.8%), renal function had improved after intervention (mean glomerular filtration rate improvement, 14.2 ± 9 mL/min/1.73 m2). However, 24 patients (63.2%) showed no improvement. Improvement of renal function did not correlate with the length of renal ischemia time. Of the 14 patients with bilateral renal artery occlusion or a solitary kidney, 9 experienced partial recovery of renal function and no longer required hemodialysis. In-hospital mortality was 2.6%. The cause of renal stent graft occlusion could not be identified in 50% of the TVs (23 of 46). However, in 19 (41.3%), significant stenosis or a kink of the renal stent graft was found. The median follow-up was 11 months (interquartile range, 0-28 months). The estimated 1-year patient survival and patency rate of the renal stent grafts was 97.4% and 83.8%, respectively. Conclusions Revascularization of occluded renal bridging stent grafts after F/B-EVAR is a safe and feasible technique and can lead to significant improvement of renal function, even after long ischemia times (>24 hours) of the renal parenchyma or bilateral occlusion, as long as residual perfusion of the renal parenchyma has been preserved. Also, the long-term patency rates justify aggressive management of renal artery occlusion after F/B-EVAR.

Endovascular repair of the ascending aorta and aortic arch has evolved at an astonishing pace in the past several decades. Results of endovascular arch repair in experienced centers have been improving and the technology evolving, and it has begun to challenge the current gold standard status of open surgery in some groups of patients. Hybrid strategies with adjunctive cervical debranching for distal arch lesions are being replaced by fenestrated arch repairs. Total endovascular repair for proximal aortic arch pathologies with the use of inner branches has achieved the best results; however, the main current limitations of endovascular arch repair are diameter-, length-, and angulation-related issues with the ascending aorta (proximal landing zone). Ascending aorta endovascular repair has allowed extending treatment further proximally in patients with post-surgical pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta or post-type A chronic aortic dissections. However, sufficient proximal landing zone is still needed in the proximal aorta for these repairs; in a significant number of patients, this is not feasible with simple proximal tubular grafts. Therefore, new technologies and techniques are being developed to deal with this limitation, including the endovascular Bentall concept, with incorporation of the aortic valve and coronary ostia. In this review, the current state and future directions of endovascular ascending and arch repairs and the motion towards an endovascular Bentall procedure are discussed.

Purpose To present a novel technique to successfully cross a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis. Technique A 55-year-old female patient with genetically verified Marfan syndrome presented with a 5-cm anastomotic aneurysm of the proximal aortic arch after previous ascending aortic replacement due to a type A aortic dissection in 2007. The patient also underwent mechanical aortic valve replacement in 1991. A 3-stage hybrid repair was planned. The first 2 steps included debranching of the supra-aortic vessels. In the third procedure, a custom-made double branched endovascular stent-graft with a short 35-mm introducer tip was implanted. The mechanical valve was passed with the tip of the dilator on the lateral site of the leaflet, without destructing the valve and with only mild symptoms of aortic insufficiency, as one leaflet continued to work. This allowed the implantation of the stent-graft directly distally of the coronary arteries. Postoperative computed tomography angiography showed no endoleaks and patent coronary and supra-aortic vessels. Conclusion Passing a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis at the proper position is feasible and allows adequate endovascular treatment in complex arch anatomy. However, caution should be taken during positioning of the endovascular graft as the tip may potentially damage the valve prosthesis.

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of true, false, and combined lumen perfusion of renal arteries on mid- and long-term kidney volume in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD).Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with a TBAD between 2008 and 2015 in a single high-volume European center. The origin of the renal arteries was evaluated on a dedicated 3D workstation (TeraRecon Inc., San Mateo, CA, USA) and coded as either arising from the true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL) or from a combination of both (CL). Additional evaluated anatomical parameters were renal volume, length, width, and depth of the kidneys. Measurements were recorded at the time of diagnosis (T0) and at 1-month (T1), 6-months (T2), 18-months (T3) and 36-month of follow-up time (T4).A total of 131 renal arteries and kidneys were evaluated in 69 patients. Mean age was 64±13 years and 77% were male. The absolute number and percentage of assessed renal arteries/kidneys was 131 (100%) at T0, 89 (68%) at T1, 73 (56%) at T2, 57 (44%) at T3 and 43 (44%) at T4. At the time of diagnosis, 71.6% renal arteries originated from the TL, 19.1% from the FL and 9.2% from a CL. TEVAR was performed in 92.7% patients and nine patients had additional renal artery stenting. At T0 the mean renal volume was 212.1±70.9cmThere is a significant mid-term renal-volume reduction in patients with TBAD, independent of the origin of the renal arteries. Albeit not statistically significant, combined renal artery perfusion may lead to a greater volume reduction, potentially secondary to a relevant dynamic compression by the dissection membrane. Further multicentre studies are warranted to determine the effect on long-term renal function and on possible preventive strategies.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients undergoing open arch repair who would be anatomically suitable for multi-branched endovascular arch repair. METHODS This study was a single-centre review of patients undergoing open arch repair between 2000 and 2020. Anatomical feasibility was determined by comparing arch measurements to the anatomical criteria of the Zenith® double and triple inner branched-arch endografts (Cook Medical) and the Relay® double arch branched device (Terumo-Aortic). RESULTS Ninety (90) patients were included in this study, with 43/90 presenting degenerative aneurysm. The distance between the sinotubular junction and the brachiocephalic trunk measured 114 ± 30 mm on the outer curvature, and the maximum diameter of the proximal landing zone (PLZ) was 41 ± 11mm. A total of 42/90 patients (47%) were anatomically suitable for at least 1 stent graft and 29/90 patients (32%) were eligible for a triple-branched endograft. The most important determinant factors of anatomical suitability were the PLZ diameter (Cramer’s V = 0.743, P CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the proportion of patients who may be anatomically suitable for branched-arch repair remains limited. The PLZ dimensions tend to be the most important anatomical limitations and should receive more emphasis in the development of branched-arch devices.

Purpose: To evaluate if the elderly could benefit from the implantation of iliac branch devices (IBDs) to preserve the patency of the internal iliac artery (IIA) in aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to April 2017, 804 patients enrolled in the pELVIS registry underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with 910 IBDs due to aneurysmal involvement of the iliac bifurcation. Among the 804 patients, 157 (19.5%) were octogenarians (mean age 82.9±2.5 years; 157 men) with 171 target IIAs for preservation. Outcomes at 30 days included technical success, death, conversion to open surgery, and major complications. Outcomes evaluated in follow-up were patency of the IBD and target vessels, type I and type III endoleaks, aneurysm-related reinterventions, aneurysm-related death, and overall patient survival. Kaplan-Meier analyses were employed to evaluate the late outcome measures; the estimates are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Technical success was 99.4% with no intraoperative conversions or deaths (1 bridging stent could not be implanted, and the IIA was sacrificed). Perioperative mortality was 1.9%. The overall perioperative aneurysm-related complication rate was 8.9% (14/157), with an early reintervention rate of 5.1% (8/157). Median postoperative radiological and clinical follow-up were 21.8 months (range 1–127) and 29.3 months (range 1–127), respectively. Estimated rates of freedom from occlusion of the IBD, the IIA, and the external iliac artery at 60 months were 97.7% (95% CI 96.1% to 99.3%), 97.3% (95% CI 95.7% to 98.9%), and 98.6% (95% CI 97% to 99.9%), respectively. Estimated rates of freedom from type I and type III endoleaks and device migration at 60 months were 90.9% (95% CI 87% to 94.3%), 98.7% (95% CI 97.5% to 99.8%), and 98% (95% CI 96.4% to 99.6%), respectively. Freedom from all cause reintervention at 60 months was 87.4% (95% CI 82.6% to 92.2%). The estimated overall survival rate at 60 months was 59% (95% CI 52.4% to 65.6%). Conclusion: IBD implantation in octogenarians provided acceptable perioperative mortality and morbidity rates, with satisfying long-term freedom from IBD-related complications and should be considered a feasible repair option for selected elderly patients affected by aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation.

Purpose: To report the outcomes of bypass grafting (BG) vs endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Materials and Methods: The CRITISCH Registry is a prospective, national, interdisciplinary, multicenter registry evaluating the current practice of all available treatment options in 1200 consecutive CLTI patients. For the purposes of this analysis, only the 337 patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD treated by either BG (n=86; median 78 years, 48 men) or EVT (n=251; median age 80 years, 135 men) were analyzed. The primary composite outcome was amputation-free survival (AFS); secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and amputation-free time (AFT). All outcomes were evaluated in Cox proportional hazards models; the results are reported as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The Cox regression analysis revealed a significantly greater hazard of amputation or death after BG (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.03, p=0.028). The models for AFT and overall survival also suggested a higher hazard for BG, but the differences were not significant (AFT: HR 1.66, 95% CI 0.78 to 3.53, p=0.188; OS: HR 1.41, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.47, p=0.348). The absence of runoff vessels (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.60, p=0.008) was associated with a decreased AFS. The likelihood of amputation was higher in male patients (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.45, p=0.027) and was associated with a lack of runoff vessels (HR 1.95, 95% CI 0.96 to 3.95, p=0.065) and myocardial infarction (HR 3.74, 95% CI 1.23 to 11.35, p=0.020). Death was more likely in patients without runoff vessels (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.80, p=0.016) and those with a higher risk score (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.91, p=0.038). Conclusion: This analysis suggested that BG was associated with poorer AFS than EVT in patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD and CLTI. Male sex, previous myocardial infarction, and the absence of runoff vessels were additionally identified as predictors of poorer outcomes.

Purpose: To describe the implantation steps and tips and tricks for the Inner Branch Arch Endograft designed to treat aortic arch aneurysm and chronic type A aortic dissection. Technique: Anatomical suitability criteria should be met in order to use this device. The proximal segment of the graft lands in the ascending aorta distally to the sinotubular junction and the distal segment lands in the descending aorta. The device includes 2 inner branches; the proximal branch is used for a connection to the innominate artery (positioned slightly posterior at 12:30 o’clock), while the second branch is positioned slightly anterior at 11:30 o’clock and is used as a connection to the left common carotid artery. Access, implantation technique, deployment of the device, and catheterization of the branches are described thoroughly. Conclusion: This Inner Branch Arch Endograft is an appealing alternative to treat aortic arch pathology, especially in patients unsuitable for open repair. Nevertheless, complex aortic arch repair is associated with a learning curve. Meticulous preoperative planning and a high level of concentration intraoperatively are mandatory.

The formation of postaortic coarctation aneurysms (pCoAA) is well-described in the literature and carries a significant risk of rupture and death. Treatment strategies include open surgical, hybrid, and endovascular repair, depending on the clinical presentation, risk assessment, and anatomy. The aim of this study was to report the early and midterm results of open surgical and endovascular repair of pCoAA.This is an international multicenter retrospective study including patients who underwent open surgical or endovascular repair for pCoAA between 2000 and 2021 at 14 highly specialized academic cardiovascular centers. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed.A total of 74 patients (46 male; median age, 44 years; interquartile range [IQR], 35-53 years) underwent pCoAA repair. All patients had previously undergone surgical repair of aortic coarctation at a median age of 11 years for the index procedure (IQR, 7-17 years). The most common first surgical correction was synthetic patch aortoplasty in 48 patients, followed by graft interposition in 11. The median pCoAA diameter was 54 mm (IQR, 44-63 mm). The median time from the aortic coarctation repair to the pCoAA diagnosis was 33 years (IQR, 25-40 years). A total of 33 patients had symptoms at presentation, including thoracic or back pain in 8 patients. Open surgical repair was performed in 28 patients, including four frozen elephant trunk procedures and one Bentall. The remaining 46 patients underwent endovascular repair of the pCoAA. Two in-hospital deaths were observed (one frozen elephant trunk and one endovascular). After a median follow-up of 50 months (IQR, 14-127 months), there were a total of seven reinterventions.This international multicenter study demonstrates that patients with pCoAA can be safely treated with either open surgical or endovascular interventions. Because the median time between the coarctation repair and the aneurysm formation was more than 30 years, life-long surveillance of these patients is warranted.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate early and mid-term results of non-standard management of the supraaortic target vessels with the use of the inner branch arch endograft in a single high-volume center. Material and methods: A single-center retrospective study including all patients undergoing implantation of an inner branch arch endograft from December 2012 to March 2021, who presented a non-standard management of the supraaortic target vessels (any bypass other than a left carotid-subclavian or landing in a dissected target vessel). Technical success, mortality, reinterventions, endoleak (EL), and aortic remodeling at follow-up were analyzed. Results: Twenty-four patients were included. In 17 (71%) cases, the non-standard management was related to innominate artery (IA) compromise (12 with IA dissection, 2 with short IA, 2 with short proximal aortic landing zone that required occlusion of IA, 1 with occluded IA after open arch repair). Two (8%) cases were related to an aberrant right subclavian artery (RSA), 1 patient (4%) due to the concomitant presence of a left vertebral artery (LVA) arising from the arch and an occluded left subclavian artery (LSA), and another patient presented with an occluded LSA distal to a dominant vertebral artery. Three (13%) cases were exclusively related to management in patients with genetic aortic syndromes. Twenty (83%) patients had a previous type A aortic dissection. Ten (42%) patients presented a thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and 8 (33%) patients an arch aneurysm, 6 of them associated to false lumen (FL) perfusion. There were 2 (8%) perioperative minor strokes, and 1 patient with perioperative mortality. Seven patients presented an early type I endoleak, all resolved at follow-up. Seven patients required reinterventions during follow-up (7 reinterventions related to continuous false lumen perfusion, 3 related to Type Ia endoleak, 2 related to surgical bypass). All patients who presented with FL perfusion had complete FL thrombosis at follow-up. No patient presented aneurysm growth at follow-up. Conclusions: The use of the inner branch arch endograft with a non-standard management of the supraaortic target vessels is a possible option. Despite a high reintervention rate, regression or stability of the aneurysmal diameter was achieved in all the patients with follow-up.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to study 1-year results of Zenith branch iliac endovascular graft (ZBIS) with the off-label use of a 13 mm spiral Z limb to connect to the aortic main body. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review from 2015 to 2019 of all iliac branch devices (IBDs) was performed at 1 institution that were connected to an aortic main body with a 13 mm spiral Z limb and had at least 1-year follow-up with computed tomography (CT). Primary endpoints are freedom from ZBIS separation from the connection limb, endoleak (EL), or reintervention at 1 year. Secondary endpoints are primary and secondary ZBIS patency, presence of any EL, and aortic reinterventions. Results: Of 149 IBDs implanted in this period, 45 ZBIS in 35 patients were connected with a 13 mm limb and had a 1-year CT; 97% of patients had common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms, 7% of patients had hypogastric artery (HA) aneurysms, and 30% of patients had bilateral ZBIS implantation. Technical success was 98%. In 84% of cases, the Advanta V12 was used as the HA mating stent; 56% of patients had an EL, mostly type II, which resolved spontaneously in 70% at 1 year, and 9% of ZBIS required reinterventions at 1 year (2 for thrombosis, 2 for type Ic EL from HA mating stent). One-year ZBIS primary patency and secondary patency were 96% and 100%, respectively. No EL was noted to be related to the 13 mm connection limb. No migration or separation of the devices occurred. Conclusions: The use of 13 mm spiral Z limb to connect a ZBIS with the main body in our series yields a high technical success rate and good 12-month outcomes without device separation or migration.

Treatment of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms is challenging. Open surgical repair is a high-risk operation, especially in emergency cases. Endovascular aneurysm repair with a patient-specific custom-made stent graft in patients with symptomatic or ruptured complex aortic aneurysms is not possible, due to the manufacturing time required. In such cases, alternative endovascular techniques can be used.The "off-the-shelf" and "surgeon-modified" stent grafts are valid options for the endovascular treatment of complex aneurysms in urgent and emergent patients. The former are standardised commercially manufactured fenestrated or branched stent grafts, which are available off-the-shelf with an anatomical feasibility in 50 - 80% of the patients. The "surgeon-modified" stent grafts refer to a technique, in which a commercially available stent graft is modified by the surgeon under sterile conditions directly before the implantation, in order to add the required fenestrations, scallops and/or branches. The modification takes approximately 60 - 120 min and haemodynamic stability of the patient is mandatory. Because of the off-label use of the commercial stent graft, detailed patient consent about the modification complications and risks should be performed whenever possible. A comparison of results on mortality and morbidity between "off-the-shelf" and "surgeon-modified" stent grafts has been published, although a direct comparison would be unfair for several reasons (different design, lack of extensive outcomes reports, long learning curve and different modification techniques).The "surgeon-modified" and "off-the-shelf" fenestrated/branched stent grafts are used in the treatment of high-risk patients with symptomatic or contained ruptured complex aneurysms. The outcomes of the two techniques are good, although the long-term durability of the former should be further investigated.Die Behandlung komplexer abdomineller und thorakoabdomineller Aortenaneurysmen stellt für alle Beteiligten eine Herausforderung dar. Die offene chirurgische Versorgung ist ein Hochrisikoeingriff und ist besonders im Notfall mit erhöhter Morbidität und Mortalität assoziiert. Die endovaskuläre Ausschaltung mithilfe eines patientenspezifischen maßgefertigten Stentgrafts steht aufgrund der erforderlichen Herstellungszeit bei Patienten mit symptomatischen oder rupturierten komplexen Aneurysmen nicht zur Verfügung. In diesen Fällen müssen alternative endovaskuläre Techniken angewendet werden.Zu den endovaskulären Therapieoptionen komplexer Aneurysmen in dringenden Fällen und Notfällen zählen die „off-the-shelf“ und die „surgeon-modified“ Stentgrafts. Die ersten sind standardisiert hergestellte fenestrierte oder gebranchte Endoprothesen, die aufgrund der anatomischen Gegebenheiten bei etwa 50 – 80% der Patienten eingesetzt werden können. Die „surgeon-modified“ oder „vom Chirurgen modifizierten“ Stentgrafts beschreiben eine Technik, bei der eine kommerzielle Stentprothese unter sterilen Bedingungen und direkt vor der Implantation durch den Operateur bearbeitet wird, damit die benötigten Fenestrierungen, Scallops und Branches geschaffen werden. Die Modifikationsdauer beträgt 60 – 120 min angepasst an die Anatomie des Patienten. Es handelt sich um einen „off-label“-Gebrauch eines kommerziellen Stentgrafts außerhalb der Anweisungen des Herstellers und wenn möglich, sollte eine entsprechende ausführliche Patientenaufklärung als Behandlungsversuch stattfinden. In der Literatur sind ähnliche Ergebnisse bez. Morbidität und Mortalität zwischen „off-the-shelf“ und „surgeon-modified“ Prothesen publiziert. Ein direkter Vergleich dieser Verfahren scheint aus mehreren Gründen (unterschiedliches Prothesendesign, Selektionsbias, unterschiedliche Techniken in der Prothesenmodifikation) jedoch schwierig und anhand der Literatur allein nicht eindeutig durchführbar.Die „surgeon-modified“ sowie die „off-the-shelf“ fenestrierten/gebranchten Stentprothesen werden in der Versorgung von Hochrisikopatienten mit symptomatischen oder gedeckt rupturierten komplexen Aortenaneurysmen angewendet. Die Ergebnisse beider Techniken sind vergleichbar gut, obwohl die langfristige Funktionsdauer der modifizierten Stentprothesen weiter getestet werden sollte.

The “frozen elephant trunk” is a hybrid technique to treat aortic arch and proximal descending aortic pathologies in a single step. Despite its encouraging early and long-term results, some stent-graft-related adverse events have been reported. Here, we describe a possible treatment option to “re-freeze” the FET in case of loss of landing zone. We report a patient who developed significant kinking of the FET over the course of the first 2 postoperative years. The 1-year follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed significant kinking and proximal migration of the endograft portion of the FET, resulting in new thrombus formation. Due to kinking and thrombus progression in subsequent CTA follow-ups (2 years and 2½ years) with risk for peripheral embolization, a secondary endovascular repair was indicated. Transfemoral relining of the stent component with a thoracic aortic endovascular repair (Zenith®TX2®30142) stent-graft was performed. In the context of postoperative aneurysm sac shrinkage, the low radial force and lack of longitudinal stiffness of the hybrid graft may lead to proximal migration, thus secondary kinking, emphasizing the importance of an adequate degree of oversizing of the primary graft and an appropriate follow-up. Selection of a suitable graft for a particular pathology concerning the radial force and longitudinal stiffness is furthermore important.

To report a two-centers evaluation of the effects of iliac axis tortuosity on iliac branch device (IBD) results.From 2015 to 2021, all IBD procedures performed at two European centers were analyzed retrospectively. The preoperative pelvic tortuosity index (PTI), external tortuosity index (ETI), and double iliac sign (DIS) were assessed for each iliac axis submitted to IBD. The primary endpoints were technical success, early and mid-term IBD complications (occlusion, stenosis, endoleaks [ELs]) and reinterventions, and the association with the PTI, ETI, and DIS. The 30-day mortality, survival, freedom from complications and freedom from reinterventions (FFR) were the secondary endpoints.During the study period, 224 patients had undergone 256 IBD procedures for 165 (64.5%) aortoiliac aneurysms, 44 (17.2%) isolated iliac aneurysms, 11 (4.3%) abdominal aortic aneurysms with a short iliac landing zone, and 36 (14.1%) type Ib ELs. IBD was planned with endovascular aortic aneurysm repair for 158 (61.7%), fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair for 45 (7.6%), and isolated for 53 (20.7%) cases. Technical success and 30-day mortality were 99.2% (254 of 256) and 0.9% (2 of 224), respectively. A PTI1.4, an ETI1.7, and the DIS were tested to identify the risk factors for the endpoints. No ELs and 9 (3.5%) IBD occlusions, requiring five reinterventions (2%), had occurred within 30 days. No association with the PTI, ETI, or DIS was identified; IBD oversizing of ≥25% on the external iliac artery was independently related to occlusion (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1-18.1; P = .045). The mean follow-up was 31 ± 27 months, with 11 IBD occlusions, 14 ELs, and 21 reinterventions. At 1, 3, and 5 years of follow-up survival, IBD patency, and FFR were 95%, 89%, and 80%; 93%, 91%, and 90%; and 93%, 89%, and 83%, respectively. The risk factors for overall complications (n = 34; 13.3%) and reinterventions (n = 26; 10.2%) were an ETI1.7 (P = .037 and P = .019), a PTI1.4 (P = .016 and P = .012), and a type Ib EL as the indication (P = .025 and P = .001), respectively. Cox regression confirmed PTI1.4 as an independent predictor of overall complications and reinterventions (hazard ratio [HR], 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.4; P = .018; and HR, 3 95% CI, 1.3-6.8; P = .018, respectively) and ETI1.7 as an independent risk factor for ELs (HR 6; 95% CI, 2.1-17.5; P = .001). The freedom from complications and FFR were significantly lower with a PTI1.4 at 3 years (73% vs 92% [log-rank P = .01] and 77% vs 93% [log-rank P = .001], respectively).We found IBDs to be safe and effective in the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms. Early complications are uncommon and related to endograft oversizing rather than anatomic characteristics in the present study. Iliac tortuosity is a risk factor for overall complications and reinterventions, in particular for IBD-related ELs.

Purpose To report endovascular repair of postdissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) in 2 patients with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS). Case Reports Case 1. A 56-year-old vEDS male patient with a 50-mm type III TAAA [history of aortic root repair, hemiarch replacement, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) 7 years ago] was treated by a 2-stage procedure; first, cervical debranching of the left subclavian artery and second TEVAR and t-branch. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA) 3.5 years postoperatively demonstrated aortic remodeling with patency of targeted visceral vessels and no endoleak. Case 2. A 47-year-old vEDS male patient presented with a TAAA (diameter of 67 mm). The patient had a history of aortic valve and arch replacement with elephant trunk for acute TAAD, and consequently a TEVAR and candy-plug procedure after a ruptured false lumen (FL) aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta. He also had a surgical repair by an aorto-bi-iliac graft. Two years later, CTA demonstrated aneurysmal FL dilatation distally to the candy-plug and he was treated with fenestrated EVAR (F-EVAR). Conclusion Endovascular repair of postdissection TAAA was feasible and safe with good short-term outcome in 2 patients with vEDS.

Treatment reality of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is changing. Up to date, approximately 65% of intact AAA and 30% of ruptured AAA are treated endovascularly. As most comparative studies focus upon mortality and few major complications, some outcomes as lower extremity ischemia (LEI) after invasive AAA repair are often underreported. However, there is evidence for a worse outcome of patients suffering from this kind of complication.Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) vascular surgery targeted module from 2011 to 2014, we identified all patients undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and open aortic repair (OAR) for AAA to illuminate the incidence and outcome of LEI after AAA repair.In total, 185 patients (1.9%) developed LEI after AAA repair. 1.6% of all patients showed LEI after treatment of asymptomatic or symptomatic intact AAA, compared with 4.8% of ruptured AAA repair (P 0.001). Operation time, male gender, current smoking, and increased creatinine levels (1.5 mg/dL) were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting LEI. No statistically significant differences between EVAR versus OAR were noted in the multivariate model. If LEI occurred, length of hospital stay (6 vs. 2 days, P 0.001) and mortality (20.5 vs. 4.6%, P 0.001) was significantly higher as compared with the patients without LEI. Furthermore, 30-day mortality and most major complications were more common if LEI occurred.In this specialized analysis regarding LEI after AAA repair up to 2% develop this severe ischemic complication. Since the occurrence of LEI is associated with significantly worse outcome, future research and strategies to avoid this complication is needed.

Purpose: To present the early results of false lumen (FL) occlusion in chronic aortic dissection using the Candy-Plug generation II (CP II), which has a self-closing fabric channel that obviates the need for separate occlusion of its center. Materials and Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients (mean age 60±11 years; 10 men) with persistent FL backflow and aneurysm formation at the thoracic segment in chronic aortic dissection underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with FL occlusion using the refined CP II. Primary endpoints were technical success (successful deployment) and clinical success (no FL backflow at the CP II level). Secondary endpoints included 30-day mortality and morbidity and aortic remodeling during follow-up. Results: Technical success was 100%. One patient required additional intraprocedural FL embolization at the CP II level due to persistent FL backflow on final angiography (clinical success 93%), though there was no flow through the CP II center. There were no intraprocedural complications. Immediate complete FL occlusion was achieved in 12 patients; the other 2 required reintervention. One had contrast enhancement in the distal FL proximal to the CP II and was treated with coil embolization. The other patient had persistent type I endoleak at the level of the left subclavian artery (LSA) and underwent left carotid–LSA bypass and proximal stent-graft extension. One patient died due to retrograde type A aortic dissection that was not related to CP II placement. Over a mean 8-month follow-up (range 3–12), 9 patients had computed tomography angiography; 8 patients had evidence of aortic remodeling, while 1 aneurysm sac was stable. Conclusion: The CP II reduces the number of procedural steps and offers good seal, with minimal morbidity and mortality and a high rate of aortic remodeling.

Objective Fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) usually represents the last stage in endovascular treatment of postdissection aneurysm after thoracic endograft coverage of entry tear and false lumen embolization. Methods The study was a retrospective analysis of all patients with postdissection thoracoabdominal aneurysm treated with FB-EVAR in a single center. Short-term outcomes included technical success, operative mortality, and morbidities. Midterm outcomes included secondary intervention, false lumen thrombosis rate, aneurysm size regression, and subsequent survival. Results Twenty patients (95% male with a mean age of 64 ± 9 years) were treated between January 2014 and December 2017. The technical success was 100%. There was one death (5%) within 30 days. Postoperative complications included two patients with spinal cord ischemia (10%; one partial and one full). The median follow-up period was 12 months (range, 0-31 months). A secondary intervention was required in six patients, including thoracic stent graft relining for type III endoleak (n = 2), covered stent relining for junctional leak between main body and renal stent (n = 2), and iliac false lumen embolization (n = 2). Twelve patients completed the 1-year follow-up computed tomography angiogram, and their mean aneurysm diameters were 71 ± 18, 66 ± 19, and 62 ± 19 mm preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and at 1 year, respectively; the corresponding false lumen thrombosis rates were 0% (0/20), 58% (7/12), and 92% (11/12), respectively. One more patient died during follow-up from a non-aneurysm-related cause. The estimated overall survival rates were 95 ± 5%, 88 ± 8%, and 88 ± 8% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Conclusions FB-EVAR was feasible for postdissection thoracoabdominal aneurysm. Despite the associated perioperative risk and high probability of planned or unplanned reintervention, the procedure led to favorable aortic remodeling with false lumen thrombosis and aneurysm regression.

Background To introduce the new generation Candy-Plug II with a self-closing channel construction inside the plug. Methods The technique of the Candy-Plug II was demonstrated in a 50-year-old patient with residual chronic aortic dissection and thoracic false lumen aneurysm with false lumen backflow after open surgical repair of the ascending aorta for acute type A aortic dissection. The Candy-Plug Technique was applied in addition to a branched arch procedure using a new generation Candy-Plug II for false lumen occlusion. The Candy-Plug II is a short tubular stent graft with a small open channel inside the graft to accommodate the central cannula and allow retrieval of the dilator tip, which closes itself as soon as the dilator tip is removed. The channel inside the graft is unsupported and will collapse and thereby close. This new design obviates additional placement of a plug to occlude the midsection of the first-generation Candy-Plug. After deployment of the Candy-Plug, distal false lumen occlusion was confirmed on final angiogram and postoperative computed tomography scans without any leakage through the Candy-Plug. Conclusions The new generation Candy-Plug II is a useful refinement of the previously available model. It reduces the procedural steps and provides a longer sealing segment.

MINI: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endovascular repair of chronic aortic arch dissecting aneurysms with a custom-made branched endograft during follow-up after acute type A aortic dissection open repair. Unmatched outcomes are reported in a population at high risk for a redo sternotomy. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endovascular aortic arch repair for chronic dissection with a custom-made branched endograft. BACKGROUND Acute type A aortic dissections are often treated with prosthetic replacement of the ascending aorta. During follow-up, repair of an aneurysmal evolution of the false lumen distal to the ascending prosthesis can be a challenge both for the surgeon and the patient. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study of consecutive patients from 14 vascular units treated with a custom-made, inner-branched device (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) for chronic aortic arch dissection. Rates of in-hospital mortality and stroke, technical success, early and late complications, reinterventions, and mortality during follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS Seventy consecutive patients were treated between 2011 and 2018. All patients were considered unfit for conventional surgery. In-hospital combined mortality and stroke rate was 4% (n = 3), including 1 minor stroke, 1 major stroke causing death, and 1 death following multiorgan failure. Technical success rate was 94.3%. Twelve (17.1%) patients required early reinterventions: 8 for vascular access complication, 2 for endoleak correction, and 2 for pericardial effusion drainage. Median follow-up was 301 (138-642) days. During follow-up, 20 (29%) patients underwent secondary interventions: 9 endoleak corrections, 1 open repair for prosthetic kink, and 10 distal extensions of the graft to the thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta. Eight patients (11%) died during follow-up because of nonaortic-related cause in 7 cases. CONCLUSIONS Endovascular treatment of aortic arch chronic dissections with a branched endograft is associated with low mortality and stroke rates but has a high reintervention rate. Further follow-up is required to confirm the benefits of this novel approach.

Background Residual patent false lumen (FL) after chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) or type A aortic dissection (TAAD) treatment is independently associated with poor long-term outcomes. The aim of our study was to present endovascular techniques and the existing experience with targeted FL thrombosis after cTBAD or TAAD treatment. Material and Methods A systematic review was performed (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) searching in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Cochrane databases for studies reporting on targeted FL occlusion after cTBAD or TAAD treatment. Results One hundred one patients either after open repair of a TAAD (n = 40; 3 case reports and 3 retrospective studies) or after cTBAD (n = 61; 13 case reports and 6 retrospective studies) underwent an endovascular procedure for intentional FL occlusion (2 studies reported on both procedures). Among TAAD patients, 27 of 40 (68%) had previous open repair, whereas 48 of 61 (79%) with cTBAD had a previous endovascular repair. Thirty-one (78%) patients with TAAD and fifty-one (83%) with cTBAD were treated electively. Four main techniques were used: (1) the candy-plug (19/101), (2) the knickerbocker (3/91), (3) the “cork in the bottle neck” technique (2/101), and (4) FL embolization with combined use of coils, onyx, plugs, and glue (77/101). The technical success rate was 100%, with a 30-day mortality rate of 2.5% (1/40) in TAAD and 0% in cTBAD patients. During follow-up (ranging: 2 to 63 months), the mortality rate was 0% (0/31) and 7.1% (4/61) in TAAD and cTBAD patients, respectively. The FL remained completely thrombosed in 78% (31/40) of TAAD and 62% (38/61) of cTBAD patients, whereas it was partially thrombosed in 3 and 2 patients, respectively (no report for 22 patients). Conclusions Intentional FL occlusion seems to be a feasible less invasive approach after cTBAD or TAAD treatment, which is not broadly used. Future larger studies with longer follow-up duration may demonstrate the apparent benefit in terms of aortic remodeling or stabilization of the disease progression.

To compare early outcome after complex endovascular aortic repair in octogenarians (age ≥ 80 years) versus non-octogenarians (age 80 years) treated with fenestrated or branched stent grafts.Single centre retrospective analysis from a prospectively collected database of all patients undergoing repair with fenestrated or branched stent grafts for para/suprarenal aortic aneurysm, type Ia endoleak after previous endovascular aortic repair, and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm between January 2015 and December 2017. Early all cause mortality, major adverse events, and need for re-intervention were analysed for non-octogenarians (age 80 years) and octogenarians (age ≥ 80 years) at the time of repair.207 patients (58 [28%] females) with a median age of 73 years (IQR 68-78) underwent repair with fenestrated or branched stent grafts. There were 169 (81%) non-octogenarians with a median age of 72 years (IQR 65-76) and 38 (19%) octogenarians with a median age of 82 years (IQR 81-84). The number of patients with chronic kidney disease was significantly higher in the octogenarians (63 [37%] vs. 22 [58%], p = .03]. Nineteen patients (9%) died. The early mortality rate was higher in the octogenarians (12 [7%] vs. 7 [18%], p = .06]. Mortality rate was 4% (6/148) for elective and 22% (13/59) for urgently treated patients. Similar rates of post-operative sepsis, stroke, respiratory problems, need for dialysis, and spinal cord injury were found in both groups. Two patients in each group had early stent graft related re-interventions. The octogenarian group had increased post-operative creatinine values (1.0 [0.8-1.4] vs. 1.4 [1.0-1.9], p = .01). After multiple logistic regression, ASA class ≥4 and rupture were independent factors of early all cause mortality.Complex endovascular repair in octogenarians has higher early all cause mortality compared with non-octogenarians. Rupture and higher ASA class of ≥4 are independent predictors for early mortality. Age ≥80 years was found to be an independent predictor for higher early all cause mortality.

Objective Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is currently the treatment of choice for most diseases of the descending thoracic aorta. Using data from the Study to Assess Outcomes After Endovascular Repair for Multiple Thoracic Aortic Diseases (SUMMIT) study we investigated the outcomes of TEVAR for different aortic diseases and risk factors associated with the outcomes. Methods The SUMMIT study included aggregated data of 521 TEVAR patients from five Cook-sponsored multicenter trials evaluating thoracic endografts of the Zenith platform (William Cook Europe, ApS, Bjaeverskov, Denmark). In this post hoc analysis, primary outcomes include 30-day and 1-year mortality and morbidity and cumulative mortality and reinterventions. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for mortality and reinterventions. Results Of the 521 patients (67% male; mean age, 67.2 ± 15 years), 329 were treated for thoracic aortic aneurysms, 56 for thoracic ulcers, 55 for acute and 31 for nonacute type B aortic dissections (TBADs), and 50 for blunt thoracic aortic injuries. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 1.7%, with perioperative stroke occurring in 3.1%, paraplegia in 1.2%, and proximal type I endoleak in 0.4% of patients within 30 days. At 1 year, the cumulative rate was 8.1% for all-cause mortality, 4.0% for stroke, 1.2% for paraplegia, 0.8% for proximal type I endoleak, and 6.0% for secondary interventions. Multivariate analysis showed that significant predictors for all-cause mortality included age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04 for each additional year), congestive heart failure (HR, 2.87), serum creatinine (HR, 1.19 per 1 mg/dL), iliac tortuosity (HR, 1.32), blood transfusion (HR, 1.59 per 500 mL of packed red blood cells), and occurrence of 30-day stroke (HR, 3.93), paraplegia (HR, 7.79), or paraparesis (HR, 2.46). Patients treated for dissection, but not for thoracic aortic aneurysm or blunt thoracic aortic injury, demonstrated significantly higher risk for reintervention (HR, 5.65 for acute and 6.60 for nonacute TBADs) compared with patients treated for thoracic ulcers (reference group). Intraoperative contrast material (HR, 1.31 per 100 mL) and blood transfusion volumes (HR, 1.42 per 500 mL of packed red blood cells), surrogates of case complexity, were also significant predictors for reintervention. Conclusions The results from the SUMMIT study demonstrated exceptionally low mortality and stroke rates at 30 days and low aortic disease-related mortality during follow-up. TBAD is associated with a higher risk for reintervention, possibly attributed to the natural history of the disease, whereas age, reduced cardiac and renal functions, difficult iliac access anatomy, intraoperative transfusion, and early neurologic complications are associated with higher risk for cumulative all-cause mortality.

Fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (f-TEVAR) has expanded the possibilities of endovascular arch repair, allowing treatment of pathologies involving the aortic arch that require sealing in Ishimaru zones 1 and 2. The growing number of implantations has increased physician experience and helped identify critical procedural points, mainly wire entanglement and device malrotation. Herein we describe a step-by-step approach to a f-TEVAR procedure with the Zenith fenestrated preloaded thoracic endograft, identifying potential pitfalls and suggesting problem-solving solutions.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyse and report the changes in the management of blunt traumatic aortic injuries (BTAIs) in a single centre during the last 2 decades. METHODS A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with BTAI from January 1999 to January 2020 was performed. Data were collected from electronic/digitalized medical history records. RESULTS Forty-six patients were included [median age 42.4 years (16–84 years), 71.7% males]. The predominant cause of BTAI was car accidents (54.5%, n = 24) and all patients presented with concomitant injuries (93% bone fractures, 77.8% abdominal and 62.2% pelvic injuries). Over 70% presented grade III or IV BTAI. Urgent repair was performed in 73.8% of patients (n = 31), with a median of 2.75 h between admission and repair. Thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) was performed in 87% (n = 49), open surgery (OS) in 10.9% (n = 5) and conservative management in 2.1% (n = 1). Technical success was 82.6% (92.1% TEVAR, 79% OS). In-hospital mortality was 19.5% (17.5% TEVAR, 40% OS). Of these, 3 died from aortic-related causes. Seven (15.2%) required an early vascular reintervention. The median follow-up was 34 months (1–220 months), with 19% of early survivors having a follow-up of >10 years. Only 1 vascular reintervention was necessary during follow-up: secondary TEVAR due to acute graft thrombosis. Of the patients who survived the initial event, 6.7% died during follow-up, none from aortic-related causes. CONCLUSIONS Even with all the described shortcomings, in our experience TEVAR for BTAI proved to be feasible and effective, with few complications and stable aortic reconstruction at mid-term follow-up. With the current technical expertise and wide availability of a variety of devices, it should be pursued as a first-line therapy in these challenging scenarios.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for early neurological complications following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for multiple thoracic aortic diseases using an aggregated dataset. METHODS The Study to Assess Outcomes After Endovascular Repair for Multiple Throacic Aortic Disease dataset included data from 6 studies evaluating Zenith thoracic endografts. Post hoc analysis identified early (30-day) neurological complications by TEVAR indication and corresponding risk factors. RESULTS The study included 594 TEVAR patients (67% male; mean age 66 ± 15 years) with thoracic aortic aneurysm (n = 329), ulcer (n = 56), acute (n = 126) or non-acute (n = 33) type B aortic dissection (TBAD) or blunt injury (n = 50). Overall early stroke rate was 3.5% (n = 21). Overall early paraplegia and paraparesis rates were 1.3% (n = 8) and 2.5% (n = 15), respectively. Multivariable analysis identified acute TBAD [versus others, odds ratio (OR) = 3.47, 95% confidence internal (CI): 1.41–8.52) and longer procedural time (OR = 1.33, CI: 1.02–1.73) as early stroke risk factors. Risk factors for paraplegia or paraparesis included more endografts deployed (OR = 2.43, CI: 1.30–4.55), older age (OR = 1.05, CI: 1.01–1.10) and higher preoperative serum creatinine (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.05–1.64). Endografts landing proximal to the left subclavian artery (LSA) increased stroke rate (versus distal to the LSA; 6.8% vs 2.3%, P = 0.014). Intraoperative LSA revascularization was performed in 20.9% of patients with endografts proximal to the LSA; revascularization did not significantly alter stroke rate (8.1% with revascularization vs 6.4% without, P = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS Acute TBAD and prolonged procedure time increased early stroke risk, while more endografts placed, age and preoperative renal impairment increased early paraplegia or paraparesis risk. For acute TBAD, endograft placement proximal to the LSA, but not LSA patency, increased stroke risk.

The first-in-man implant of a custom-made branched frozen elephant trunk graft designed for an anastomosis in aortic arch zone 0 is reported. Combining endovascular technology with open surgical techniques has allowed for simplification of the open procedure with substantial reduction in circulatory arrest time and in the extent of the surgical preparations.

Purpose: To report a single-center experience with the use of a custom-made Candy-Plug (CP) for distal false-lumen (FL) occlusion in subacute and chronic aortic dissection (AD). Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted on consecutive patients with subacute and chronic AD who were treated with a custom-made CP for distal FL occlusion using 3 design generations (CP I to CP III) from October 2013 to September 2019. Results: A custom-made CP was used in 57 patients. Of these, 34 patients (29 males, mean age 62±10 years) were treated with a CP I vs 23 patients (16 males, mean age 59±17 years) with CP II/III. Technical success was achieved in 57 (100%) patients. Clinical success was achieved in 54 (95%) patients; 33 (97%) in CP I group vs 21 (91%) patients in CP II/III group, p=0.116. The mean hospital stay was 10±8 days (9±5 days in CP I group vs 13±9 days in CP II/III, p=0.102). The 30-day computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed successful CP placement at the intended level in all patients within both groups. Early complete FL occlusion was achieved in 50 (88%) patients; 30 (88%) patients in CP I group vs 20 (87%) in CP II/III group, p=0.894. Follow up CTA was available in 44 (77%) patients. Of these; 30/34 (88%) patients in CP I group with mean follow-up 29±17 months) vs. 14/23 (61%) patients with mean follow-up 14±5 months in CP II/III group. Thoracic aortic remodeling was achieved in 34/44 (77%) patients; 25/30 (83%) patients in CP I group vs 9/14 (64%) patients in CP II/III group, p=0.197. The aneurysm size remained stable in 9/44 (20%) patients; 5/30 (17%) patients in CP I group vs 4/14 (29%) patients in CP II/III group, p=0.741. The thoracic aneurysm increased size was seen in 1/44 (2%) patient. This patient was in CPII/III group. Conclusion: CP technique using custom-made devices is technically feasible with a low mortality and morbidity, and a high rate of aortic remodeling. Both, the original design (CP I) and newer designs with a self-closing central sleeve (CP II and CP III) showed similar excellent outcomes.

Aim: To compare the perioperative outcome of patients treated with elective or urgent fenestrated and branched stent grafting (fbEVAR) for pararenal (pAAA) and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) after previous open with previous endovascular abdominal aortic repair. Methods: Single center retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing fbEVAR after previous open (post-open fbEVAR group) or endovascular abdominal aortic repair (post-endo fbEVAR group) between January 2015 and December 2017. Primary outcomes were technical success and in-hospital all-cause mortality. Results: We identified 42 patients undergoing fbEVAR after previous open or endovascular abdominal aortic repair during this period. Twenty-one patients (post-open fbEVAR group) had previous open abdominal aortic repair, 13 with a bifurcated and eight with a tube graft. Of these, two patients presented with pAAA and 19 with TAAA. Twenty-one patients (post-endo fbEVAR group) had previous EVAR. Thirteen patients presented with pAAA, three of them with additional type Ia endoleak, two with stent-graft migration and two with previously failed fEVAR. Eight presented with TAAA. Median interval between previous repair and fbEVAR was 84 months (IQR 60-156) for the post-open fbEVAR group and 72 months (IQR 36-96) for the post-endo fbEVAR group (P=0.746). Eighteen patients (86%) had branched stent grafting in the post-open vs. eleven (52%) in the post-endo group (P

Background The supraaortic vessel anastomosis stent bridging (SAVSTEB) technique simplifies the reattachment of the supraaortic vessels in aortic arch surgery; however, follow-up data are limited. The study aimed to investigate the stent-related performance and complications. Methods Between February 2009 and September 2020, 112 patients underwent total arch replacement with a tetrabranched graft and using the SAVSTEB technique. Mean age was 59.3±12.7 years, and male gender prevailed. Nineteen percent of these patients had acute aortic dissection extending into the supraaortic vessels, 12% had chronically dissected vessels, and 70% had unaffected vessels. The left subclavian artery, left common carotid artery, and innominate artery were bridged in 88%, 75%, and 2%, respectively, and an aberrant right subclavian artery was bridged in 2%. Results Total stent experience was 341 stent-years, and stent patency was found in 98%. Technical success was achieved in all but 1 case. One percent of patients had major stent thrombosis requiring reintervention. Minor stent thrombosis was found in 2%. No endoleak was found, and the number of new-onset dissections distal to the stent was 4%. Freedom from stent-related events was estimated at 89.1% ± 0.5% at 3 years. The stroke rate was 10%, with the highest incidence among nondissected vessels. The vertebral artery was overstented in 15%, and 2% of these cases were associated radiographically with stroke. Conclusions SAVSTEB is a comparatively simple, safe, and efficacious technique to create the anastomosis between tetrabranched arch grafts and the supraaortic arteries in the short and intermediate term. Bleeding from the anastomoses, kinking, and scar-associated stenosis are negligible; however, vertebral overstenting remains a critical technical issue.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the 2-year performance of a polymer-based drug-eluting stent (DES) for the treatment of complex femoropopliteal lesions. Background Despite the promising early outcomes of the Eluvia DES, the long-term safety and efficacy of the device in a real-world scenario remain unclear. Methods Between March 2016 and December 2018, 130 patients (137 lesions) with symptomatic femoropopliteal disease were included in this study. The primary outcome measure of this analysis was primary patency. Secondary patency, freedom from target lesion revascularization, freedom from surgical conversion, and overall mortality and morbidity were additionally analyzed. Results The majority of patients presented with lifestyle-limiting claudication (n = 90 [69%]). The mean lesion length was 194 ± 108 mm, 74% of the lesions (n = 101) were chronic total occlusions, and 72% (n = 99) were calcified. Moderate to severe calcification (Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring Scale score 3 or 4) was observed in 48% of the treated vessels (n = 67). At 24 months, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of primary patency was 71%, whereas both the secondary patency rate and freedom from target lesion revascularization were 80%. Overall survival amounted to 85%. Freedom from major amputation was 98%, while freedom from surgical conversion was 89%. Degeneration of the vessel wall was observed in 27 lesions (20%). Conclusions In this study, use of the Eluvia polymer-based DES for the treatment of complex femoropopliteal disease showed promising 2-year results. Nonetheless, a relatively high rate of vessel wall degeneration was observed after DES deployment.

Objective We evaluated the outcomes of total endovascular aortic arch repair using three-vessel inner branch stent-grafts for aneurysms and chronic dissections. Methods We reviewed the clinical data and outcomes of consecutive patients treated by total endovascular aortic arch repair at eight academic centers using three-vessel inner branch stent-grafts (William Cook Europe, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) from 2016 to 2019. All patients received three-vessel designs with two antegrade and one retrograde inner branch, which was used to incorporate the innominate, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries. The antegrade inner branches were accessed via a carotid or an upper extremity approach. A preloaded catheter was used for access to the retrograde left subclavian artery branch via a transfemoral approach. The endpoints were technical success, mortality, major adverse events, any stroke (minor or major) or transient ischemia attack, secondary interventions, target vessel patency, target vessel instability, aneurysm-related mortality, and patient survival. Results A total of 39 patients (31 men [79%]; mean age, 70 ± 7 years) had undergone treatment of 14 degenerative (36%) and 25 chronic (64%) postdissection arch aneurysms. The clinical characteristics included American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III in 28 patients (95%) and previous median sternotomy for ascending aortic repair in 28 patients (72%). The technical success rate was 100%. Two patients had died in-hospital or within 30 days (5%), and two patients had experienced a stroke (one minor). The combined mortality and any stroke rate was 8% (n = 3). Major adverse events occurred in 10 patients (26%), including respiratory failure in 4 (10%) and estimated blood loss >1 L, myocardial infarction, and acute kidney injury in 2 patients each (5%). The median follow-up was 3.2 months (interquartile range, 1-14 months). Of the 39 patients, 12 (31%) required secondary interventions to treat vascular access complications in 5, endoleak in 6 (three type II, one type Ic, one type Ia/Ib, one type IIIa), and target vessel stenosis in 1 patient. At 1 year, the primary and secondary patency rates and freedom from target vessel instability were 95% ± 5%, 100%, and 91% ± 5%, respectively. Freedom from aortic-related mortality and patient survival was 94% ± 4% and 90% ± 6%, respectively. Conclusions The findings from the present multicenter global experience have demonstrated the technical feasibility and safety of total endovascular aortic arch repair for aneurysms and chronic dissections using three-vessel inner branch stent-grafts. The mortality and stroke rates compare favorably with those after open surgical repair in a higher risk group of patients. However, the rate of secondary interventions was high (31%), emphasizing need for greater experience and longer follow-up.

Purpose To demonstrate a physiologically induced alternative to the typical methods of reducing cardiac output during deployment of stent-grafts in the aortic arch and proximal aorta. Technique A modified Valsalva maneuver, the Munich Valsalva implantation technique (MuVIT), to raise the intrathoracic pressure, minimize backflow, and reduce the cardiac output is illustrated in a patient undergoing a triple-branch thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). During manual mechanical ventilation, the adjustable pressure-limiting valve is carefully closed to 25 mm Hg, creating “manual bloating” of the lungs and sustained apnea. The increased intrathoracic pressure causes compression of the vena cava and pulmonary veins, reducing the venous backflow and gradually decreasing the arterial pressure. Once the desired pressure is obtained, the stent-graft is accurately deployed. The airway pressure is thereupon slowly reduced, and the patient is taken back to normal ventilation. The procedure is then finished following standard practice. Conclusion The MuVIT is a simple, noninvasive technique for cardiac output reduction during aortic arch TEVAR, eliminating the need for other invasive techniques.

Purpose To report the outcomes of surgical (ST), endovascular (ET), and hybrid (HT) treatment in cancer patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI). Materials and Methods A multicenter retrospective registry collected 139 patients (mean age 72.3±12.4 years; 73 men) with ALI and active malignancy treated by ET (41, 29%), ST (70, 51%), or HT (28, 20%) in 7 European centers between July 2007 and February 2019. In 22 cases (16%) ALI was the first manifestation of the malignancy. Lung cancer was the most common diagnosis (38, 27%). The primary composite outcome was amputation-free survival (AFS). Overall survival, amputation-free time (AFT), and reintervention-free time (RFT) were also assessed. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent risk factors for the primary and secondary outcomes. Results are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results ET was associated with improved 12-month AFS compared with both ST (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.20 to 4.28, p=0.002) and HT (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.18, p=0.008). ST (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.19 to 5.53, p=0.003) and HT (HR 3.10, 95% CI 1.45 to 6.65, pConclusion In patients with ALI and active malignant disease, ET was associated with increased AFS and overall survival compared with both ST and HT, while the limb salvage and reintervention rates were comparable among the 3 groups.

Purpose: To analyze aortic arch anatomy of patients who were already treated with a 2-inner-branch arch endograft (2-IBAE) in order to assess the anatomical suitability of the supra-aortic arteries as target vessels for a 3-IBAE. Materials and Methods: Three different configurations of the Cook Zenith Arch endograft were designed with distances of 110 mm (model 1), 90 mm (model 2), and 70 mm (model 3) between the orifices of the first and third inner branches. Preoperative measurements of the aortic arch anatomy from 104 consecutive patients treated electively with custom-made 2-IBAEs at 2 European centers between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. A previously described standard methodology with a planning sheet was used. Data and measurements included the treatment indication for the aortic arch pathology, the type of landing zone, the type of arch, and the inner and outer lengths of the ascending aorta from the sinotubular junction to the innominate artery (IA). Additionally, the diameters and clock positions of the IA, left common carotid artery (LCCA), and left subclavian artery (LSA) were assessed, along with the distances between the IA and the LCCA, the IA and the LSA, and the distal landing zone. Results: Type I was the most common arch configuration (75/104, 72%). The mean clock positions were 12:30±00:28 for the IA, 12:00±00:23 for the LCCA, and 12:15±00:29 for the LSA. The mean diameters were 14.2±2.2 mm for the IA, 8.8±1.8 mm for the LCCA, and 10.5±2 mm for the LSA. The mean distances between the IA and LCCA and between the IA and LSA were 14.7±5.8 mm and 33±9.4 mm, respectively. Model 2 (branch distance 90 mm) had the highest suitability (79%), while models 1 and 3 showed suitability rates of 73% and 68%, respectively. The most frequent exclusion criterion in all models was the diameter of the LSA, followed by the IA to LSA distance. Conclusion: The suitability for a 3-IBAE among patients who had a 2-IBAE implanted is high, favoring a 90-mm distance between the retrograde LSA branch and baseline.

Objective We have reported the short-term outcomes regarding the safety of the off-the-shelf Zenith t-Branch multibranched thoracoabdominal stent-graft (William Cook Europe ApS, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) in a postmarket, multicenter study. Methods Patients who had been treated with the t-Branch device from September 2012 to November 2017 at three European centers were either prospectively or retrospectively enrolled in the present study. Device implantation and postprocedural follow-up were performed according to the standard of care at each center. The primary objectives of the present study were to assess the procedure-related mortality and morbidity at 30 days and 1 year and to assess the presence of endoleaks, device integrity, and stent-graft and branch vessel patency. Results A total of 80 patients were included in the present study (mean age, 71.0 ± 7.4 years; 70.0% male). Most (n = 77) had been treated for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) and the rest for dissection (n = 3). Most TAAAs were stable (72.7%; 56 of 77). The remaining TAAAs were symptomatic (7.8%; 6 of 77) or had a contained rupture (19.5%; 15 of 77). The t-Branch device was successfully deployed in 79 patients. In one patient, the delivery system of the device could not be advanced through the iliac artery. Within 30 days, one patient had died (1.3%). At 1 year, seven patients had died (8.8%), and no aortic rupture or conversion to open surgery had been reported. The 30-day neurologic events included stroke in three patients (3.8%), paraplegia in one (1.3%), and paraparesis in six patients (7.5%). Secondary interventions were required in nine patients (11.3%) during follow-up. Postoperative endoleaks were observed in 37 of 72 patients (51.4%), including type II endoleak in 30, type Ia in 4, and type III endoleak in 6 patients. At 1 year, endoleaks had been reported in 20 patients (16 with type II and 4 with type III). The t-Branch main body graft patency was 100% throughout the 1-year follow-up period. At 30 days after the procedure, all celiac and superior mesenteric artery branches were patent and one left renal and one right renal branch were occluded. At 1 year, occlusion had developed in three bridging stent-grafts for the celiac artery, one for the left renal artery, and two for the right renal artery. Conclusions The t-Branch device appears safe, with good 30-day and 1-year mortality and morbidity in the present study, including both stable and symptomatic cases.

Five years after the first endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), Park et al. reported the first implantation of a fenestrated endoprosthesis. In the meantime, advanced generations of new fenestrated and branched endografts evolved. Endografts for complex pathologies are either so-called "off-the-shelf" grafts with predetermined length, width, diameter and clock position of the branches and fenestrations, predetermined by the manufacturer, "custom-made" grafts which need to be sized and planned individually for patients with specific thoracoabdominal anatomy. Open aortic repair in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) still remains challenging and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, even in the elective setting. The ongoing development of endovascular treatment modalities, such as fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-EVAR, B-EVAR), enables less invasive procedures for more challenging aortic pathologies. In recent years, extensive endovascular treatment of the aortic arch to the thoracoabdominal segment has become more and more important, but its outcomes have not been completely evaluated. The aim of this is article is to provide an overview of the currently available endovascular treatment options for complex aortic aneurysms requiring extensive coverage from the aortic arch to the infrarenal aorta.Fünf Jahre nach der ersten endovaskulären Aortenrekonstruktion (EVAR) berichten Park et al. über die erste Implantation einer fenestrierten Endoprothese. In der Zwischenzeit wurden mehrere fortgeschrittene Generationen von fenestrierten und gebranchten Prothesen entwickelt. Diese können in den meisten Fällen in 2 Gruppen unterteilt werden. Zur 1. Gruppe gehören die „custom-made“-Prothesen, die für elektive Operationen individuell für Patienten mit spezifischer Anatomie hergestellt werden. Eine 2. Gruppe bilden die sog. „off-the-shelf“-Prothesen, die sich durch vom Hersteller vergebene Charakteristika im Sinne von Länge, Breite und Durchmesser auszeichnen und bei allen Prothesen gleich sind. Die offene gefäßchirurgische Therapie der thorakoabdominellen Aortenaneurysmen ist selbst bei elektiven Eingriffen mit relevanter Mortalität und Morbidität assoziiert. Die Entwicklung von endovaskulären Modalitäten wie z. B. fenestrierte oder gebranchte endovaskuläre Aortenrekonstruktionen (F-EVAR, B-EVAR) ermöglichten die Nutzung weniger invasiver Prozeduren für die Behandlung der komplexen Aortenpathologien sowohl im thorakoabdominalen Abschnitt als auch im Aortenbogen. Eine umfassende Behandlung aller Segmente der Aorta mit endovaskulären Techniken wurde noch nicht vollständig evaluiert. Das Ziel dieses Artikels ist die Präsentation eines Überblicks der zurzeit verfügbaren endovaskulären Möglichkeiten der Behandlung von komplexen abdominellen und thorakoabdominellen Aortenaneurysmen, die sowohl eine komplexe thorakale als auch komplexe abdominale Versorgung benötigen.

We studied the outcomes of transfemoral access (TFA) vs upper extremity access (UEA) for branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR).From January 2016 to October 2019, 152 consecutive patients underwent BEVAR under general anesthesia at a single institution. In 2018, an alternative approach to the antegrade branches using TFA compared with conventional UEA was introduced. The cohort was divided into TFA and UEA groups according to the access approach. The end points were technical success, adverse events (including perioperative stroke/transient ischemic attack), access complications, operation time, and radiation exposure.The TFA group included 60 patients (63% male; median age, 71 years; interquartile range [IQR], 65-76 years). The UEA group included 92 patients (67% male; median age, 73 years; IQR, 66-78 years). The number of target vessels (TVs) was similar in both groups (median, 4.0 TVs per procedure; range, 1-7 TVs for both). Technical success was greater in the TFA group (60 of 60 patients; 209 of 209 TVs) than in the UEA group (87 of 92 patients; 334 of 346 TVs; P .01). The fluoroscopy time (median, 69 minutes; IQR, 48-87 minutes; vs 88 minutes; IQR, 65-104 minutes; P = .39) and contrast agent volume (median, 141 mL; IQR, 123-165 mL; vs median, 130 mL; IQR, 101-157 mL; P = .34) were similar in both groups. The radiation exposure (221 Gy × cmThe use of TFA to catheterize antegrade branches was associated with a lower rate of complications in the present study and has become our preferred approach for BEVAR.