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Objective: We describe a complex urgent clinical case of aortic arch aneurysm treated with a hybrid intervention with a medium-long follow-up. Case presentation: A 67-years-old man presented to the emergency room for chest pain. The computed tomography angiography (CTA) documented the presence of saccular aneurysm of the aortic arch. First stage of the hybrid intervention was performed as carotid-carotid-subclavian-bypass using 7-mm PTFE graft with ringed support. The saccular aneurysm was repaired by placing a thoracic endovascular stent graft (Gore C-TAG) with Chimney technique (cTEVAR) in the anonymous trunk (with Gore Excluder Iliac Extension) to create a suitable proximal landing zone in Zone 0. Then the procedure was completed with occlusion of the left subclavian artery by plug. Final angiography and post-operative CTA document the absence of endoleaks, patency of the Chimney and bypass. At the 4th year of follow-up with Doppler ultrsound and CTA, we unexpectedly found carotidsubclavian bypass occlusion. The patient is completely asymptomatic and apparently in excellent condition at the 8-years follow-up. The Chimney is still pervious, the prosthesis is correctly placed, and the lesion has gone through complete shrinkage. Conclusion: The hybrid treatment combined with Chimney of the arch in urgent setting provides good outcomes in the medium to long term as in this case. In the present case, mid-term patient outcome was satisfactory and the patient is asymptomatic despite the closure of the bypass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The treatment of parastomal hernias (PSH) represents a major challenge in hernia surgery. Various techniques have been reported with different outcomes in terms of complication and recurrence rates. The aim of this study is to share our initial experience with the implantation of the DynaMesh-IPST-R and -IPST, intraperitoneal funnel meshes made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). This is a retrospective observational cohort study of patients treated for PSH between March 2019 and April 2023 using the chimney technique with the intraperitoneal funnel meshes IPST-R or IPST. The primary outcome was recurrence and the secondary outcomes were intraoperative and postoperative complications, the latter assessed using the Clavien–Dindo classification. A total of 21 consecutive patients were treated with intraperitoneal PVDF funnel meshes, 17 with IPST-R and 4 with IPST. There were no intraoperative complications. Overall, no complications occurred in 61.9% (n = 12) of the patients. Major postoperative complications (defined as Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3b) were noted in four cases (19.0%). During the mean follow-up period of 21.6 (range 4.8–37.5) months, one patient (4.8%) had a recurrence. In conclusion, for the treatment of parastomal hernias, the implantation of IPST-R or IPST mesh has proven to be efficient, easy to handle, and very safe. In particular, the low recurrence rate of 4.8%, which is in line with the current literature, is convincing. However, a larger number of patients would improve the validity of the results.

Objectives: There are several endovascular treatment options to treat aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies with custom-made or surgeon-modified aortic stent grafts. This study seeks to assess endovascular treatment methods for aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies with no acceptable proximal landing zone for standard thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), comparing different treatment methods and evaluating technical success, intraoperative parameters and short-term outcomes. Methods: All patients undergoing elective or emergency endovascular treatment of aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies, with no acceptable landing zone for standard TEVAR, between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2024, at the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany were included. An acceptable landing zone was defined as a minimum of 2 cm for sufficient sealing. All patients were not suitable for open surgery. Patients were categorized by an endovascular treatment method for a comprehensive comparison of pre-, intra- and postoperative variables. IBM SPSS29 was used for data analysis. Results: The patient cohort comprised 21 patients, predominantly males (81%), with an average age of 70.9 ± 9 years with no acceptable proximal landing zone for standard TEVAR procedure. The most treated aortic pathologies were penetrating aortic ulcers and chronic post-dissection aneurysms. Patients were sub-grouped according to the applied procedure as follows: five patients with chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair (chTEVAR), seven patients with in situ fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (isfTEVAR), six patients with custom-made fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (cmfTEVAR) and three patients with custom-made branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (cmbTEVAR). Emergency procedures involved two patients. There were significant differences in the total procedure and fluoroscopy time, as well as in contrast agent usage among the treatment groups. cmfTEVAR had the shortest total procedure time, while chTEVAR exhibited the highest contrast agent usage. The overall mortality rate among all procedures was 9.5% (two patients) and 4.7% for elective procedures, respectively. Deaths were associated with either retrograde type A dissection or stent graft infection. Both patients were treated with chTEVAR. There was one minor and one major stroke; these patients were treated with isfTEVAR. No endoleak occurred during any procedure. The reintervention rate for chTEVAR was 20% and 0% for all other procedures during the in-hospital stay. The patients who were treated with cmfTEVAR had no complications, the shortest operating and fluoroscopy time, and less contrast agent was needed in comparison with other treatment methods. Conclusions: Complex endovascular procedures of the aortic arch with custom-made or surgeon-modified aortic stent grafts offer a safe solution, with acceptable complication rates for patients who are not suitable for open aortic arch repair. In terms of procedure-related parameters and complication rates, a custom-made fenestrated TEVAR is potentially advantageous compared to the other endovascular techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of parastomal hernias (PSH) represents a major challenge in hernia surgery. Various techniques have been reported with different outcomes in terms of complication and recurrence rates. The aim of this study is to share our initial experience with the implantation of the DynaMesh-IPST-R and -IPST, intraperitoneal funnel meshes made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). This is a retrospective observational cohort study of patients treated for PSH between March 2019 and April 2023 using the chimney technique with the intraperitoneal funnel meshes IPST-R or IPST. The primary outcome was recurrence and the secondary outcomes were intraoperative and postoperative complications, the latter assessed using the Clavien–Dindo classification. A total of 21 consecutive patients were treated with intraperitoneal PVDF funnel meshes, 17 with IPST-R and 4 with IPST. There were no intraoperative complications. Overall, no complications occurred in 61.9% (n = 12) of the patients. Major postoperative complications (defined as Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3b) were noted in four cases (19.0%). During the mean follow-up period of 21.6 (range 4.8–37.5) months, one patient (4.8%) had a recurrence. In conclusion, for the treatment of parastomal hernias, the implantation of IPST-R or IPST mesh has proven to be efficient, easy to handle, and very safe. In particular, the low recurrence rate of 4.8%, which is in line with the current literature, is convincing. However, a larger number of patients would improve the validity of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We describe a complex urgent clinical case of aortic arch aneurysm treated with a hybrid intervention with a medium-long follow-up. Case presentation: A 67-years-old man presented to the emergency room for chest pain. The computed tomography angiography (CTA) documented the presence of saccular aneurysm of the aortic arch. First stage of the hybrid intervention was performed as carotid-carotid-subclavian-bypass using 7-mm PTFE graft with ringed support. The saccular aneurysm was repaired by placing a thoracic endovascular stent graft (Gore C-TAG) with Chimney technique (cTEVAR) in the anonymous trunk (with Gore Excluder Iliac Extension) to create a suitable proximal landing zone in Zone 0. Then the procedure was completed with occlusion of the left subclavian artery by plug. Final angiography and post-operative CTA document the absence of endoleaks, patency of the Chimney and bypass. At the 4th year of follow-up with Doppler ultrsound and CTA, we unexpectedly found carotid-subclavian bypass occlusion. The patient is completely asymptomatic and apparently in excellent condition at the 8-years follow-up. The Chimney is still pervious, the prosthesis is correctly placed, and the lesion has gone through complete shrinkage. Conclusion: The hybrid treatment combined with Chimney of the arch in urgent setting provides good outcomes in the medium to long term as in this case. In the present case, mid-term patient outcome was satisfactory and the patient is asymptomatic despite the closure of the bypass.

For patients with a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA), the chimney technique is an alternative treatment option to open surgical repair. Although the chimney technique is feasible in most cases of JAAA, some anatomical situations may challenge the implantation of a chimney graft through the traditional upper extremity access. Herein, we present a trans-femoral chimney technique using a steerable sheath for chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (chEVAR) of JAAA. This technique allows chEVAR to be completed safely without upper extremity access even in patients at high risk of cerebral embolism including those with a shaggy aorta.

Background: The chimney technique, fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair are endovascular options in patients with a juxtarenal, suprarenal or type IV thoraco-abdominal aneurysm. The chimney technique has specific advantages and disadvantages. A retrospective single center study was performed to describe the results. Patients and methods: All consecutive patients in whom the chimney technique was used between 1th January 2011 and 31th December 2020 were included. We excluded patients who needed a revision of an existing EVAR and patients with a para-anastomotic aneurysm. Outcomes were reported in accordance with the reporting standards. Results: 38 Patients were included in the study, a total of 59 chimney grafts were deployed. At a median follow-up duration of 26.6 months, there were 9 patients with occlusion of the chimney graft. In 1 patient an iliac renal bypass was performed. In the other patients the renal function stabilized and no further therapy was necessary. All chimneys in the mesenteric arteries remained patent. Gutter endoleak was seen in 5 patients, 3 patients were successfully treated and in the other 2 patients the gutter endoleak disappeared spontaneously. Conclusions: Conclusions should be drawn carefully as this is a retrospective non-comparative study. Results from 38 patients treated with the chimney technique are presented. Chimney graft occlusion rate was 15.3% at the end of follow-up. However, the majority (77.8%) of the occluded stents were self-expandable stents, stressing the importance of selecting the right devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcomes of redo mitral valve replacement (Re-MVR) in a small mitral annulus with the use of the chimney technique are not well documented. The purpose of this study is to present our early experience with this group of patients, illustrating the periop-erative complications and mortality outcomes. From 2019 to 2020, 77 consecutive patients underwent Re-MVR with the use of the chimney technique because of a small mitral annulus. To evaluate heart structural integrity and clinical outcomes, postoperative clinical data and echocardiograms were examined. The mean age was 56.7 ± 15.98 years. All patients underwent mitral valve surgery, of which 62 were mitral valve replacements, 7 mitral valve repairs, and 8 double valve replacements. The preoperative mitral valve mean gradient was 18.07 ± 9.40 mmHg, and the postoperative mitral prosthesis size was 28.51 ± 1.22 mm. The median increment of mitral size enlargement was 4 (0, 6) valve sizes. The mean mitral gradient coming out of the operating room was 10.34 ± 2.12 mmHg, and at the follow-up echocardiogram performed at 3 years after the procedure, it was 10.36 ± 1.70 mmHg. One-year survival was 93.3%, while the 4-year survival rate was 89.3%, with no reoperation. The use of the chimney technique in small mitral valve re-mitral valve replacement results in larger valve sizes. Moreover, the mean gradients over the mitral valve are acceptable both intraoperatively and over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article in Acta Cardiologica discusses the surgical treatment of a rare case of a giant symptomatic cardiac lipoma in a 15-year-old girl. The patient underwent complete surgical resection via standard median sternotomy on cardiopulmonary bypass, with mitral valve replacement using the chimney technique. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac lipoma, and the patient recovered well post-surgery without recurrence. The article emphasizes the importance of complete surgical resection for primary cardiac lipomas and highlights the chimney technique as a viable option for cases involving the mitral valve in adolescents. [Extracted from the article]

The chimney technique has been utilized to minimize the risk of coronary artery obstruction during valve-in-valve procedures. Here, we present a case involving an 89-year-old female patient with low coronary ostia, severe aortic regurgitation, and intractable heart decompensation caused by degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. The patient underwent a successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure using the chimney technique in both coronary ostia.

Purpose: To compare the technical and clinical outcomes of fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (F-TEVAR) and chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair (CH-EVAR) of aortic disease. Methods: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were systematically searched to identify studies on the management of thoracic aortic pathologies using chimney or fenestrated techniques published between 2000 and 2022. Individual studies provided at least one of the following essential outcomes: technical success, immediate and follow-up type I endoleak, 30-day and aorta-related mortality, cerebral events and supra-aortic branch patency. Results: 24 chimney (1106 patients) and 21 fenestrated technique studies (1040 patients) were included. The scope of the study encompassed various thoracic aortic conditions, such as thoracic aortic dissection, thoracic aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic ulcer, and other thoracic aortic diseases. Technical success was defined as the handling of the principal ailment affecting the aorta, devoid of any instances of complications. The technical success rates were higher in fenestrated group compared with chimney group (98.0% vs. 95.8% p < 0.001), and the rate of type I endoleak either immediately or during follow-up was higher in the chimney technique group (9.3% vs. 1.3% p < 0.001, 4.0% vs. 0.0% p < 0.001). The chimney technique group had higher 30-day mortality and aorta-related mortality than those in the fenestrated technique group (2.1% vs. 0.3% p < 0.001, 0.4% vs. 0.0% p < 0.001). Morbidity rates of cerebral events and supra-aortic branch patency were same in both groups (2.2% vs. 1.1% p = 0.116, 98.2% vs. 99.4% p = 0.094). The chimney technique group had longer operative time (110.0 min vs. 90.8 min p < 0.001). Two groups had same fluoroscopy time (34.0 min vs. 33.4 min p = 0.614). Conclusions: The finding suggest that both the chimney and fenestrated techniques are efficacious in supra-aortic branch reconstruction. However, the fenestrated technique exhibits potential superiority as an interventional strategy, as it demonstrates a lower incidence of type 1 Endoleak, 30-day mortality, and aorta-related death following TEVAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the early 2-year results and experience of a novel gutter-plugging chimney stent-graft in a single center that participated in the clinical trial of Prospective Study for Aortic Arch Therapy with stENt-graft for Chimney technology. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with aortic dissection were treated with the novel chimney stent-grafts named Longuette™ for the left subclavian artery revascularization. Primary study outcomes were the incidence of freedom from major adverse events within 30 days and success rate of the operation over 12 months. Results: A total of 34 patients were enrolled between September 2019 and December 2020. The immediate technical success rate (stent-grafts successfully deployed without fast-flow type Ia or type III endoleak intraoperatively) was 100%, and there were no conversions to open repair. Type Ia and type II endoleaks were noted in three patients (8.8%) and one patient (2.9%) at discharge, respectively. One patient (2.9%) with type Ia endoleak underwent coil embolization at 12 months because of false lumen dilation, and one (2.9%) case of type Ia endoleak resolved spontaneously at 24 months. One chimney stent (2.9%) was revealed with stenosis at discharge and occluded with thrombosis at 6 months postoperatively. During the 2-year follow-up, there was no death, rupture, stroke, paraplegia, left arm ischemia, retrograde dissection, stent-graft induced new entry, or stent migration. Conclusion: The initial results of the Longuette™ stent-graft for revascularization of the left subclavian artery are encouraging with a high technical success rate. Further multicenter follow-up outcomes are required to assess the long-term durability. Level of Evidence: Level 4, Case Series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary rapid ventricular pacing (TRVP) is required during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in order to reduce cardiac output and to facilitate balloon aortic valvuloplasty, prosthesis deployment, and post-deployment balloon dilation. The two most frequently used TRVP techniques are right endocardial (RE)-TRVP and retrograde left endocardial temporary rapid ventricular pacing (RLE)-TRVP. The first one could be responsible for cardiac tamponade, one of the most serious procedural complications during TAVI, while the second one could often be unsuccessful. Intracoronary (IC)-TRVP through a coronary guidewire has been described as a safe and efficient procedure that could avoid such complications. We describe two clinical cases in which IC-TRVP has been effectively used during valve-in-valve TAVI with coronary protection via the “chimney technique”, after unsuccessful RLE-TRVP.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to summarize the long-term experience of using the chimney technique in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic arch diseases.MethodsFrom November 2007 to June 2021, a total of 345 consecutive patients (mean age 56 ± 11.3 years, range 28–83, 302 men) with aortic arch pathologies underwent TEVAR combined with chimney technique (cTEVAR). Their medical data and follow-up results were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.ResultsAmong the 345 patients, 278 (80.6%) received single chimneys, 53 (15.4%) received double chimneys, 7 (2%) received triple chimneys, and 7 (2%) underwent cTEVAR accompanied by other techniques (two with extra-anatomical bypass, two with in situ fenestration, and three with physician modified fenestration). A total of 412 chimney stents were used, including 27 in the innominate artery (IA), 113 in the left common carotid artery, 270 in the left subclavian artery, and two in the aberrant right subclavian artery. Early type IA endoleaks were found in 38 (11%) patients, including 12 with the double or triple chimney technique. Early type II endoleak was found in nine (2.6%) patients. Early re-intervention occurred in two patients with double chimney technique, one for chimney stent migration and the other for compression of chimney stent. The 30-day mortality was 1.2% (4 in 345). During a mean follow-up of 42 ± 22 months (range 1–108 months), major stroke occurred in nine (2.6%) patients, chimney occlusion or stenosis occurred in six (1.7%), and retrograde type A aortic dissection occurred in four (1.2%). Fourteen (4.1%) patients received the secondary intervention. The all-cause mortality was 6.7% (23 in 345). Additionally, the total adverse event rate after cTEVAR was 13.9% (48 in 345).ConclusionTEVAR with chimney technique provides a minimally invasive alternative with good chimney graft patency and low postoperative mortality during follow-up. However, the double and triple chimney techniques should be used cautiously as they seem to have a higher risk for type IA endoleak and adverse events after the operation.

Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is an extremely serious medical condition with a high rate of associated mortality. Recent advances in techniques such as thoracic endovascular repair offer new opportunities to manage the critical BTAI patients in an efficacious yet less invasive manner. A 65 year-old-male suffered from multiple injuries after a fall, including BTAI in the aortic arch, which resulted in dissection of the descending thoracic-abdominal aorta and iliac artery, development of an intimal flap in the left common carotid artery, and dissection of the left subclavian artery. Based on the imaging information of this patient and our clinical experience, the combined treatment of fenestrated thoracic endovascular repair and a chimney technique was immediately planned to fully repair these dissections and moreover prevent further dissection of the branching vessels, additionally to ensure sufficient blood flow in the left subclavian artery and left common carotid artery. The intervention yielded satisfactory early outcomes. Follow-up assessment at six months reported no symptoms or complications associated with the stent-graft. Computed tomography angiography further confirmed adequate stent-graft coverage of the aortic injury.

Purpose: We compared the mid-term outcomes of a one-piece branched stent-graft with the chimney technique in the treatment of aortic arch pathologies.Methods: Between August 2012 and December 2017, a retrospective analysis of 279 patients with thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) or aneurysm (TAA) who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair with b-TEVAR (n = 69, 58 TAD and 11 TAA) or c-TEVAR (n = 210, 151 TAD and 59 TAA) was performed.Results: Forty-five double-chimney for the left subclavian artery (LSA) and left common carotid artery LCCA and 165 single-chimney for the LSA were performed in chimney-TEVAR (c-TEVAR) and 69 branched-TEVAR (b-TEVAR) with 36 single-branched stent-grafts and 33 branched stent-grafts combined with fenestration technique. The c-TEVAR group experienced more in-hospital complications than the b-TEVAR group (19.5 vs. 7.2%, p = 0.017), primarily because the c-TEVAR group experienced more in-hospital cerebral ischemia events (6.2 vs. 0%, p = 0.043) and intra-operative type I endoleaks (31.9 vs. 5.8%, p < 0.01). There were significantly more follow-up type I endoleaks (21.9 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.002), cerebral ischemia events (11.0 vs. 2.9%, p = 0.042), and re-interventions (12.9 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.048) in the c-TEVAR group than in the b-TEVAR group. However, follow-up mortality was not significantly different between the c-TEVAR and b-TEVAR groups (5.2 vs. 2.9%, p = 0.638).Conclusion: In patients with aortic pathologies involving the arch branches, customized b-TEVAR may result in fewer cerebral ischemia events and endoleaks than c-TEVAR. However, c-TEVAR should be considered an off-the-shelf treatment option for patients in need of emergency treatment.Level Of Evidence: Level 4, Case Series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Discuss the clinical value, technique characteristics, and early follow-up results of a newly designed gutter-free chimney stent-graft system for aortic arch pathology. Methods and Results: About 13 patients with aortic arch dissection were enrolled in a clinical trial testing a novel gutter-free stent-graft between February 2019 and December 2020. All 13 patients were male, age 52.6±10.4 years. The implantation time was 14.0±6.9 minutes; total procedure time was 89.5±19.8 minutes. The volume of contrast was 79.6±7.2 ml. And 15 aortic stent-grafts were implanted, and all 13 patients had chimney branch stent-grafts implanted into the left subclavian artery (LSA). There were 3 (23.1%) cases of immediate type Ιa endoleak after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and 7.7% type Ιa endoleaks occurred in delayed fashion. Survival at 2 years was 100%, and the 2-year patency of chimney stent-grafts was 100%. Conclusions: This study reports early success with good freedom from endoleak using a novel stent-graft designed for chimney TEVAR to treat aortic arch dissection. Postoperative survival and patency of the branch stent-grafts were excellent. Additional data from this multicenter clinical trial will be forthcoming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parallel stent-stent grafting is a major endovascular technique used to preserve the supra-aortic branches during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch. The short- and mid-term results of this technique are satisfactory; however, endoleak remains a major concern. Thus, here we designed a new chimney stent-graft to decrease the endoleak rate. Aim: To testify the feasibility and safety of the new chimney stent-graft system in a canine model. Material and methods: Six Labrador retrievers were used. Pre-operative data were collected and all operations were performed under general anesthesia. The main and chimney stent-grafts were implanted through the abdominal aorta and left subclavian artery approaches, respectively. Completion digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed to confirm the immediate outcomes. All dogs were fed separately for 6 months and sacrificed after aortic angiography. The thoracic aorta and the main and chimney stent-grafts were harvested for histopathologic examination. Results: No complications were found in follow-up DSA. All branch arteries were patent. Inflammatory responses were observed around the stent-grafts in 3 experimental animals, and slight hyperplasia was observed in the surrounding tissues compared with the normal vessels. There was no mural thrombus in the stent, endothelial cells were noted on the inner surface of the stent, and thrombus was formed in the outer skirt and gutter area. The histopathologic examinations revealed similar results to those of gross necropsy observations. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the Longuette stent-graft and the first to report a revised stent-graft specific for chimney technique.

Coronary artery obstruction is a rare complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This risk increases in TAVR-valve-in-valve procedure. Several anatomic risk factors were described in many studies to identify the predictive elements of coronary artery occlusion on computed tomography cardiac scan. Rescue percutaneous coronary intervention was the first approach described to treat this complication with a high mortality rate. Later on, preventive chimney stenting technique was evaluated and results showed that is a safe and effective strategy but it leads to a difficult coronary access later. New preventive techniques are being evaluated recently (Basilica and Shorctut)., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chimney technique (chEVAR) is one of the options in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm with short neck. We hereby present a case of patient with IA endoleak after previous implantation of "chimney" stent-graft to renal artery treated with 5-branched stent-graft. Branched technique seems to be an optimal method in the management of endoleaks after chEVAR, and 5-branches stent-graft may become a therapy of choice in the treatment of Ia post-chEVAR endoleaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES Pulmonary artery (PA) compression by the neoaorta is a serious complication after the Norwood-type palliation (NP) for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Either excess patch tailoring or limited use of autologous tissue may cause narrowing of the subaortic space. The chimney technique could theoretically provide a wide subaortic space. METHODS Twenty-nine patients with both pre- and post-NP computed tomography data available of the 37 consecutive patients who underwent NP in our institution were reviewed. Arch height, arch width, sinus of Valsalva diameter, area under the neoaortic arch and arch angle were measured. These patients were divided according to the neo-arch reconstruction technique, chimney reconstruction technique (CR) or conventional direct reconstruction technique (DR). RESULTS Median age and weight at NP were 2.1 months and 3.5 kg, respectively. Twenty-two patients underwent previous bilateral PA banding. During NP, 17 CR and 12 DR were performed. Four patients in the DR group developed PA compression. No neoaortic arch dilatation was found in either group. Post-NP arch width, area under the neo-arch and the arch angle were significantly larger in the CR group. Pre-NP arch height was significantly smaller in DR patients with PA compression than in those without. CONCLUSIONS The chimney technique decreased the risk of PA compression and provided a wider subaortic space and a less acute arch angle. This technique had no short-term effect on the neoaortic root. Small preoperative arch height is a potential risk factor for PA compression in DR, and the chimney technique could be an effective solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We presented a challenging case of a patient diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), peripheral artery disease, and chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Herein, we describe the treatment in this high-risk patient diagnosed with CMI who also had critical limb ischemia and his AAA had rapidly expanded. First we performed angioplasty and celiac arterial stenting. Afterwards, we proceeded to perform balloon angioplasty of the iliac arteries and chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (Ch-EVAR) preserving the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). The patient was discharged three days later and his IMA remained patent eighteen months post-operation. A thorough pre-operative assessment is essential in such challenging cases. Minimally invasive procedures like endovascular therapy and the chimney technique extend the prognoses in high-risk patients.

Coronary artery obstruction (CAO) during transcatheter-aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) represents a main concern for TAVR safety in patients with low coronary take-off. To date, "snorkel" (also called chimney) technique, consisting of stent implantation from the coronary ostium to the aorta within the space between the valve frame and the aortic wall, is the most adopted strategy to prevent CAO. This technique is associated with the creation of complex valve/stent configuration that can hinder repeat coronary interventions. Due to this concern, we set up an original sequence for coronary protection aiming to ensure a more physiological TAVR frame/stent configuration. According to this technique, TAVR prosthesis is released with a "protection" system consisting of guiding catheter (GC), wire and stent inside the coronary artery with high CAO risk. In the case of CAO occurrence, the stent is released according to the snorkel technique. In the absence of complete CAO, a new GC is advanced inside the implanted TAVR prosthesis and the stent is deployed from the coronary artery up to the prosthesis. We herein report two cases of very high CAO risk where this technique was successfully used during last-generation self-expandable prostheses implantation (in a native aortic valve and in one prosthetic aortic valve). In conclusion, this "orthotopic snorkel-stenting in TAVR" (OST) technique represents a novel option for treating impeding CAO during TAVR. As compared with the "classic" snorkel technique, it allows avoiding stent implantation in some patients (who do not experience CAO) and may provide a more predictable and physiologic TAVR prosthesis/stent configuration in the case of stent implantation need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is an extremely serious medical condition with a high rate of associated mortality. Recent advances in techniques such as thoracic endovascular repair offer new opportunities to manage the critical BTAI patients in an efficacious yet less invasive manner. A 65 year-old-male suffered from multiple injuries after a fall, including BTAI in the aortic arch, which resulted in dissection of the descending thoracic-abdominal aorta and iliac artery, development of an intimal flap in the left common carotid artery, and dissection of the left subclavian artery. Based on the imaging information of this patient and our clinical experience, the combined treatment of fenestrated thoracic endovascular repair and a chimney technique was immediately planned to fully repair these dissections and moreover prevent further dissection of the branching vessels, additionally to ensure sufficient blood flow in the left subclavian artery and left common carotid artery. The intervention yielded satisfactory early outcomes. Follow-up assessment at six months reported no symptoms or complications associated with the stent-graft. Computed tomography angiography further confirmed adequate stent-graft coverage of the aortic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single-branched stent grafts and the chimney technique are widely used in the treatment of type B aortic dissection (TBAD). The main objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of single-branched stent grafts and the chimney technique in the treatment of TBAD., Methods: From January 2019 to December 2021, the retrospective cohort study contained a cohort of 91 patients with TBAD undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using single-branched stent grafts and the chimney technique. Group A included 55 patients treated with single-branched covered stents, and Group B included 36 patients treated with the chimney technique. We compared the effects of the procedures on peri-/post-operative outcomes between the two groups. The primary endpoint is clinical death, and the secondary endpoints include the patency of branch stents, the incidence of cerebral infarction, false lumen thrombosis, and the proportion of paraplegia., Results: For the baseline data, the two groups of patients show no differences in terms of age, gender, and associated symptoms. All procedures were successfully performed in both groups. The median follow-up period was 17.6 months (range, 10-34 months). During TEVAR, 5 (9.1%) type I endoleaks occurred in group A, and 11 (30.6%) occurred in group B (P<0.05). During follow-up, there were 2 cases (3.6%) of paraplegia and 1 case (1.8%) of cerebral infarction in Group A, while Group B had 1 case (2.8%) of paraplegia. Three patients in group B reported retrograde type A aortic dissection (RTAD), and 1 of them died (2.8%); however, there were no RTAD cases in group A. Complete thrombosis of the false lumen in the thoracic aorta was observed in 45.5% (25/55) of patients in group A and in 41.7% (15/36) in group B (P=0.72). No significant difference in the thrombosis-volume ratio in the whole false lumen was found during follow-up between group A (81.0%±2.9%) and group B (81.8%±2.6%; P=0.23)., Conclusions: Branched stent grafts can be used in cases with insufficient proximal landing zones and reduce the occurrence of type 1 endoleak compared to the chimney technique. This may help to prevent RTAD. Further research, including more cases and longer follow-up periods, is needed to substantiate these results., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://cdt.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/cdt-23-449/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy. All rights reserved.)

Treatment of aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch represents a great challenge for vascular surgeons. Endografting techniques, comparing to open surgery, are less invasive approaches. However, an adequate proximal landing zone remains a challenge and, regarding this issue, parallel graft techniques represent a viable endovascular treatment option in patients with challenging aortic arch pathology by extending the proximal landing zone while maintaining aortic side branches perfusion. Parallel graft techniques required a thorough planning and the clinical and imagiological follow-up are mandatory. They appear to be a safe and minimally invasive alternative techniques in selected fragile patients. The authors report three clinical cases that required the use for parallel grafts to treat complex pathology of aortic arch.

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the long-term effect of chimney technique using balloon-expandable bare-metal stents (BMSs) to preserve the supra-arch branches in type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Methods: Fifty patients with TBAD treated by thoracic endovascular aortic repair with the chimney technique (chTEVAR) using balloon-expandable BMSs from July 2009 to December 2013 were retrospectively assessed. Follow-up computed tomography angiography was performed to assess the postoperative outcomes. The primary end point was a persistent type Ia endoleak (ELIa). The secondary endpoints were chimney stent (CS)-based complications (stenosis, occlusion, fracture, or transposition), all-cause mortality, reintervention, and stroke. Results: Fifty supra-arch branches (left common carotid artery, n = 11; left subclavian artery, n = 39) were preserved via the chimney technique with 50 balloon-expandable BMSs. The technical success rate was 100%. An immediate ELIa was discovered in 9 (18%) patients. The median survival duration during follow-up was 77.3 months. Five (10%) patients had a persistent ELIa; 3 of these patients had an immediate ELIa. Asymptomatic CS-based complications were found in 3 (6%) patients. The all-cause mortality rate was 8% (4/50); 2 deaths were aortic-related deaths. Five (10%) patients underwent a reintervention. During the estimated 36-month survival period, the survival rate, the rate of freedom from persistent ELIa, and the rate of freedom from reintervention were 93.87%, 89.48%, and 95.56%, respectively. Conclusions: The long-term outcomes showed that chTEVAR using balloon-expandable BMSs was safe and feasible for preservation of the supra-arch branches. Evaluation of more patients with a longer follow-up period is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Comparative effectiveness of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and chimney graft endovascular aneurysm repair (ChEVAR) for juxtarenal aortic aneurysms (JAAs) remains unclear. Our objective was to identify and analyze the current body of evidence comparing the effectiveness of both techniques for JAA., Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of FEVAR and ChEVAR for JAA repair. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Register for Controlled Trials from January 1, 1990, for randomized and non-randomized studies assessing outcomes of FEVAR and ChEVAR for JAA repair. Screening, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Development, and Evaluations) certainty of evidence were performed in duplicate. Data were pooled statistically where possible., Results: Nine retrospective cohort studies comparing the use of FEVAR and ChEVAR for juxtarenal aneurysm were included for meta-analysis. The FEVAR and ChEVAR arms of the meta-analysis consisted of 726 participants and 518 participants, respectively. There were 598 (86.8%) and 332 (81.6%) men in each arm. The mean diameter was larger in the ChEVAR arm (59 mm vs 52.5 mm). Both techniques had similar rates of postoperative 30-day mortality, 3.38% (8/237) versus 3.52% (8/227), acute kidney injury, 16.76% (31/185) versus 17.31% (18/104), and major adverse cardiac events, 7.30% (46/630) versus 6.60% (22/333). The meta-analysis supported the use of FEVAR for most outcomes, with significant advantage for technical success (odds ratio [OR]: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.24-8.42) and avoidance of type 1 endoleak (OR: 5.76, 95% CI: 1.94-17.08), but a disadvantage for spinal cord ischemia (OR: 10.21, 95% CI: 1.21-86.11), which had a very low number of events. The quality of evidence was "moderate" for most outcomes., Conclusion: Both endovascular techniques had good safety profiles. The evidence does not support superiority of either FEVAR or ChEVAR for JAA., Clinical Impact: While lack of equipoise has hampered the design of randomised trials of open versus endovascular repair of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms, concern about the durability of endovascular repair highlights the need for stronger evidence of the comparative efficacy of endovascular techniques. This review performed meta-analysis and evidence appraisal of recent data from large observational studies comparing fenestrated and chimney techniques, using a comprehensive outcome set. Superiority of either intervention could not be established due to differences in participants' baseline risk in each study arm. However, data suggests that both techniques are safe and suitable for use when indicated., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The endovascular management of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms with the chimney technique (ch-EVAR) has gained popularity in recent years. It provides an alternative to open repair, allowing treatment of challenging anatomies with devices readily available in any vascular suite. The primary drawback persists as the occurrence of type-Ia endoleak from gutters and renal stent thrombosis. We present two cases of early renal stent graft thrombosis following chimney endovascular aneurysm repair. The first patient was an 80-year-old man who underwent single ch-EVAR and came back on the fifth post-op day with renal stent graft thrombosis. He was re-operated for recanalization and additional stenting of his chimney graft. The patient recovered well with no complications. The second case involved a 72-year-old man with a juxtarenal aneurysm, treated with ch-EVAR on both renal arteries. Unfortunately, on the 10th post-op day, he was referred to our department due to lumbar pain and acute renal failure due to chimney graft thrombosis bilaterally. The left renal chimney graft was recanalized by endovascular means. On the contrary, despite efforts of the endovascular and open approach, the right chimney graft and the right renal artery remained occluded. While ch-EVAR is a viable and off-the-shelf solution for urgent and complex juxtarenal aortic aneurysms, it should be performed with awareness of the potential for graft thrombosis and persistent endoleaks. Despite these complications, the chimney technique can still be a viable treatment option. A better understanding of the indications and advancements in the devices used can lead to better long-term results., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Giagtzidis et al.)

Aortic arch repair is an important technical element in the Norwood operation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome that could adversely affect long-term results. Therefore, there are many controversies surrounding this procedure. We developed an alternative chimney technique for aortic arch repair without any supplemental materials. Both pulmonary branch orifices were resected en bloc from the posterior wall of the pulmonary trunk. The pulmonary defect was closed by longitudinal direct anastomosis. Consequently, the neo-aortic trunk was completed as a gradually converged, chimney-like shape. The effective length of the neo-aortic trunk elongated longitudinally, and the caliber of the trunk was reduced transversely. The elongated neo-aortic trunk could be anastomosed directly to the aortic arch without excessive tension. The neo-aortic trunk was joined to the aortic arch with a gentle shape. A hydrodynamically advantageous aortic configuration was completed, and a large subaortic arch space was provided. Chimney technique is an innovative procedure in the Norwood operation that requires no supplemental material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare balloon-expandable covered stents (BECS) available for use as renal chimney grafts to the Advanta V12 approved for use with the Endurant endograft. Materials and Methods: A silicone model was manufactured based on preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans of a patient with a 7-cm juxtarenal aneurysm treated with an Endurant bifurcated endograft and an Advanta V12 covered stent for the 6-mm-diameter right renal artery. The model was placed in a flow box filled with a 37°C blood-mimicking solution equipped with a pulsatile pumping system (140/60 mm Hg). The tested BECS were the Advanta V12, the VBX, and the BeGraft+. A 36-mm-diameter Endurant II endograft with a 16-mm-diameter contralateral limb and a 6×59-mm BECS chimney graft were used in 9 consecutive tests (3 for each combination). After each implantation, the model was placed in the CT scanner, and 2 radiologists blinded to the test device independently measured the gutter areas and the patent chimney graft lumen at the level of the Endurant's suprarenal stent, at the level of the chimney's maximum curvature, and 10 mm inside the renal artery. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess interreader reliability. Results: The mean gutter areas were 19.3±7, 20.2±8, and 22.3±8 mm2 for the Advanta, VBX, and BeGraft+, respectively (all p>0.05). At the level of the aortic endograft's suprarenal stent struts, the mean diameter of the Advanta V12, VBX, and BeGraft+ were 4.46±0.3, 4.12±0.4, and 4.12±0.3 mm, respectively (all p>0.05). At the level of the maximum chimney graft angulation, the mean diameters were 3.77±0.3, 4.16±0.1, and 3.74±0.3 mm, respectively (all p>0.05). In the right renal artery, the mean diameters were 3.91±0.2, 4.05±0.9, and 4.3±0.4 mm, respectively (all p>0.05). The ICCs varied between 0.7 and 0.9, indicating good agreement between readers. Conclusion: These in vitro findings showed comparable results between the Advanta V12 and the available BECS used in conjunction with the Endurant endograft according to the instructions for use. Further clinical evaluation is needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe a hybrid procedure that avoids cardiopulmonary bypass to treat patients with true ascending aortic aneurysms without a suitable proximal landing zone for endovascular repair. Material and Methods: Thirteen consecutive patients (mean age 75.9±6.5 years; 8 women) with true ascending aortic aneurysms were treated with the endovascular hybrid repair of true aortic aneurysms (EHTA) approach, which consists of a conventional sternotomy with double wrapping of the ascending aorta followed by staged stent-graft placement. Via sternotomy, a polypropylene mesh trimmed to downsize the aneurysm is placed around the dilated ascending aorta and sutured to the adventitia. A similarly trimmed polytetrafluoroethylene graft is placed loosely around the first wrap to avoid adhesions and secure the proximal landing zone. There is no need for cardiopulmonary bypass. A few days later, a standard thoracic stent-graft is deployed via either a transaxillary or transfemoral access; chimney or bypass grafts are used as needed to revascularize the supra-aortic vessels. Results: The ascending aortic diameter was reduced from a mean 5.7 cm (range 4.8-6.5) to 3.9 cm (range 3.2-4.3) after wrapping. The mean interval between surgery and stent-graft placement was 5 days. In this interval, 2 patients with significant reduction in the diameter of the ascending aorta elected to forego placement of a stent-graft. Of the 11 patients who underwent the full hybrid EHTA procedure, the ascending aortic stent-graft was combined with a chimney graft in the innominate artery in 4 cases. In 1 patient, a supra-aortic debranching procedure using a bifurcated Dacron graft to the innominate and left common carotid arteries was performed after wrapping with the polypropylene mesh. There was no mortality or neurological complication. A sternal wound infection required a prolonged hospital stay. At a mean follow-up of 13.8 months (range 3-24), there has been no death, type I endoleak, or sign of aneurysm enlargement on imaging. Conclusion: This technique permits complete endovascular exclusion of an ascending aortic aneurysm in a less invasive approach than standard open repair. Although this is only a small cohort of patients without long-term follow-up, it seems that this hybrid procedure is associated with low morbidity and mortality. It offers a beating-heart approach to treat true ascending aortic aneurysms in selected high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the influences of the sealing length above the renal artery (RA) on gutter formation, non-apposed regions between the aortic wall, stent graft (SG), and chimney graft and incidence of flow channel to the aneurysm in chimney endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (Ch-EVAR) using a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm model. Neck diameter and length of the silicone model were 24 and 4 mm, respectively. In double Ch-EVAR configuration using Advanta V12, 12 combinations were tested three times with two sizes [28.5 (20%-oversize) and 31 (30%-oversize) mm] of Excluder SG, three sealing lengths above the RA (10, 20, and 30 mm), and two deployment positions (anatomical and cross-leg). Gutter area, non-apposed region, and flow channels to the aneurysm were analyzed using micro-computed tomography. Average gutter area and non-apposed region of 30%-oversize SG were significantly smaller than those of 20%-oversize SG (p = 0.05). Furthermore, the non-apposed region of 30%-oversize SG with a 30-mm sealing length was significantly larger than that of the other sealing lengths. For 20%-oversize SGs, flow channel to the aneurysm was observed, except for the anatomical deployment with the sealing length of 10 mm. For 30%-oversize SGs, flow channel was absent, except for the SG with a 30-mm sealing length in both deployment positions. These flow channels were frequently formed through a valley space, existing in the lower unibody above the two limbs. Our data indicated that the optimal sealing length should be chosen in consideration of the device design difference due to the device diameter in Ch-EVAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-vessel Ch-EVAR procedure was scheduled within the instructions for use of the devices. After deploying, it appeared that the long sheath inserted through an arm access was discovered to be trapped behind the aortic stentgraft barbs. Trying to remove the sheath, the graft was displaced upward and the procedure was converted for a three-vessel Ch-EVAR incorporating the superior mesenteric artery. Simultaneous ballooning of the target vessels and the stentgraft permitted to exert a strong pullback traction on the blocked sheath, allowing its removal. A segment of the sheath distal end was left trapped in the aortic stentgraft. At 12 months follow-up, the patient is free of any complications and there are no occlusions of the abdominal visceral branches or embolic events in peripheral arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the advantages of chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (chEVAR) using an Endurant stent-graft with uncovered balloon-expandable stents (BES) for patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients (mean age 78.5±9.0 years; 13 men) who underwent chEVAR using Endurant and uncovered BES between January 2014 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The maximum aneurysm diameter was 59.1±11.9 mm, and the proximal neck length was 5.2±2.9 mm. Of the 22 cases, 9 (40%) involved proximal neck angulation and 9 (40%) had a conical neck. Single and double chimneys were performed using BES in 19 and 3 cases, respectively. In 2 cases, an additional self-expanding covered stent was used inside the uncovered BES. Results: The technical success was 91% (20/22) as 2 (9%) cases showed minor type Ia endoleak. No postoperative systemic complications or acute renal dysfunction (Acute Kidney Injury Network classification stage 2 or higher) were observed. The mean radiologic observation period was 16.1±9.6 months, and no aneurysm expansion (>5 mm) was observed during this time. The mean maximum aneurysm diameter decreased to 52.9±10.2 mm (p<0.001 vs preoperative), with an individual mean sac regression of 6.2±5.9 mm. Overall primary chimney stent patency was 100%. One of the 2 cases of intraoperative type Ia endoleak resolved at the 6-month imaging, and no new type Ia endoleaks developed in any cases at follow-up. No additional treatment- or aneurysm-related events were observed. Conclusion: Short-term outcomes of chEVAR using Endurant with uncovered BES have been favorable when covered stents were unavailable, and it can be useful for high-risk patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the short-term efficiency of two different endovascular repairs for type B aortic dissection involving the left subclavian artery.Methods: From February 2013 to March 2016, a cohort of 43 patients with TBADs involving the LSA underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in two departments, consisting of 22 (Group A) with chimney grafts (CGs) and 21 (Group B) with single-branched stent graft (SBSG). Results of the two groups in perioperative and follow-up period (≥ 3 months) were comparatively analyzed, especially on aortic remodeling.Results: Endoluminal repair of the two groups was successfully carried out. The median follow-up period was 19 months (range, 3-43 months) in Group A and 12 months in Group B (range, 6-32 months). During the TEVAR, one CG compression occurred in Group A and one type I endoleak in Group B. During follow-up, four complications occurred in Group A (two CGs occlusion, one type I endoleak and one death from dissecting aneurysm rupture), compared with two occurred in Group B (one sidearm graft twist and one death from myocardial infarction). Complete thrombosis of the false lumen (FL) in thoracic aorta was revealed in 83.3% (15/18) cases in Group A and 89.5% (17/19) in Group B. Partial thrombosis of the FL was revealed in 16.7% (3/18) cases in Group A and 10.5% (2/19) in Group B. In the abdominal aorta, complete thrombosis of the FL was noted in 23.1% (3/13) cases in Group A and 36.4% (4/11) in Group B. Partial thrombosis of the FL was revealed in 76.9% (10/13) cases in Group A and 63.6% (7/11) in Group B. Significant true lumen re-expansion and false lumen regression were observed in different levels of the descending aorta by computed tomography angiography (CTA) in both Groups A and B (P < 0.05). No significant diametric changes of abdominal aorta were found during follow-up in both groups.Conclusions: For patients with TBADs involving the LSA, the chimney technique and the SBSG revealed comparable results. Further evaluation of more patients with longer follow-up is needed to substantiate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the performance of the chimney (ch) technique in the treatment of type Ia endoleaks after standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2014, 517 chEVAR procedures were performed in 13 US and European vascular centers (PERICLES registry). Thirty-nine patients (mean age 76.9±7.1 years; 33 men) were treated for persistent type Ia endoleak and had computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography follow-up at >1 month. Endurant abdominal stent-grafts were used in the 20 cases. Single chimney graft placement was performed in 18 (46%) patients and multiple in 21 (54%). Overall, 70 visceral vessels were targeted for revascularization.Results: Technical success was achieved in 35 (89.7%) cases; 3 persistent type Ia endoleaks and 1 chimney graft occlusion were detected within the first 30 days. Thirty-day mortality was 2.6%. Two other deaths (not aneurysm related) occurred during a mean follow-up of 21.9 months (0.23-71.3). Primary patency of the chimney grafts was 94.3% at 36 months. In a subgroup analysis comparing Endurant to other stent-grafts, no significant differences were observed regarding persistent endoleak [1/20 (5%) vs 2/19 (11%), p=0.6] or reintervention [1/20 (5%) vs 0/19 (0%)].Conclusion: The present series demonstrates that chEVAR in the treatment of post-EVAR type Ia endoleaks has satisfactory results independent of the abdominal and chimney graft combinations. Midterm results show that chEVAR is an effective method for treating type Ia endoleaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe our experience with the chimney technique in endovascular aneurysm repair (ch-EVAR) using long parallel grafts (PGs) of 100 mm or more for the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms.Materials and Methods: From 2009 to 2016, data were prospectively collected for patients who underwent ch-EVAR using long PGs. Data included patient demographics and aortic anatomy, technical success, patency and reintervention rate.Results: A total of 29 long PGs were placed in 18 patients (males 16, average age 71 years). Nine (50%) suffered from thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, 4 (22%) from juxtarenal aortic aneurysms and 3 (17%) from suprarenal aortic aneurysms and 2 (11%) were treated for abdominal aortic aneurysms that required revascularization of a pelvic kidney. Twenty (70%) of the PGs were 100 mm in length, and 9 (30%) were 150 mm. Long PGs were successfully placed in 16 (89%) patients. Two patients (11%) expired in the perioperative period. Mean period of follow-up was 12 months (range 1-43 months). Sac size decreased in size or remained unchanged in 13 patients (72%). Three patients with sac enlargement underwent successful endovascular treatment the type 1A gutter endoleaks. None required reintervention of the PGs. Three patients expired, none from aneurysm-related deaths.Conclusion: The use of long PGs is a feasible technique and provides a durable repair of complex aortic aneurysms in midterm follow-up. Despite the length of the PGs, gutter endoleaks are encountered only in a minority of the cases and can be treated minimally invasive techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the application of uncovered chimney stent grafts with the Nellix endovascular aneurysm sealing technique (ChEVAS) for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAAs). Case Report: Two patients with JAAA and multiple comorbidities were considered unfit for open surgery and were selected for an endovascular approach. Fenestrated and branched endografts were too expensive, and a chimney endovascular approach was considered inappropriate for the relatively high incidence of proximal type I endoleak and graft migration. ChEVAS was performed successfully with the novel addition of uncovered chimney stents to further reduce costs and possibly improve target vessel patency. JAAA exclusion and visceral vessel patency was confirmed at 18-month follow-up. Conclusion: ChEVAS with bare chimney stents is technically less complex, potentially reduces access complications and procedural costs, and may improve long-term patency compared to alternative techniques. Results at 18 months seem promising, but strict follow-up is necessary as the long-term durability is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report bailout treatment of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm using a single Nellix stent and parallel stents.Case Report: A 74-year-old man with multiple comorbidities and a previous fenestrated Anaconda stent-graft for a 60-mm juxtarenal aneurysm was diagnosed with a type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm on the 2-year computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans. The imaging showed >10-mm downward migration of the proximal Anaconda stent with a massive type Ia endoleak and aneurysmal evolution of the distal descending thoracic aorta; the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and renal artery covered stents were patent and intact. Open conversion or a second custom-made endograft was not feasible. A plan was devised to use off-the-shelf materials, including the deployment of a single Nellix stent extending from the descending thoracic aorta into the stented area of the fenestrated endograft, with parallel chimney stent-grafts into the SMA and right renal artery; the left renal artery was treated with a bare stent in a periscope configuration. Transient paraparesis was resolved with cerebrospinal fluid drainage. At 6-month CTA, ongoing aneurysm exclusion with patent SMA and renal arteries was confirmed.Conclusion: Thoracic endovascular aneurysm sealing with visceral and renal stenting seems to be a feasible bailout alternative treatment for urgent, complex cases without reconstruction options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chimney technique can be combined with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to both obtain an appropriate landing zone and maintain blood flow of the arch vessels. However, surgical repair becomes more complicated if retrograde type A aortic dissection occurs after TEVAR with the chimney technique. We herein report a case involving a 73-year-old woman who developed a retrograde ascending dissection 3 months after TEVAR for acute type B aortic dissection. To ensure an adequate proximal sealing distance, the proximal edge of the stent graft was located at the zone 2 level and an additional bare stent was placed at the left subclavian artery (the chimney technique) at the time of TEVAR. Enhanced computed tomography revealed an aortic dissection involving the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Surgical aortic repair using the frozen elephant trunk technique was urgently performed. The patient survived without stroke, paraplegia, renal failure, or other major complications. Retrograde ascending dissection can occur after TEVAR combined with the chimney technique. The frozen elephant trunk technique is useful for surgical repair in such complicated cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report endovascular treatment of a symptomatic type V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) using the combined techniques of endovascular aneurysm sealing and parallel stent-grafts.Case Report: A 70-year-old man was referred with a symptomatic type V TAAA. The Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) System was used in combination with 2 chimney grafts for the celiac artery (CA) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA); one periscope graft perfused the right renal artery. Completion angiography showed exclusion of the aneurysm and patency of all 3 parallel grafts but occlusion of the left renal artery (LRA) due to unintentional coverage of its ostium by the Nellix endobags. Antegrade catheterization of the LRA failed, requiring implantation of an aortorenal vein bypass. The postoperative course was complicated by acute kidney injury. Imaging at 6 months showed sustained exclusion of the aneurysm, patency of the CA and SMA parallel grafts and left aortorenal bypass but occlusion of the right renal artery periscope graft. Serum creatinine at 6 months was 1.5 mg/dL.Conclusion: The combination of EVAS with parallel grafts for preservation of the visceral vessels may be a feasible technique to treat selected TAAAs in the acute setting when other options are not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate the impact of renal artery morphology on fluoroscopy time in chimney endovascular aneurysm repair. Methods Morphology of renal artery was retrospectively quantified in the preoperative CT angiography. Renal artery angulation, ostial diameter, severity of ostial stenosis, main renal artery length, and tortuosity were analyzed with a 3D workstation. The main measure outcome was fluoroscopic time as an indicator of complexity. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of longer fluoroscopy. Secondary endpoints were amount of contrast medium, patency of renal artery, and type Ia endoleak. Results The enrolled 38 patients (mean age 75.0 years; 34 males) were stratified at the median of fluoroscopic time of 35.2 min (interquartile range, 21.5) and classified in group A ( n = 19) and group B ( n = 19) having a fluoroscopic time of 24.5 (interquartile range, 5.9) and 46.4 (interquartile range, 16.0) min, respectively. The severity of ostial stenosis (OsSte) was significantly different between group A and B of 26.3 ± 13.4% and 41.6 ± 18.0%, respectively; P < .01. ROC curve analysis revealed that 35.5% was an optimal cut-off for OsSte. The difference of renal angulation (RAng) (-22.5° and -2.0°; interquartile ranges 49 and 35; P = .13), and main renal artery length (33.4 ± 11.8 mm and 33.7 ± 14.3 mm; P = .94) were not significantly different. In multivariate analysis after dichotomizing OsSte and RAng, OsSte > 35.5% was identified as the only significant predictor for the longer fluoroscopy (HR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.02-18.4, P = .04). As for the secondary endpoints, no significant differences were observed between the groups. No correlation between longer fluoroscopy and renal patency or type Ia endoleak was observed. Conclusion Severity of ostial stenosis seems to be a significant predictor for longer fluoroscopic time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 77-year-old male patient presented with a symptomatic, 66-mm pararenal aortic aneurysm. The patient was classified as unsuitable for open surgery due to significant comorbidities. Fenestrated or branched endografts were contraindicated due to the poor iliac access (6 mm diameter). A double Nellix with chimney endovascular aneurysm sealing (ChEVAS) technique was selected to exclude the pararenal aortic aneurysm and to preserve renal arteries and the superior mesenteric artery. Technical preplanning considered the ideal proximal landing zone to be close to the origin of the almost occluded celiac trunk and the distal common iliac arteries as the ideal distal landing zone. The total length of the aorta to cover was estimated as >180 mm, requiring 2 aortic EVAS systems, bilaterally overlapped. Technical success was achieved, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 8 in good general condition. Successful aneurysm exclusion and target vessel patency without endoleak or stent-graft kinking or migration were confirmed at angio-computed tomography at 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the suitability of the Zenith off-the-shelf (p-branch) endograft in patients with juxta- or pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (J/PRAA) previously treated with endovascular aneurysm repair incorporating the chimney technique (chEVAR).Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2014, high-resolution computed tomography angiograms and clinical data from 50 patients (mean age 79 years; 45 men) with J/PRAAs treated with chEVAR were retrospectively reviewed. Primary anatomical suitability was evaluated according to the Investigational Device Exemption protocol for the Zenith p-branch endograft in a dedicated 3-dimensional vascular workstation. Secondary suitability was defined as any additional intervention needed to overcome adverse anatomical conditions at the access vessels. The Zenith p-branch endograft is available in 2 configurations (A and B), with the main difference being the distance between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the renal fenestrations.Results: The p-branch endograft showed a primary suitability of 54% (n=27). Each configuration was suitable in 18 (36%) patients. Main anatomical limitations were the clock position of the left renal artery (LRA; n=7, 14%), the distance between the SMA and LRA (A: n=16, 32%; B: n=16, 32%), and significantly narrowed or calcified iliac arteries. If additional interventions at the access vessels were employed, a secondary suitability of 64% (n=32) could be achieved.Conclusion: In this specific group of patients treated with chEVAR, the Zenith p-branch system would be suitable in about half of the patients, which could be raised to two-thirds with ancillary access vessel procedures. A prospective clinical study is warranted to evaluate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the outcomes of a combination of Castor single-branched stent grafts with other techniques for the reconstruction of multiple supra-aortic branches in aortic arch disease., Materials and Methods: Between December 2019 and December 2021, 20 patients with aortic arch disease underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) at our institution using a Castor single-branched stent graft combined with the fenestration, chimney, or bypass techniques. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is indicated for complicated or acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD), nonruptured aneurysms with a maximum aneurysm diameter >5.5 cm or showing rapidly expanded, ruptured, or threatened aneurysms, and penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) with a maximal aortic diameter >5.5 cm or with PAUs >10 mm deep or >20 mm in diameter. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data were recorded., Results: The median age of the patients was 56 (range=52-69 years) years, and 19 patients were men. Seven patients underwent the Castor single-branched stent graft and left common carotid artery (LCCA) chimney technique, 8 patients underwent the Castor single-branched stent graft and fenestration technique, and 5 patients underwent the Castor single-branched stent graft and bypass technique. The technical success rate was 100%. Major adverse events included 2 endoleaks, 1 spinal cord ischemia, and 1 early-stage retrograde type A aortic dissection. No cerebral stroke-related complications were observed. The mortality rate was 10% (2/20 patients). One patient with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) died because of a sudden decrease in oxygen saturation and blood pressure after surgery. Relatives declined autopsy, and the cause of death was not determined. Another patient died of a retrograde type A dissection after surgery. The median follow-up period was 6 months (range=3.5-12 months). During follow-up, 1 patient with type I endoleak underwent thoracotomy again after a year. The remaining patients recovered well., Conclusions: The combination of a Castor single-branched stent graft with fenestration, chimney, or bypass techniques may be an effective treatment for preserving multiple supra-aortic branches in aortic arch disease., Clinical Impact: This study introduced three methods of reconstruction of multiple supra-aortic branches using a Castor single-branched stent graft (Castor single-branched stent graft combined with fenestration, chimney, or bypass technique) and analysed their advantages and shortcomings to provide experience for the future treatment of aortic arch diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.