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The aim is to describe the technical feasibility, early outcomes, and graft stability of the Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis (W.L. Gore & Associates) used as an infrarenal abdominal bifurcated endograft in cases unsuitable for standard endovascular aortic repair. The technique was used in 13 cases with abdominal and/or iliac aneurysms (n = 6), occlusive disease (n = 3), or complex aneurysms in association with a proximal fenestrated/branched endograft (n = 4). Technical success was 100%, and there were no adverse events, with 100% graft stability at 3 months. This case series demonstrates, in extremely selected cases, the feasibility and safety of Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis used as an infrarenal aortic bifurcated device.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely used for the technical assessment of standard and complex endovascular aortic interventions. Use of iodinated contrast in CBCT imaging might provide useful additional information; however, this also increases the procedural contrast dose, which may cause renal function deterioration, and the radiation exposure. We describe the technique and feasibility of carbon-dioxide (CO2)-enhanced CBCT for the technical assessment of standard and complex endovascular aortic repair. In our experience CO2-CBCT had no related adverse events and provided satisfactory imaging quality to assess endograft integrity, vessels patency, and was safely performed in case of severe chronic renal insufficiency.

We describe the feasibility and safety of a standardized approach for four-fenestrated physician-modified endograft (PMEG) placement to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysms using the Valiant Captivia platform (Medtronic). The standardization is based on specific selection criteria for anatomical feasibility, measurement method, and modification technique of a single endograft type. Six cases (two juxtarenal, two pararenal, and two type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms) were treated, with 24 target vessels incorporated with fenestrations. Four cases were treated in an urgent setting and two were elective. The time modification required was 121 ± 18 minutes. Technical success was 100%, with no mortality or complications at 30 days. Postoperative computed tomography at 3 months demonstrated complete aneurysm exclusion, without a type I or III endoleak, no main graft- or fenestration-related loss of integrity, and no target vessel misalignment or stent fracture. The present standardized approach seems safe and feasible and might represent an initial benchmark for comparison with future studies.

We describe the feasibility of a technique for temporary aneurysm sac reperfusion after endovascular single-stage thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion, to be used in the case of postoperative spinal cord ischemia. Two cases were treated for impending rupture of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Before completion of sac exclusion, a supplementary buddy wire (V-18 control guidewire; Boston Scientific) was advanced in parallel fashion from the left percutaneous femoral access into the aneurysmal sac on the posterior aspect of the endograft. Distal aneurysm exclusion was completed using the main superstiff guidewire, and the femoral access was closed with a percutaneous closure device (ProGlide; Abbott) in standard fashion, leaving in place the sole V-18 guidewire, draped in sterile fashion. In the case of spinal cord ischemia, the “safe-line” can be rapidly used for spinal reperfusion after trans-sealing exchange with a 6F, 65-cm-long Destination sheath (Terumo) connected to a 6F introducer on the contralateral femoral artery.

In the present report, we have described the use of intravascular lithotripsy angioplasty for heavily calcified occlusions of the infrarenal aorta and its bifurcation in two patients. In the first patient, two lithotripsy balloons in kissing conformation were simultaneously used to allow for dilatation of the distal aorta and its bifurcation with preservation of accessory renal artery patency, followed by stenting of the iliac arteries. For the second patient, the infrarenal aorta occlusion was first treated with a single lithotripsy balloon, followed by covered stenting. Intravascular lithotripsy could represent a valid endovascular adjunct to optimize outcomes in the treatment of coral reef aortas and aortic bifurcation occlusion.