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There are increasing number of clinical cases with physician-modified endograft (PMEG) endograft for urgent reconstruction of large pararenal aneurysms to reduce the perioperative complication risks of fragile patients, but the risk of spinal cord ischemia due to the coverage of longer segment of thoracic aorta is relatively high. We demonstrate an expedited endovascular treatment of an 88 mm pararenal aneurysm by performing a 4-vessel fenestrated endovascular aortic repair. A prominent Adamkiewicz artery, ectatic supraceliac aortic segment, median arcuate ligament compression of the celiac artery and severe tortuosity of the common iliac arteries made the endovascular repair more challenging. A PMEG was implanted with simultaneous deployment technique to achieve a short proximal landing zone to preserve the Adamkiewicz artery. The proper risk assessment and preparation of the patient based on the clinical evaluation and procedure planning is essential for the clinical success of PMEG in urgent indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endovascular interventions for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are fast evolving; however, due to higher rates of reintervention and no survival benefits after 2 years, open surgical procedures are pivotal. Here, we present mortality and morbidity analysis of open surgical procedures requiring suprarenal cross clamping for AAA repair. Materials and Methods: The present study is a retrospective hospital record-based study selecting 34 cases that required suprarenal cross-clamping out of 200 abdominal aortic aneurysm surgeries. Out of the total 34 patients, 22 (64.7%) were males and 12 (35.3%) were females. The mean age of all participants was 58.05 years (with an 8.1 standard deviation). Out of 34 cases, 20 cases (58.8%) were classified as suprarenal and pararenal aneurysms and 14 cases were juxtarenal aneurysms (41.2%). Out of the 14 juxtrarenal aneurysm cases, 7 (50%) were atherosclerotic and 2 (14.3%) were Marfan's Syndrome, while inflammatory were 2 (14.3%) and infected were 2 (14.3%) and 1 was a case of Takayasu's arteritis (7.1%). Mortality and morbidity, including renal function decline, need for hemodialysis, acute pancreatitis, and hepatic and gastrointestinal (GI) complications, were recorded as early (up to 30 days) and late (up to 1 year). The results were recorded separately for suprarenal, pararenal, and juxtarenal aneurysm types and presented in that way, which is the highlight of our study. Results: Early mortality occurred in 3/34 (8.8%) cases, where late mortality happened in 2/34 (5.9%) cases, which are exclusive of early mortality cases. Considering the early mortality and complications, 2 out of 4 cases (50.0%) of the suprarenal group died early, renal dysfunction happened in 4/34 cases (11.8%), of which 3 (8.8%) required dialysis. No cases of pancreatitis, while acute liver failure complicated 3 out of 34 (8.8%) cases. GI bleed and mesentric ischemia each complicated 2 out of 34 cases (5.9%). Prolonged ileus was noticed as the most common GI complication complication. Early mortality was highest in the suprarenal group with renal dysfunction. Considering late mortality and complications, 1 out of 16 cases (6.3%) of the pararenal group died late, and 1 out of 14 cases (7.1%) of the juxta renal cases died late. There was no late mortality in the suprarenal group. Renal dysfunction happened in 2/34 cases (5.9%), of which none required dialysis. Complete data have been presented as per the aneurysm type. Conclusions: Patients requiring suprarenal aortic cross-clamping for open surgical repair of abdominal aorta aneurysm are usually high-risk surgical candidates, considering both early and late mortality and morbidity. Early mortality was maximum in the suprarenal group (50.0%), as were postoperative renal dysfunction and hemodialysis requirements. Visceral complications (acute liver failure and GI complications) were also maximum with the suprarenal group. Late mortality was recorded in the pararenal and juxtarenal groups, with renal dysfunction being recorded in the suprarenal and juxtarenal groups. Visceral complications were recorded in both pararenal and juxtarenal groups. One confounding factor could be the high early mortality in the suprarenal group, resulting in less number of survivors for late postoperative recording. Overall, we conclude that suprarenal aortic aneurysms carry the highest burden of early mortality with renal and visceral complications postoperative.

INTRODUCTION: Fenestrated and branched stent graft technology has come a long way over the past few years, enabling the treatment of complex juxtarenal aneurysms, thoracoabdominal aneurysms, and arch pathologies. Many innovations have been developed, namely device and delivery optimization and technical tricks. These concepts have proven to work well when there is sufficient time to plan and manufacture a custom-made device for the patient. However, this is different in urgent or emergent cases. Using parallel graft techniques or off-the-shelf stent grafts may be efficient in urgent situations, but it is also associated with selection limitations. Recent publications have demonstrated similar mid-term technical and clinical results between physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) and customized devices. The authors aim to describe their institutional series of PMEGs. METHODS: The clinical files of all patients undergoing PMEGs were consulted, and demographic data as surgery outcomes were collected. Technical success: creating the intended number of fenestrations, target vessel catheterization, and patency. Procedural success: technical success with adequate aneurysm exclusion and without endoleak in the final angiography. 30-day complications and mortality were also evaluated. Technical and procedural success were assessed, as well as morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Between December 2020 and December 2022, 3 patients underwent PMEGs. The indications were a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm, a type V thoracoabdominal aneurysm and a persistent type 1a endoleak. All patients were symptomatic, with one stable rupture. All cases were performed with technical and procedural success and no morbidity and mortality at 30 days. CONCLUSION: Stent graft modification is a valuable and valid tool in emergencies and should be a vascular surgeon's trump card when dealing with complex aortic pathologies. Nevertheless, due to the absence of long-term evidence, it should be reserved for acute patients unfit for open repair and in aneurysms with unfavorable anatomy for an off-the-shelf device.

Complex mycotic aneurysms caused by Campylobacter fetus are rare. The vast majority of previous cases reported are infrarenal. We present a case of pararenal mycotic aneurysm presenting with rupture in a 48-year-old male with AIDS. This was treated with emergent open repair and bilateral renal artery reimplantation, and on 1-year follow-up the patient is doing well with no complications. Open repair for complex ruptured mycotic aortic aneurysms is feasible and should ideally be performed in high-volume tertiary centers with experienced surgeons. Multiple repair modalities exist, as well as options for conduit, and each patient's individual characteristics must be taken into account in order to choose the optimal solution.

Objective: To identify and analyze the published in vitro benchtop experiments for the assessment of endovascular techniques used for the treatment of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (jAAAs). Data sources: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Review methods: A systematic literature search was carried out throughout March 2021 following PRISMA guidelines. Two investigators independently performed title and abstract screening to reveal all benchtop testing evaluating the endovascular treatment of jAAA. Results: A total of 19 studies were included, 8 evaluating fenestrated (FEVAR) and 11 parallel grafts (PGs). FEVAR studies used different custom testing apparatus (n=7) or 3D-printed models (n=1) to analyze dislodgement and migration resistance, misalignment consequences and causation, and bridging stents' radial force, flareability, fatigue, and fracture resistance. All PG studies used silicone-based models to analyze optimal oversizing, sealing length, gutter behavior, and possible reduction. Test evaluation in FEVAR in vitro testing was based on pullout force analysis (N=5), photo evaluation (n=1), fluoroscopy (n=1), X-rays (n=4), CT analysis (n=3), macro- and microscopic evaluation (n=4), water permeability (n=1), and fatigue simulator testing (n=1), while it was based on CT analysis in all PG studies adding ECG-gate in one study. The most frequently tested devices were Zenit (Cook) (n=7), Endurant (Medtronic) (n=5), and Excluder (Gore) (n=5) as main grafts, and Advanta V12 (n=14) as the bridging device. Conclusions: This systematic review presents a broad analysis of the current in vitro methods evaluating the endovascular treatment of jAAA. Fundamental issues have been benchtop tested in both FEVAR and PGs. The analysis of the included studies allowed to recommend an optimal testing design. In vitro testing is a potential tool to further elucidate points of attention hard to investigate in vivo to finally enhance the endovascular treatment outcomes. Future in vitro studies are needed to evaluate the in vitro performance of all indistinctively used devices in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study offers a retrospective assessment of a single-center experience using cerebrospinal fluid catheters to reduce the risk of perioperative spinal cord injury in patients undergoing single-staged complex endovascular juxtarenal or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair., Results: A total of 97 patients were included. On average, 70.7%±14.4% of the aortic segment between the left subclavian artery and the aortic bifurcation was covered during the procedures. Of the 53 patients receiving cerebrospinal fluid drainage, 77.4% were prophylactic and 22.6% were in symptomatic patients. The overall spinal cord injury rate was 12.4%, with 8.3% experiencing transient spinal cord injury with immediate improvement after cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and 4.1% of patients suffering permanent spinal cord injury: 2 (2.1%) with minor deficits and 2 (2.1%) with paraplegia. The mean intraoperatively administered heparin dosage was 7500 international units, and an additional intravenous bolus of acetylsalicylic acid was given in 69 cases (71.1%), whereas the cerebrospinal fluid drain was in situ., Conclusions: The evaluation of the employed in-house protocol for single-staged complex endovascular juxtarenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, focusing on cerebrospinal fluid catheter management in conjunction with necessary anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication, indicated that the use of a cerebrospinal fluid catheter is a feasible approach for spinal cord injury risk reduction in selected high-risk patients., Clinical Impact: This study highlights the effectiveness of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) in reducing spinal cord injury (SCI) rates from 12.4% to 4.1% during single-staged complex endovascular repair of juxtarenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Implementing CSFD within a standardized protocol achieved a 99.7% target visceral and renal vessel patency without major CSFD-related bleeding complications. These findings emphasize CSFD as a feasible and effective tool for SCI prevention in selected high-risk patients. While supporting on-demand catheter placement, this study underscores the potential of selective prophylactic CSFD use, contributing to safer, evidence-based strategies in managing high-risk aortic repairs., 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.

We present the case of a 58-year-old male patient referred to our department from a smaller facility for further evaluation and treatment strategy regarding the choice between open or endovascular surgery. The patient was diagnosed with a 6 cm asymptomatic juxtarenal aortic aneurysm and a 5 mm diameter accessory renal artery (ARA) supplying the lower half of left kidney. Further diagnostic assessments indicated that the left ARA was perfusing over 40% of the left kidney.Given the patient’s significant pre-existing medical conditions and elevated perioperative risk, the decision was made to proceed with minimally invasive endovascular surgery using a custom-made 5-branches stent graft (BEVAR).In the early postoperative period, the patient reported left flank pain. A subsequent CT scan identified a partial infarction in the left kidney due to the occlusion of an early small branch from the upper left renal artery. However, laboratory results showed no significant change in renal function compared to preoperative values. The patient was discharged 6 days post-surgery, with no additional complications observed during the early postoperative period.This case report demonstrates that BEVAR is acceptable technique with satisfactory early postoperative outcomes for treating juxtarenal aortic aneurysms with an accessory renal artery in patients who are high-risk candidates for open repair and anatomically unsuitable for FEVAR or Ch-EVAR procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Studies have suggested that aortic thrombus may be associated with adverse outcomes following endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms, while other reports have suggested higher rates of sac regression and a reduced risk of endoleak. However, the effect of thrombus burden on outcomes following physician modified endografts (PMEGs) remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the volume and morphology of thrombus burden and the effect on outcomes following PMEG for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent PMEG from 2009 to 2021 in a single centre, investigational device exemption trial. Thrombus burden was measured as a percentage of luminal volume using pre-operative computed tomography scans from the lowest renal artery to the level of the aortic bifurcation using centreline reconstruction software. Morphology was documented by the presence of finger like projections. Univariable and multivariable analyses evaluated the impact on peri-operative and long term outcomes., Results: Volumetric and morphological measures of thrombus burden were assessed in 142 patients; 40.1% of the cohort were classified as having a high thrombus burden (≥ 50% luminal volume) on volumetric assessment and 22.5% had finger like projections on morphological assessment. Type II endoleak was more frequently observed in those with low thrombus burden (60.0% vs. 33.3%; p = .008) and persisted after multivariable analysis (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1 - 5.8), but there were no other statistically significant differences in peri-operative adverse events or late outcomes, including sac behaviour, freedom from re-intervention, and overall survival when stratifying thrombus burden by quantitative or qualitative measures. There were no observed differences in operative or anatomical characteristics, including landing zone characteristics and rates of inferior mesenteric artery patency., Conclusion: While thrombus burden and morphology were not associated with adverse peri-operative events or survival, low thrombus burden was associated with an increase in type II endoleak. These findings suggest that thrombus burden should not deter treatment for patients requiring PMEG., (Copyright © 2024 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This article presents a clinical observation of a patient with a giant atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm and comorbid uncorrected coronary artery disease. Taking into account the threat of aneurysm rupture, we have chosena surgical intervention using methods that reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in the perioperative period: the distal-first technique allowed us to reduce the aortic clamping time, and the use of temporary axillofemoral bypass grafting reduced peripheral resistance and stress on myocardium.

Purpose: To demonstrate an off-the-shelf multibranched (t-Branch) modification to allow intercostal arteries preservation during juxtarenal, pararenal, paravisceral, and extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Technique: The t-Branch is an off-the-shelf device not customized for specific patient anatomy and may be offered for urgent endovascular repair for patients with complex aortic aneurysms. However, a concern when treating patients who do not aneurysms extending above the celiac axis is that the more proximal extension which is required with this device may render patients at high risk for spinal cord injury. We report a novel technique with t-Branch modification performing a 180° fabric back windows at the first 2 sealing stents that allow perfusion to the intercostal arteries. Conclusion: T-Branch-PIA (preserving intercostal arteries) modification limits intercostal arteries coverage while optimizing proximal seal zone in juxtarenal, pararenal, paravisceral, and extent IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms, thereby may decrease the risk of spinal cord injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to investigate comparative outcomes of fenestrated or branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) with open repair for juxta/para/suprarenal or thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms. Electronic bibliographic sources (MEDLINE and Embase) were interrogated using the Healthcare Databases Advanced Search interface. Eligible studies compared F/BEVAR with open repair for complex aortic aneurysms using propensity score or Cox regression modelling/multivariable logistic regression analysis. Pooled estimates of peri-operative outcomes were calculated using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The result of time to event analysis was reported as summary hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI. Random effects models and the inverse variance method were applied. The quality of evidence was graded using the system developed by the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. Eleven studies published between 2014 and 2019 were selected for inclusion in qualitative and quantitative synthesis reporting a total of at least 7 061 patients. The odds of peri-operative mortality after F/BEVAR were lower, although not significantly, than after open repair (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.28–1.12), whereas the hazard of overall mortality during follow up was higher following F/BEVAR, but, again, without reaching statistical significance (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.93–1.67). The hazard of re-intervention was significantly higher after endovascular therapy (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.39–3.18). The certainty for the body of evidence for peri-operative and overall mortality during follow up was judged to be very low and moderate, respectively, and for re-intervention it was judged to be high. The evidence is uncertain about the effect of F/BEVAR on peri-operative mortality when compared with open repair. There is probably no difference in overall survival, but F/BEVAR results in an increased re-intervention hazard. There is a need for high level evidence to inform decision making and vascular/aortic service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We studied whether the volume--outcome relationship would persist in more complex aortic operations. Background: Despite the added complexity of the involvement of the renal arteries in open juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, the volume effect in these difficult operations has yet to be defined. Methods: We identified all patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) who underwent open AAA repair from 2003 to 2016. We calculated each hospital's average annual volume for total open AAA repairs, and total open juxtarenal AAA repairs. We compared adjusted perioperative and long-term survival across quintiles of hospital volume, and constructed models including both volume metrics to evaluate the cross-volume effects. Results: Of 8880 total open AAA repairs, there were 3470 open juxtarenal cases. Centers with low (<4), medium (4-14), and high (>14) volumes of open juxtarenal repair demonstrated adjusted perioperative mortality of 9.0%, 4.9%, and 3.9%, respectively (P<.01). When both volume metrics were considered, open juxtarenal volume, but not total open AAA volume was associated with perioperative mortality (lowest quintile of juxtarenal volume: OR 2.36 [1.29-4.30], P<.01). Hospital volume was not associated with adjusted long-term mortality. High volume centers were more likely to use renal protective strategies such as mannitol and cold renal perfusion (both P<.01). Low volume centers performed a similar proportion of cases each year, but 22 centers (13%) did stop performing repairs during the study period. Conclusion: Hospitals with low annualized volumes of open juxtarenal repair have higher perioperative mortality, irrespective of their total open aortic volume. Complex open AAA repairs should be performed at experienced centers, and future efforts should focus on centralization of complex aortic care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms is challenging. Open surgical repair is not a viable option for many patients. The use of endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) with chimney grafts (Ch-EVAS) has been proposed as an immediately available, off-the-shelf option for individuals with juxtarenal aneurysms who require urgent treatment or are unsuitable for fenestrated or branched devices. This study reports the outcomes from our first patients to undergo this procedure. Data were collected prospectively for 62 consecutive patients undergoing Ch-EVAS at our institution. The procedures were undertaken for intact juxtarenal or suprarenal aneurysms in patients who were unfit for open repair or needed urgent treatment or when the aneurysm morphology was unsuitable for treatment with fenestrated or branched endografts. Between July 2013 and June 2016, there were 62 patients who were treated with Ch-EVAS; 77.4% were male, and the mean age was 73.9 years. Median aneurysm diameter was 64.5 mm. Eight suprarenal aneurysms were treated, with three chimney grafts. Of 54 juxtarenal aneurysms treated, 21 cases used two chimney grafts and 33 cases used one chimney graft. Median follow-up was 407 days. Eleven patients underwent reintervention. There were five type IA endoleaks, all successfully treated. One type IB and one type II endoleak occurred, neither requiring treatment. There were four minor strokes. Chimney patency is 97%. These results in a group of high-risk patients suggest that Ch-EVAS is a viable alternative to custom-made devices in patients who are unfit for open surgery. Longer term follow-up and data from the international registry will determine the widespread applicability and durability of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endovascular solutions to emergent juxtarenal and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are complicated. Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) with in situ laser fenestration (ISLF) is promising but requires a period of visceral ischemia. With an off-the-shelf, single superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-fenestrated device mesenteric ischemia is avoided and renal ischemia decreased. The aim was to develop an optimized design of such an endograft suitable for >90% of juxtarenal and pararenal AAAs., Methods: Single-center analysis on 44 consecutive preoperative CTs for previously elective fenestrated EVARs for juxtarenal and pararenal aneurysms. Anatomical characteristics were analyzed to define: (1) shortest aortic coverage above SMA fenestration to achieve ≥4 cm seal; (2) feasibility of a scallop for the celiac artery; (3) shortest distance between the SMA and lowest renal, to facilitate renal ISLF in a straight endograft; (4) distance from the lowest renal to the aortic bifurcation, to allow an overlapping zone >40 mm with a bifurcated stent graft; (5) aortic diameter in the sealing zone, for optimal proximal stent graft diameter with 10% to 30% oversizing; (6) the final design was then tested on individual level., Results: (1) The stent graft needs to start 40 mm above the SMA fenestration to achieve a 4 cm sealing zone in >90% of cases. (2) A proximal sealing zone of 40 mm without a scallop covers 77% of celiac arteries. With an addition of a 20 mm deep, 20 mm wide scallop at 12:30, the stent graft still covers 27% of celiacs. This suggests that a scallop would not be practically feasible. (3) In >90% of cases, the lowest renal was <31 mm from the SMA, suggesting that the tapering should start 30 mm below the SMA. (4) The distance from the lowest renal to the aortic bifurcation ranged from 82 to 166 mm. This allows for a 20 mm tapering and 50 mm straight part in all cases. (5) The 5th and 95th percentile of the aortic diameter in the sealing zone was 22 and 31 mm, respectively. Thus, 2 different stent graft diameters (28 and 34 mm) would fit >90% of cases. (6) The final design was suitable in 91% cases., Conclusions: Two sizes of a single-fenestrated aortic stent graft without scallop cover >90% of juxtarenal and pararenal anatomies., Clinical Impact: Emergent juxta- and pararenal aortic aneurysms is a difficult clinical scenario that continuously challenges physicians. An endovascular option is in situ laser fenestrated endografts. One risk with these is the complete visceral ischemia occurring before the fenestrations are completed. An off-the-shelf single-fenestrated stent graft facilitates the treatment by removing the ischemia time for the SMA and reducing the ischemia time for the celiac and renal arteries thus decreasing the risk of visceral ischemia complications., 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.

Purpose: To investigate in an in vitro model if secondary endobag filling can reduce gutter size during chimney endovascular aneurysm sealing (chEVAS).Materials and Methods: Nellix EVAS systems were deployed in 2 silicone juxtarenal aneurysm models with suprarenal aortic diameters of 19 and 24 mm. Four configurations were tested: EVAS with 6-mm balloon-expandable (BE) or self-expanding (SE) chimney grafts (CGs) in the renal branches of both models. Balloons were inflated simultaneously in the CGs and main endografts during primary and secondary endobag filling and polymer curing. Computed tomography (CT) was performed immediately after the primary and secondary fills. Cross-sectional lumen areas were measured on the CT images to calculate gutter volumes and percent change. CG compression was calculated as the reduction in lumen surface area measured perpendicular to the central lumen line. The largest gutter volume and highest compression were presented per CG configuration per model.Results: Secondary endobag filling reduced the largest gutter volumes from 99.4 to 73.1 mm3 (13.2% change) and 84.2 to 72.0 mm3 (27.6% change) in the BECG configurations and from 67.2 to 44.0 mm3 (34.5% change) and 92.7 to 82.3 mm3 (11.2% change) in the SECG configurations in the 19- and 24-mm models, respectively. Secondary endobag filling increased CG compression in 6 of 8 configurations. BECG compression changed by -0.2% and 5.4% and by -1.0% and 0.4% in the 19- and 24-mm models, respectively. SECG compression changed by 10.2% and 16.0% and by 7.2% and 7.3% in the 19- and 24-mm models, respectively.Conclusion: Secondary endobag filling reduced paragraft gutters; however, this technique did not obliterate them. Increased CG compression and prolonged renal ischemia time should be considered if secondary endobag filling is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has been used successfully to treat patients with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAAs). Barriers to wide adoption of FEVAR include complexity in planning of fenestration locations on endografts. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of automated planning software to design fenestrated endografts and to treat patients with complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. Methods Patients with JAAA who were not candidates for open repair were enrolled into the automated planning arm of an ongoing investigational device exemption clinical trial and treated with FEVAR. Patient-specific fenestration size and location were determined by automated planning software using patient imaging data and algorithms that account for the interaction between the endograft delivery system and angulated aortic anatomy. Standard, off-the-shelf abdominal aortic aneurysm endografts from multiple manufacturers were modified on the back table by the physician according to the automated graft plan in the form of a patient-specific three-dimensional printed cylindrical template. Endografts typically included fenestrations for the superior mesenteric artery and both renal arteries. Procedural, perioperative, and long-term clinical and imaging data were collected per protocol. Results Thirty nonoperative JAAA candidate patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3) were consented and treated with fenestrated endografts planned by automated software. The mean age was 74 ± 7 (61-86) years. The mean aneurysm diameter was 61.3 mm (range, 49-96 mm), and the mean infrarenal neck length was 6.1 mm (range, 2-15 mm). At the index procedure, 100% (30/30) of the patient-specific, surgeon-modified grafts were implanted with preservation of 97% (84/87) of branch vessels and a mean final proximal seal zone length of 41.9 mm (range, 27.3-60.6 mm). Three renal arteries were not cannulated during the index procedure because of complications not related to graft planning. The 30-day mortality rate in these high-risk JAAA patients was 6.7% (2/30), and both deaths were unrelated to the aneurysm. The 30-day major adverse event rate was 16.7% (5/30). There were no type IA or type III endoleaks, ruptures, or conversions to open surgery through 30 days. Conclusions This automated FEVAR planning software accurately and efficiently identifies fenestration locations for vital branch arteries, thus simplifying the planning process and facilitating the FEVAR procedure. Validated automated FEVAR planning could help bring this beneficial therapy to most patients harboring JAAAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review focuses on the 30-day mortality associated with open surgery and fenestrated endografts for short-necked (

Purpose: To identify anatomic and hemodynamic changes associated with impending visceral chimney stent-graft occlusion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with the chimney technique (chEVAR).Methods: A retrospective evaluation was performed of computed tomography scans from 41 patients who underwent juxtarenal chEVAR from 2008 to 2012 to identify stent-grafts demonstrating conformational changes following initial placement. Six subjects (mean age 74 years; 3 men) were selected for detailed reconstruction and computational hemodynamic analysis; 4 had at least 1 occluded chimney stent-graft. This subset of repairs was systematically analyzed to define the anatomic and hemodynamic impact of these changes and identify signature patterns associated with impending renovisceral stent-graft occlusion. Spatial and temporal analyses of cross-sectional area, centerline angle, intraluminal pressure, and wall shear stress (WSS) were performed within the superior mesenteric and renal artery chimney grafts used for repair.Results: Conformational changes in the chimney stent-grafts and associated perturbations, in both local WSS and pressure, were responsible for the 5 occlusions in the 13 stented branches. Anatomic and hemodynamic signatures leading to occlusion were identified within 1 month postoperatively, with a lumen area <14 mm2 (p=0.04), systolic pressure gradient >25 Pa/mm (p=0.03), and systolic WSS >45 Pa (p=0.03) associated with future chimney stent-graft occlusion.Conclusion: Chimney stent-grafts at increased risk for occlusion demonstrated anatomic and hemodynamic signatures within 1 month of juxtarenal chEVAR. Analysis of these parameters in the early postoperative period may be useful for identifying and remediating these high-risk stent-grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine how many endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) procedures with/without off-label use of chimneys (ChEVAS) could have been performed in a cohort of patients who had undergone fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR).Methods: Sixty patients (median age 76.3 years; 54 men) who underwent FEVAR in our institution between 2013 and 2015 were selected for the study. The median aneurysm diameter was 62.0 mm (interquartile range 59.3, 69.0). Preoperative computed tomography angiograms (CTA) were anonymized and sent to 2 physicians with experience of more than 40 ChEVAS interventions. These ChEVAS planners were blinded to the study purpose and asked to agree upon an EVAS/ChEVAS plan. The primary outcome was the percentage of the FEVAR patients in whom an EVAS/ChEVAS was technically possible. The secondary outcomes were a comparison of seal zones, number of target vessels, and device cost.Results: An EVAS-based intervention would have been technically possible in 56 (93.3%) of the FEVAR patients. The median proximal aortic seal zone was significantly more distal in the EVAS/ChEVAS procedures vs the FEVAR cases (zone 8 vs zone 7, p<0.001) and fewer target vessels were involved (median 2 vs 3, p<0.001). The cost of the EVAS/ChEVAS device was 66% of the FEVAR device. Planners would not currently advocate an EVAS-based intervention in 43 (76.8%) of these 56 patients due to concerns regarding the risk of migration associated with the lumen thrombus ratios observed.Conclusion: EVAS is technically feasible in the majority of patients undergoing FEVAR in our institution but currently advocated in only 23.2%. The seal zone was more distal, fewer target vessels were involved, and the device cost was lower in the planned EVAS/ChEVAS interventions. [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]

Purpose: To report the outcomes of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and compare early and midterm results in relation to stent-graft complexity.Methods: Between August 2006 and December 2014, 141 consecutive patients (mean age 72±7.6 years, range 50-89; 120 men) were treated electively with FEVAR for short-neck, juxtarenal, or suprarenal aortic aneurysms. Forty-five patients treated with stent-grafts featuring renal-only fenestrations were assigned to group A, while 96 patients receiving additional fenestrations for the superior mesenteric and/or celiac arteries were assigned to group B. Technical success, operative mortality and morbidity, target vessel patency, endoleak, reintervention, and survival were compared between the groups. Survival, target vessel stent patency, and reintervention during follow-up were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis; the estimates are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Technical success was achieved in 135 (95.7%) patients. Overall 30-day operative mortality was 3.5% (5/141). Perioperative complications occurred in 16 (12.1%) patients. Mean follow-up was 33±23 months. Overall estimated survival was 85.1% (95% CI 79.1% to 91.1%) at 1 year and 75.8% (95% CI 68.2% to 83.5%) at 3 years. Freedom from reintervention was 90.6% (95% CI 85.6% to 95.6%) at 1 year and 79.2% (95% CI 71% to 87.5%) at 3 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of perioperative mortality or morbidity, endoleak, survival, target vessel patency, or reintervention.Conclusion: The use of FEVAR for juxta- and suprarenal aneurysms is associated with low 30-day mortality/morbidity and high midterm efficacy. So far, perioperative and midterm results are not affected by the use of more complex fenestrated designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of the modification to preserve intercostal arteries of the t-Branch Endograft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) in an urgent setting, associated with a less invasive approach for branch incorporation from percutaneous femoral access with steerable sheaths., Technique: A 73-year-old female patient presented at our institution with intense abdominal pain. Angiotomography showed a 50-mm juxtarenal aortic aneurysm, with no signs of rupture. Urgent endovascular repair was indicated due to abdominal symptom with an off-the-shelf multi-branched endograft. To limit descending thoracic aortic coverage, we performed t-Branch modification to preserve intercostal arteries and minimize the risk of spinal cord injury, associated with a percutaneous transfemoral approach and branch incorporation with steerable sheaths to avoid the risks associated with a superior axillary or brachial access. Control angiotomography showed adequate aneurysm sac exclusion with patency of all four visceral vessels., Conclusion: t-Branch-modified endograft to limit aortic coverage is an alternative option in urgent cases to diminish the risk of spinal cord injury, and association of steerable sheaths with branch incorporation is leading complex aortic repairs to an even less invasive procedure., Clinical Impact: This paper highlights the possibility of performing complex endovascular aortic repair in an urgent setting with modification of an off-the-shelf multi branched endograft limiting intercostal arteries coverage, thereby diminishing the risk of spinal cord ischemia. This technical innovation provides an alternative for clinicians when treating large, rapidly expanding, or symptomatic juxtarenal, pararenal, paravisceral or type 4 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms that could not wait for a custom-made device and do not need extensive thoracic aortic coverage that an off-the-shelf device provides. In summary, expand the possibilities of an endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms.

Reintervention after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is common. However, their frequency and impact on mortality after physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) is unknown. This study aims to describe reinterventions after PMEG for treatment of juxtarenal aneurysms and their effect on survival. Data from a prospective investigational device exemption clinical trial (Identifier #NCT01538056) from 2011 to 2022 were used. Reinterventions after PMEG were categorized as open or percutaneous and major or minor by Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards and as high or low magnitude based on physiologic impact. Reinterventions were also categorized by timing, based on whether they occurred within 30 days of PMEG as well as within 1 week of PMEG. Survival was compared between patients who did and did not undergo reintervention and between reintervention subcategories. A total of 170 patients underwent PMEG, 50 (29%) of whom underwent a total of 91 reinterventions (mean reinterventions/patient, 1.8). Freedom from reintervention was 84% at 1 year and 60% at 5 years. Reinterventions were most often percutaneous (80%), minor (55%), and low magnitude (77%), and the most common reintervention was renal stenting (26%). There were 10 early reinterventions within 1 week of PMEG. Two aortic-related mortalities occurred after reintervention. There were no differences in survival between patients who underwent reintervention and those who did not. However, survival differed based on the timing of reintervention. After adjusted analysis, reintervention within one week of PMEG was associated with an increased risk of mortality both compared with late reintervention (hazard ratio, 11.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-46.5) and no reintervention (hazard ratio, 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-16.8). Reinterventions after PMEG were most commonly percutaneous, minor, and low magnitude procedures, and non-detrimental to long-term survival. However, early reinterventions were associated with increased mortality risk. These data suggest that a modest frequency of reinterventions should be expected after PMEG, emphasizing the critical importance of lifelong surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/background: The New Preloaded System (NPS) for renal/visceral arteries (TVVs) is an emerging technology in fenestrated endografting (FEVAR) that allows TVVs cannulation and stenting through the same access of the endograft main body. However, only few preliminary experiences are currently available in the literature. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of NPS-FEVAR in juxta/para-renal (J/P-AAAs) and thoracoabdominal (TAAAs) aneurysms repair., Methods: This is a prospective ( NCT05224219 ), single-center/observational study of patients submitted to NPS-FEVAR for J/PAAAs and TAAAs between 2019 and 2022 (July). Definitions and outcomes were evaluated according to the current SVS-reporting standard. Technical success (TS) and TS preloaded related, spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and 30-day mortality were assessed as early endpoints. Survival, freedom from reinterventions (FFRs), and freedom from TTVs-instability (FFTVVs-instability) were analyzed during follow-up., Results: Among 157 F/B-EVAR cases, 74 (47%) NPS-FEVAR were planned and enrolled in the study [48 (65%) J/P-AAAs; 26 (35%) TAAAs]. The main indication for NPS-FEVAR was the presence of a hostile iliac axis (54%-73%) or the necessity of expeditious pelvic/lower-limb reperfusion for SCI prevention in TAAAs (20%-27%). Overall, 292 TVVs were accommodated by 289 fenestrations and 3 branches; 188 of 289 (65%) fenestrations were preloaded. NPS-FEVAR configuration was from "below" and "from below to above" in 28 (38%) and 46 (62%) cases, respectively. TS and TS preloaded system-related was 96% (71/74) and 99% (73/74), respectively. Target visceral vessels patency at the completion angiography was 99% (290/292). Failures were 2 renal arteries loss and 1 massive bleeding from a percutaneous closure system breakage. The latter patient developed postoperative multiorgans failure and died on the fifth postoperative day, causing only 30-day/in-hospital mortality (1.3%). One (1.3%) patient with a JAAA and preoperative bilateral occlusion of the hypogastric arteries suffered SCI. The median follow-up was 14 (IQR: 8) months. The estimated 3-year survival was 91% with no aneurysm-related mortality during follow-up. The estimated 3-year FFR and FFTVVs-instability were 85 and 92%, respectively., Conclusion: New preloaded system FEVAR is a safe and effective option in the treatment of J/PAAAs and TAAAs in the presence of hostile iliac access or to guarantee an expeditious pelvic/lower limb reperfusion, leading to satisfactory results in terms of TS, early and mid-term clinical outcomes., Clinical Impact: New preloaded system for fenestrated and branched endografting allows to increase the feasibility of the advanced endovascular aortic repair in challenging iliac access, thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair and reduce difficulties in target visceral vessels cannulation.

Purpose: To report operative and midterm outcomes of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) with the Anaconda device. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 39 consecutive patients (median age 74 years; 36 men) treated with the fenestrated Anaconda stent-graft between July 2011 and December 2015 at a single center. Indications for FEVAR were abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with neck anatomy unsuitable for a standard stent-graft. Median infrarenal neck length was 4 mm (range 0–9). Four (10%) patients presented with type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), 12 (31%) with suprarenal aneurysms, and 23 (59%) with juxtarenal aneurysms. Four (10%) patients had previous infrarenal aortic repair. Five (13%) patients had an infrarenal neck angulation >60°. A total of 106 fenestrations were incorporated into the stent-grafts (73 renal arteries, 25 superior mesenteric arteries, and 8 celiac trunks). Technical success, perioperative and midterm mortality and morbidity, target vessel patency, endoleaks, and reinterventions were documented. Results: Technical success was 95% (37/39). Three (8%) patients died in-hospital from mesenteric embolism in 2 and renal artery rupture with consequent multiorgan failure in 1. Two (5%) patients suffered an intraoperative embolic stroke. During a median follow-up of 33 months (range 4–55), adjunctive maneuvers were performed in 9 (23%) patients, including reintervention for type II endoleak with enlarged aneurysm sac in 2 (5%). Four additional patients died of causes unrelated to the aortic pathology (overall mortality 18%). In 34 (94%) of the 36 patients seen in follow-up, aneurysm sac size was stable or decreased. Target vessel stent patency was 99% (95/96). Conclusion: FEVAR with the Anaconda device delivers satisfactory short-term technical and clinical success rates in patients with juxtarenal, suprarenal, and type IV TAAA. Midterm efficacy and durability with respect to aneurysm sac regression and target vessel patency appear very good. Overall mortality and the need for reintervention were significant in this patient cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare midterm results of EndoAnchors in EndoSuture aneurysm repair (ESAR) versus fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) in short neck abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). All patients who underwent an ESAR procedure for a short neck AAA at our center between September 2017 and May 2020 were considered for analysis. To form the control group, preoperative computed tomography angiography of patients who underwent FEVAR for juxtarenal AAA between April 2012 and May 2020 were reviewed and patients who met short neck criteria selected. A propensity-matched score on neck length and neck diameter was calculated, resulting in 18 matched pairs. AAA shrinkage, type Ia endoleaks (EL), AAA-related reinterventions, and AAA-related deaths were compared. The median AAA diameter was 54 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 52-61 mm) versus 58 mm (IQR, 53-63 mm) with a median neck length of 8 mm (IQR, 6-12 mm) vs 10 mm (IQR, 6-13 mm) in ESAR and FEVAR patients, respectively. Technical success was 100% in both groups. Procedural success was 94% in the ESAR group versus 100% in the FEVAR group. The median procedure duration was 138 mm (IQR, 113-182 mm) vs 240 mm (IQR, 199-293 mm) (P <.001) and the median length of stay was 2 days (IQR, 2-3 days) vs 7 days (IQR, 6-7 days) (P <.001) in ESAR and FEVAR patients, respectively. No major hospital complications were observed in ESAR patients compared with two in FEVAR patients (11%) with one transient acute kidney injury and one transient paraplegia. The median follow-up was 23 months (IQR, 19-33 months) vs 36 months (IQR, 22-57 months) with 67% versus 61% AAA shrinkage in the ESAR and FEVAR groups, respectively (P =.73). No type Ia EL, proximal neck-related reinterventions, or AAA-related deaths were observed in either group. No AAA-related reintervention was observed in the ESAR group versus three reinterventions in the FEVAR group (P =.23). ESAR seems to be a safe technique with no major postoperative complications or reinterventions observed during follow-up. It seems to offer similar midterm results as FEVAR in terms of type Ia EL, aneurysm shrinkage, and aneurysm-related mortality. ESAR seems to be a good off-the-shelf alternative to FEVAR in case of technical constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Visceral stents in fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) have a significant risk of complications and carry a considerable burden of reinterventions. The aim of this study is to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors of visceral stent failure., Materials: A retrospective review of 75 consecutive FEVARs in a single center from 2013 to 2021 was undertaken. Data on mortality, stent failure, and reintervention pertaining to 226 visceral stents were collected., Methods: Anatomical features including aortic neck angulation, aneurysm diameter, and angulation of target viscerals were obtained from preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Stent oversizing and intraprocedural complications were recorded. Postoperative CT scans were analyzed to determine the length of cover of target vessels., Results: Only bridging stents through fenestrations to visceral vessels were considered; 28 (37%) cases had 4 visceral stents, 24 (32%) had 3, 19 (25%) had 2, 4 (5%) had 1. Thirty day mortality was 8%, a third of which was related to visceral stent complications. Intraprocedural complexity was documented during the cannulation of 8 (3.5%) target vessels, with a technical success rate of 98.7%. A significant endoleak or visceral stent failure was identified in 22 stents (9.8%) postoperatively, of which 7 (3%) had in-patient reintervention within 30 days. Further reinterventions at 1, 2, and 3 years were 12 (5.4%), 2 (1%), and 1 (0.4%), respectively. Most reinterventions were for renal stents (n=19, 86%). A smaller stent diameter and a shorter length of visceral stent were significant predictors of failure. No other anatomical feature or stent choice was found to be a significant predictor of failure., Conclusions: The modality of visceral stent failures varies, but renal stents with a smaller diameter and/or shorter length are more likely to fail over time. Their complications and reinterventions are common and carry a significant burden; therefore, close surveillance must be continued long term., Clinical Impact: With this work we share the methodology adopted at our centre to treat juxtarenal aneurysm with FEVAR. Thanks to this detailed review of anatomical and technical features we provide guidance for endovascular surgeons to face hostile aneurysm with peculiar visceral vessels anatomy. With our findings will also motivate industries in their attempt to produce improved technologies able to overcome issues identified in this paper.

Purpose: To report the use of the off-the-shelf Zenith t-Branch Thoracoabdominal Endovascular Graft for the treatment of a symptomatic acute type Ia endoleak subsequent to previous infrarenal bifurcated endovascular aneurysm repair.Case Report: A 72-year-old man presented 4 years after implantation of an Anaconda stent-graft with sac expansion and type II endoleak, which was treated over the next 18 months with repeated coil and glue embolization of the leak and sac. Six months after the last attempt, imaging disclosed a new type Ia endoleak. Sac enlargement became symptomatic, and emergent treatment was performed using the off-the-shelf Zenith b-Branch device. The 4 visceral arteries were bridged with Fluency stent-grafts. The Anaconda stent-graft precluded the use of a standard Zenith universal distal body bifurcated device below the t-Branch graft, so a reversed tapered 16×20×82-mm iliac limb was placed to bridge the t-Branch to the larger Anaconda limb; the smaller 12-mm contralateral Anaconda limb was occluded. The procedure was concluded with a femorofemoral bypass. At 10 months after the procedure, the patient is well; the sac diameter has decreased, and there is no endoleak on imaging.Conclusion: The multibranched Zenith t-branch device may be useful in treating proximal endoleaks in bifurcated stent-grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the impact of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (fEVAR) on renal function perioperatively and at midterm.Methods: A case-controlled study was performed involving 58 patients (mean age 75±7 years; 51 men) who underwent elective fEVAR for a juxtarenal or short-necked abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) matched on age, sex, smoking, diabetes, and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with a contemporaneous group undergoing open aneurysm repair (OAR) for the same indications. Perioperative incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and levels of eGFR at 30 days and 1 year were compared. A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies that had used eGFR as renal outcome after fEVAR; the pooled data were meta-analyzed using an eGFR drop >30% at 1 month and the latest follow-up as endpoints. Results are reported as the pooled proportion and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: The incidence of AKI after fEVAR was 28% compared to 10% after OAR (p=0.03). Following fEVAR, the mean eGFR dropped from 78±8 to 74±9 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at 30 days compared to a change from 79±8 to 80±16 mL/min/1.73 m(2) after OAR (p<0.01). However, the absolute drop in eGFR between fEVAR and OAR at 1 year was similar (7 mL/min/1.73 m(2); p=0.53); 7% of the fEVAR patients had an eGFR drop >30% at that point compared with none for OAR (p=0.12). The systematic literature review identified eGFR outcomes for 193 fEVAR patients. Combining these patients with the 58 from our cohort study, the pooled proportions of eGFR drop >30% were 20% (95% CI 9% to 39%) at 30 days and 8% (95% CI 0.5% to 13%) at the end of follow-up.Conclusion: fEVAR has a significant perioperative impact on renal function, but 1-year results are similar to OAR. fEVAR patients may benefit from targeted AKI prevention strategies that need to be assessed in relevant studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the successful treatment of a type IIIb endoleak with an Amplatzer Septal Occluder.Case Report: A 76-year-old man was found to have a type IIIb endoleak in the proximal body component of a fenestrated graft at 4-year surveillance imaging; the leak was associated with rapid aneurysm growth. The anatomy of the graft and position of the fabric defect precluded treatment by relining with a secondary endograft. The defect was demonstrated with catheter angiography, sized with an angioplasty balloon, and repaired using an Amplatzer Septal Occluder. Follow-up imaging at 6 months showed no endoleak and marked reduction in the aneurysm size.Conclusion: The Amplatzer Septal Occluder may be considered as an option for managing type IIIb endoleaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To show the feasibility of the Nellix device in conjunction with a chimney technique for treating juxtarenal aneurysms in two patients who were deemed unsuitable for fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair or open surgery. Case Reports: Two men aged 83 and 81 years were referred with a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (66 and 69 mm, respectively). Both were considered for open surgery as well as custom-made fenestrated stent-graft but deemed unsuitable for both options. They were both treated using the Nellix endoprosthesis in combination with chimney grafts to preserve the renal arteries. Technical success was achieved in both cases, with successful aneurysm exclusion and target vessel preservation (the right renal artery in the first case and both renal arteries in the second). At 6 months, duplex ultrasound and computed tomographic angiography of the first patient showed no signs of endoleak and patent renal arteries. The second patient developed a right retroperitoneal hematoma with minor extravasation near the lower pole of the right kidney for which coil embolization was necessary. The subsequent clinical sequelae led to respiratory insufficiency and ultimately death. Conclusion: The use of the Nellix endoprosthesis combined with chimney grafts is technically feasible. The addition of chimney grafts can increase the applicability of endovascular aneurysm sealing to treat short-neck and juxtarenal aneurysms. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish longer term outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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According to the instructions for use, fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) with the Zenith fenestrated endograft (ZFEN; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) requires ≥4 mm of nonaneurysmal infrarenal neck length, and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenting is optional. In the present study, we evaluated the outcomes of FEVAR with SMA stent grafting relative to SMA scallops or unstented fenestrations and their anatomic differences. We performed a single-institution retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone FEVAR with an SMA scallop or large fenestration with and without SMA stent grafting from June 2012 to May 2020 after institutional review board approval. Of the 203 aneurysms repaired with ZFENs, 127 were included in our analysis. Of these 127 aneurysms, 55 had stent grafted SMA fenestrations, 38 unstented SMA fenestrations, and 34 SMA scallops. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The operative times were longer (335.5 ± 16.4 minutes vs 265.0 ± 12.8 minutes vs 269.0 ± 12.7 minutes; P <.001) and the transfusion rates were higher (33% vs 8% vs 18%; P =.01) in the SMA stent graft group. However, the fluoroscopy time (65.4 ± 3.76 minutes vs 58.3 ± 3.94 minutes vs 51.4 ± 4.75 minutes; P =.05) and contrast volume (92.2 ± 5.17 mL vs 87.1 ± 6.73 mL vs 93.1 ± 5.89 mL; P =.84) were not significantly different. Anatomically, the patients who had undergone FEVAR with a ZFEN and SMA stent grafting had had shorter infrarenal neck (1.73 ± 1.18 mm vs 4.92 ± 1.16 mm vs 6.28 ± 1.42 mm; P =.03) and infra-SMA neck (10.3 ± 1.39 mm vs 23.9 ± 1.24 mm vs 26.8 ± 1.67 mm; P <.001) lengths. In the SMA stent graft group, one patient had developed small bowel necrosis after embolization of an intraoperatively perforated jejunal branch and two had developed colonic ischemia of unclear etiology with patent SMA stent grafts found on imaging. Endograft migration and SMA occlusion with bowel ischemia occurred in one patient in the SMA fenestration group. Overall mortality (24% vs 21% vs 18%; P =.82) and 30-day mortality (5% vs 3% vs 3%; P =.80) were comparable between the three groups. In addition, the incidence of type III endoleak (5% vs 3% vs 3%; P =.45) and the need for reintervention (20% vs 18% vs 12%; P =.60) were similar across all three groups. The mean follow-up duration was longer for the SMA scallop group, which can be attributed to 82% of these occurring in the first one half of the study period. Despite the added technical complexity, SMA stenting enabled FEVAR in patients with pararenal and suprarenal aneurysms with high rates of technical success and no increased risk of mortality, major adverse events, type III endoleaks, or reintervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the use of multilayer uncovered stent to treat primary infected juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. Case Report: A 50-year-old man was admitted to hospital for rapid onset of intractable abdominal pain and high fever. Computed tomographic scan showed 2 juxtarenal saccular aneurysms of abdominal aorta with morphologic and clinical changes compatible with infectious etiology. Patient was treated with multilayer flow-modulating stent. Follow-up imaging showed persistent aneurysm exclusion and continuous aneurysm shrinkage of the sac until complete regression to a normal aortic configuration was seen at 1 year. During follow-up (24 months), patient continued to do well, and there was no recurrence of infection. Conclusion: Multilayer stent appeared to be an acceptable treatment option for primary infected juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. Aneurysmal sac completely disappeared and visceral branches remained patent at 2-year follow-up. However, longer follow-up is necessary to evaluate the long-term patency of involved visceral arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]