Feasibility of patchless proximal profundoplasty and common femoral endarterectomy.

Background: Typical repair of common femoral artery (CFA) occlusive disease involves surgical endarterectomy followed by patch closure; however, prosthetic materials may become infected. In addition, in our institution, we have experienced an increased incidence of severe patch-related restenosis. We describe a technique for CFA endarterectomy and patchless proximal profundoplasty, and evaluate its feasibility.

Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Assessments of Iliac Artery Tortuosity and Calcification.

Introduction: During endovascular aneurysm repair, the iliac artery typically serves as a conduit for device delivery. The degree of tortuosity and calcification in the iliac artery ultimately determines whether the device can successfully traverse the vessel. These 2 parameters can be assessed using qualitative approaches or calculated using quantitative methods based on the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) reporting standards.

Multicenter Analysis of Endovascular Aortic Arch In Situ Stent-Graft Fenestrations for Aortic Arch Pathologies.

Background: In situ fenestration of aortic stent grafts for treatment of aortic arch aneurysms is a new option for endovascular aortic arch repair. So far, only few reports have shown perioperative and short-term results of in situ fenestrations for aortic arch diseases. We present the multicenter experience with the aortic arch in situ fenestration technique documented in the AARCHIF registry for treatment of aortic arch aneurysms or localized type A aortic dissections and analyzed perioperative outcome and midterm follow-up.

Analysis of Iliac Artery Geometric Properties in Fenestrated Aortic Stent Graft Rotation.

Introduction: A complication of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair is the potential for stent graft rotation during deployment causing fenestration misalignment and branch artery occlusion. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that this rotation is caused by a buildup of rotational energy as the device is delivered through the iliac arteries and to quantify iliac artery geometric properties associated with device rotation.

Methods: A retrospective clinical study was undertaken in which iliac artery geometric properties were assessed from preoperative imaging for 42 cases divided into 2 groups: 27 in the nonrotation group and 15 in the rotation group.

Toothpick-induced aortoenteric fistula presenting as sepsis.

Aortoenteric fistulas (AEF) are a rare but life-threatening cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We present the case of a primary AEF caused by ingestion of a toothpick by a 47-year-old male. This is the 10th known case in the literature in which a foreign body was found to be the cause of a communication between the aorta and the GI tract.

'In-stock' fenestrated stent graft for the urgent repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive method for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms; however, the implementation of this technique is often limited by the aortic pathology, especially in the urgent or emergent setting. An 82-year-old male with a 7.3 cm symptomatic juxtarenal aneurysm presented at our centre for assessment.

The in-hospital costs of treating high-risk patients with fenestrated and branched endografts.

Objective: This study determined the 30-day morbidity and mortality and in-hospital costs of elective fenestrated (fEVAR) and branched (bEVAR) endovascular aneurysm repairs at a single academic institution and determined factors that influence them.

Methods: All elective fEVAR or bEVAR patients treated between November 2007 and March 2014 in a Canadian academic hospital were included. Procedural details, 30-day morbidity and mortality rates, and cost of hospitalization were analyzed.

Effects of Pulsatile Fatigue on In Situ Antegrade Fenestrated Polyester Stent Grafts Deployed in a Patient-Specific Phantom Model of Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysm.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of in situ fenestration on the fabric of stent grafts deployed in a patient-specific phantom of a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Materials And Methods: Four patient-specific juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm polyurethane models were created, and bifurcated Zenith (Cook, Inc, Bloomington, Indiana) and Endurant (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minneapolis) endografts were deployed into the models, covering the renal arteries. Antegrade in situ fenestration was carried out with radiofrequency puncture followed by balloon dilation with either conventional or cutting balloons.

Symptomatic congenital saccular aneurysm of the inferior vena cava associated with a circumaortic left renal vein.

Congenital saccular aneurysms of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are extremely rare, with 23 cases reported so far. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman with an acute episode of back pain that mimicked aortic dissection. Computed tomography ruled out aortic dissection but demonstrated a saccular aneurysm of the infrarenal IVC and a circumaortic left renal vein.

Radiofrequency in situ fenestration for aortic arch vessels during thoracic endovascular repair.

Purpose: To report the first clinical application of a novel technique using radiofrequency puncture to create retrograde in situ fenestrations during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Methods: Between June 2011 and December 2013, 40 TEVAR procedures were performed in our facility, including 10 cases in which in situ fenestration was planned. Two thoracic stent-graft models were deployed: the Valiant (n=5) and the Zenith TX2 (n=5).

Increasing angulation decreases measured aortic stent graft pullout forces.

Objective: Experimentally measured pullout forces for stent grafts (SGs) are used in clinical discussions and as reference values in bench studies and computer simulations. Previous values of these forces are available from studies in which the SG was pulled out in the straight caudal direction. However, clinical and numerical studies have suggested that displacement forces acting on SGs are directed more anteriorly.

Thoracic aortic frontier: review of current applications and directions of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair, a minimally invasive technique is replacing the maximally invasive gold standard of thoracotomy and replacement of the descending thoracic aorta. With experience, indications have expanded to encroach on the arch and even ascending aorta. This review highlights the current state of technology, discusses controversies, and takes the perspective of a forward-thinking review to describe novel, innovative techniques that might make the entire thoracic aorta amenable to minimally invasive repair.

Computational fluid dynamics evaluation of the cross-limb stent graft configuration for endovascular aneurysm repair.

The technique of crossing the limbs of bifurcated modular stent grafts for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is often employed in the face of splayed aortic bifurcations to facilitate cannulation and prevent device kinking. However, little has been reported about the implications of cross-limb EVAR, especially in comparison to conventional EVAR. Previous computational fluid dynamics studies of conventional EVAR grafts have mostly utilized simplified planar stent graft geometries.

Bridging stent-graft pullout force analysis.

Purpose: To assess the pullout force (POF) of bridging stent-grafts used in thoracoabdominal stent-grafts and iliac bifurcated grafts.

Methods: In an experimental setup, the POFs of Viabahn or Fluency with or without a Zilver stent were measured when deployed into the renal and celiac branches of a Zenith thoracoabdominal cuff-bearing branched stent-graft. The POFs of the Atrium i-Cast, Viabahn, Fluency, and Fluency+Zilver were measured when deployed into an iliac bifurcated graft with a short side-branch for the internal iliac artery.

Radiofrequency perforation system for in vivo antegrade fenestration of aortic stent-grafts.

Purpose: To evaluate the ability to create in vivo antegrade fenestrations (IVAF) using a radiofrequency probe in juxtarenal aortic stent-grafts to preserve the patency of renal arteries.

Methods: Modified stent-grafts with an unsupported fenestration area were deployed in the juxtarenal aorta of 2 25-kg dogs. Prior to deployment, both renal arteries were marked with detachable coils that were later removed (dog 1) or with hydrophilic catheters (dog 2).

Traumatic Injury of the Superior Mesenteric Vein: Ligate, Repair or Shunt?

We report a case of SMV injury in a critically ill patient. The patient was a 19-year-old woman involved in a motor vehicle collision. Her injuries included grade II splenic and renal lacerations, devascularized and lacerated right and transverse colon, a transected transverse mesocolon, a massive shear injury of her abdominal wall, and two partial SMV transections.

In vivo antegrade fenestration of abdominal aortic stent-grafts.

Purpose: To examine in a canine model the feasibility of antegrade fenestration of abdominal aortic stent-grafts to preserve the patency of the renal arteries.

Methods: Two large dogs underwent antegrade fenestration of stent-grafts in the perirenal aorta. Before fenestration, bare stents were inserted in both renal arteries as fluoroscopic landmarks.

Early outcomes after elective and emergent endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta.

Background: Endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic pathology has emerged as a viable alternative to open surgical repair in both the elective and emergent settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative work-up, intra-operative strategy, and outcomes of endovascular stent-grafting of the thoracic aorta in patients undergoing elective repair and those undergoing emergent repair.

Methods: All patient information was obtained by a retrospective review of an established clinical database for all endovascular thoracic stent-graft cases.

Branched endovascular stent-graft for suprarenal aortic aneurysm: the future of aortic stent-grafting?

The use of a branched endovascular stent-graft to repair an aneurysm of the visceral aorta is described. The evolving role of branched endovascular stent-grafts in the management of aortic aneurysms is discussed, and the literature reviewed.

The proximal landing zone in endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta.

In this study we evaluated the relationship between the site of the proximal landing zone during endovascular repair of thoracic aortic pathology and treatment outcomes. We reviewed all cases of endovascular repair of thoracic aortic lesions at our institution in the past 42 months. Thirty-seven Talent thoracic endografts were used to treat 20 thoracic aneurysms, 8 intramural hematomas, 6 aortic dissections, and 3 post-traumatic aneurysms.