A temporary hemostatic valve in the short limb of a bifurcated stent-graft to facilitate endovascular repair of ruptured aortic aneurysm: experimental findings.

Purpose: To evaluate a homemade tricuspid valve placed in the short limb of a bifurcated aortic stent-graft to facilitate endovascular treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

Methods: A valve consisting of 3 polytetrafluoroethylene cusps was constructed in the short limb of a bifurcated stent-graft. The endoprosthesis was placed into an in vitro circulation model with pulsatile flow. Angiography was performed before and after insertion of the second graft limb.

Results: Angiographically, there was complete occlusion of the short limb before and normal patency after deployment of the second graft limb. Cannulation of the short limb with a guidewire was performed without technical difficulty.

Conclusions: Addition of a temporary hemostatic valve in the short limb of a bifurcated stent-graft can potentially reduce blood loss during endovascular treatment of ruptured AAAs.