Multilayered Parallel Endografting for Urgent Endovascular Repair of a Severely Angulated Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abstract

Total endovascular repair of TAAA using branched, fenestrated stent grafts have been performed with promising midterm results. However, severe angulation of the aorta as well as close proximity of the visceral and renal artery ostia pose a significant technical challenge in designing and implanting branched, fenestrated stent grafts. Parallel grafting offers an alternative technique, allowing an urgent, or emergent total endovascular repair of symptomatic, or ruptured TAAA. We describe a technique of 4-vessel incorporation in a total endovascular repair of TAAA, using multilayered parallel endografting via bilateral femoral and unilateral brachial access. A 76-year-old male with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease presented with a symptomatic 9 cm extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The thoracic, and paravisceral segments of his aorta, as well as the iliac arteries were severely angulated, whereas the superior mesenteric and the celiac arteries had a common origin. An urgent total endovascular aortic repair was performed. The aorta and the iliac arteries were straightened by placing stiff wires from bilateral femoral arteries in a "buddy" fashion. In addition, a brachiofemoral "body-floss" wire was established. Over this body-floss wire, thoracic stent grafts were deployed in multiple layers, alternating with parallel branch stents into visceral and renal arteries. Distally, a bifurcated modular stent graft was deployed down to the common iliacs, achieving complete aneurysm exclusion. Patient recovered well without complications and was discharged home in 5 days. Postoperative computed tomography scan showed patent visceral and renal stents and complete exclusion of the aneurysm without evidence of endoleak.