Background: Endovascular aortic sealing (EVAS) using the Nellix system was a new approach to reduce the frequency of type II endoleaks after endovascular aortic repair. We analyzed the mid-term results, specifically looking at device migration, endoleaks and subsequent necessary secondary interventions.
Results: Ten patients underwent elective EVAS treatment during our study period. 7 patients were within the IFU while 3 patients had a proximal neck shorter than 10 mm. Technical success rate was 100% and there were no short-term vascular complications. One patient died from urosepsis 14 days after the procedure and was excluded from further analysis. A total of 6 out of 9 patients (67%) experienced device complications such as proximal graft kinking, limb separation or caudal migration. 5 also showed type Ia endoleak.
Discussion: While no complication occurred short-term (up to 12 months), the Nellix system showed a high percentage of limb separation, caudal graft migration, and type Ia endoleak on mid-term follow-up, likely due to insufficient proximal anchoring of the device. Possible salvage treatments are discussed.
Keywords: EVAS; Endoleak; Migration; Nellix.