Purpose: The aim of our study is to investigate the feasibility of retrograde cannulation using devices with inner branches (IB) for the endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).
Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis using IB configuration with retrograde cannulation was carried out on TAAAs patients undergoing endovascular treatment.
Results: Seven patients underwent IB endovascular treatment with retrograde cannulation between September 2020 and November 2021. The mean age was 80.4 years and 4 patients were male. A total of 26 of 28 target vessels were cannulated by retrograde access with a technical success of 93% (2 of 26 target vessels). Two intra-procedural complications were observed (1 renal artery dissection and 1 collateral renal artery rupture). In total, 26 of 28 treated vessels were retrograde cannulated with a technical success of 93%. A total of 39 stent bridges were used (all Viabahn VBX devices). The mean duration of the procedure was 321±102 minutes, and the mean scan time was 134±62 minutes. Mortality at 30 days was observed in 1 case. During the follow-up, 1 stent bridge occlusion was observed without the need for reintervention.
Conclusion: Retrograde cannulation can also be successfully performed in the case of inner branches.
Clinical impact: In inner branched cases, retrograde cannulation should be taken into consideration in particular cases or it could become the option of choice. Dedicated endovascular material available such as steerable catheters and latest generation covered stents is fundamental for the success of the treatment.
Keywords: E-nside branch stent graft; inner branch; retrograde cannulation; thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.