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Alfio Carroccio

Publications and source records attributed to Alfio Carroccio.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Combined open and endovascular techniques for the treatment of complex vascular disease.

In an attempt to improve the outcome following aortic aneurysm repair, there has been an increased focus on endovascular technology as a minimally invasive means of treating various vascular pathologies. Stent-grafting of aortic aneurysms is an area where a less invasive approach may decrease the morbidity seen with conventional aneurysm repair. As with other technologies, increased experience and improvements in instrument design allow for applicability to a broader population of patients. However, despite such improvements, some patients' anatomic characteristics may make endovascular repair unsuitable or too risky. When complex anatomy prohibits repair by endovascular means alone, a combination of conventional surgery and endovascular therapy may be utilized in an effort to minimalize the invasiveness. Using adjunctive surgical procedures, complex anatomy may be modified to allow for a safe and successful endovascular aneurysm repair. In this paper, we describe the modification of access vessels as well as fixation sites to facilitate the endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms.

Aortic Aneurysm↗
PubMed2004

Ten years' experience treating abdominal aortic aneurysms with stent-grafts.

Stent-graft therapy for aortic aneurysms is a valuable alternative to open aortic repair, especially in older, sicker patients with large aneurysms. Continued device improvements coupled with an enhanced understanding of the important role of aortic pathology in determining therapeutic success will eventually permit ESGs to be a more durable treatment for aortic aneurysms.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Endovascular therapy for aortic disease.

Minimally invasive repair of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is rapidly becoming a vital tool in the arsenal of the vascular specialist. Historically, surgical replacement of the aorta has been the "gold standard" for treatment of aortic aneurysms. However, transfemoral placement of an endovascular stent graft, first described by Dr. Parodi and colleagues in 1991, marked the beginning of a new era in treatment of aortic aneurysms. This approach has evolved, allowing success with significantly less morbidity. Over time, if the long-term results continue to prove favorable, endovascular stent graft repair of aortic aneurysms may become the most effective means to treat this life-threatening disease.

Angiography↗
PubMed2003

Endovascular treatment of failed prior abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Failure of endovascular or conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair may occur as a result of attachment site endoleak (type I) or paraanastomotic aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm formation. This study examined the results of the use of secondary endovascular grafts for the treatment of failed prior infrarenal AAA repair procedures. Forty-seven patients were treated with endovascular grafts. These included 14 patients with type I endoleaks (5 proximal, 8 distal, 1 proximal and distal) and 33 patients with paraanastomotic aneurysms after standard open surgical AAA repair (3 proximal aorta, 5 distal aorta, 21 iliac, 4 proximal and distal). The interval between the primary aortic procedure and the endovascular repair was significantly shorter for failed endovascular procedures (mean, 18.2 months; range, 1-42 months) than for failed conventional procedures (mean, 108.9 months; range, 12-216 months) (p <0.01). The endovascular devices used for correction of the failed AAA repairs were Talent (23), physician-made (19), AneuRx (2), Vanguard (2), and Excluder (1). Transrenal fixation was used for repair of all proximal anastomotic failures. Mean follow-up after reintervention was 12.2 months in patients with failed endovascular grafts and 10.6 months in patients with failed conventional grafts. Patient demographics were as follows: average age, 78 years; 36 male and 11 female; and 4.1 comorbid medical conditions per patient. The endovascular graft was successfully deployed in all 47 cases; 1 patient experienced a persistent proximal attachment site endoleak after endograft deployment. Endovascular grafts may be used to treat previously failed endovascular and conventional AAA repair procedures with good short- and intermediate-term results. Endovascular treatments in these cases may avoid the difficulties of aortic reoperation or AAA repair in the setting of prior endovascular aortic grafting.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Endovascular stent grafting of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

In an effort to decrease the morbidity of conventional open thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, we have witnessed in the last 10 years an expansion in the use of stent grafts as an alternative treatment option. This approach has provided a treatment option for patients with multiple medical comorbidities who may otherwise have been considered excessively high risk for standard open reconstruction. Results have identified promising procedural success while limiting complications and mortality rates. A review of contemporary results as well as patient and device characteristics is the focus of this article.

Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic↗
PubMed2003

Challenges of endovascular tube graft repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm: midterm follow-up and lessons learned.

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular stent-graft repair has great potential in treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms. This study analyzed a single center's experience with first-generation commercially produced thoracic stent grafts used to treat descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. METHODS: Over 58 months 84 patients underwent endovascular stent-graft repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms; 22 patients received the Gore TAG stent graft, and 62 patients received the Talent thoracic endovascular stent-graft system. Each patient was enrolled in one of three distinct US Food and Drug Administration trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center in accordance with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, including suitability for open surgery, aneurysm anatomy, and presence of comorbid medical illness. Mean age of this cohort was 71 +/- 12 years. There were 54 men and 30 women, and 74 (88%) had three or more comorbid illnesses. Primary technical success was achieved in 76 patients (90%). Mean follow-up was 15 months (range, 0-52 months). RESULTS: Successful aneurysm exclusion was achieved in 69 patients (82%). Major procedure-related or device-related complications occurred in 32 patients (38%). There were six proximal attachment failures (8%), four distal attachment failures (6%), one intergraft failure (1%), two mechanical device failures (3%), five periprocedural deaths (6%), and five late aneurysm ruptures (6%). At 40 months, overall survival was 67% (+/-10%), and freedom from rupture or from type I or type III endoleak was 74% (+/-10%). CONCLUSION: While promising, this midterm experience with commercially available devices highlights the shortcomings of current stent-graft technology. Three significant advancements are required to fulfill the potential of this important treatment method: a stent graft with a durable proximal and distal fixation device, enhanced engineering to accommodate high thoracic aortic fatigue forces, and a mechanism to adapt to aortic arch and visceral segment branches to enable treatment of lesions that extend to or include these vessels.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Combined open and endovascular repair of a syphilitic aortic aneurysm.

The use of endovascular stent grafts in the repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms has provided an alternative means of treatment, particularly in the high-risk patient who may not tolerate conventional open repair. The combination of conventional surgery and endovascular repair may allow for successful treatment in patients with anatomy unsuitable for repair entirely by endovascular means alone. We present the case of a patient with a syphilitic thoracic aortic aneurysm involving the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta. He underwent a staged repair with an elephant trunk reconstruction of the aortic arch followed by endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta. This is the first reported case of the repair of a syphilitic aneurysm by means of endovascular techniques.

Angioplasty↗
PubMed2003

The endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: an update analysis of structural failure modes of endovascular stent grafts.

Over the last decade, more than 25,000 endovascular stent grafts have been used to treat aortic aneurysms. Although results have been promising thus far, problems with endoleaks, material failure, device migration, and aneurysm rupture continue to be reported. Improvements in device material and design have contributed to the rapid growth and utility of these devices; however, material failure still remains a concerning mode for potential procedure failure. A review of the authors'experience with material failure and a review of the literature was conducted to help understand and comprehend the magnitude of this problem and try to determine its clinical significance.

Angioplasty↗
PubMed2003

Endovascular stent graft repair of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms: a ten-year experience with 817 patients.

OBJECTIVE: On November 23, 1992, the first endovascular stent graft (ESG) repair of an aortic aneurysm was performed in North America. Following the treatment of this patient, we have continued to evaluate ESG over the past 10 years in the treatment of 817 patients. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Abdominal (AAA) or thoracic (TAA) aortic aneurysms are a significant health concern traditionally treated by open surgical repair. ESG therapy may offer protection from aneurysm rupture with a reduction in procedure morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Over a 10-year period, 817 patients were treated with ESGs for AAA (723) or TAA (94). Patients received 1 of 12 different stent graft devices. Technical and clinical success of ESGs was reviewed, and the incidence of procedure-related complications was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 74.3 years (range, 25-95 years); 678 patients (83%) were men; 86% had 2 or more comorbid medical illnesses, 67% of which included coronary artery disease. Technical success, on an intent-to-treat basis was achieved in 93.8% of patients. Primary clinical success, which included freedom from aneurysm-related death, type I or III endoleak, graft infection or thrombosis, rupture, or conversion to open repair was 65 +/- 6% at 8 years. Of great importance, freedom from aneurysm rupture after ESG insertion was 98 +/- 1% at 9 years. There was a 2.3% incidence of perioperative mortality. One hundred seventy five patients died of causes not related to their aneurysm during a mean follow-up of 15.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Stent graft therapy for aortic aneurysms is a valuable alternative to open aortic repair, especially in older sicker patients with large aneurysms. Continued device improvements coupled with an enhanced understanding of the important role of aortic pathology in determining therapeutic success will eventually permit ESGs to be a more durable treatment of aortic aneurysms.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Drug-eluting stents in peripheral vascular disease: eliminating restenosis.

Transcatheter endovascular therapy for peripheral atherosclerotic disease has become more popular. In general, good results have been reported in focal aortoiliac disease. However, the long-term patency of angioplasty in longer, more distal lesions has been less satisfactory. Stenting has not been shown to improve long-term patency compared to angioplasty alone. Drug-eluting stents have shown promise in preventing coronary restenosis, and preliminary results in peripheral arterial disease are encouraging. This review article will discuss the current status of endovascular therapy of aortoiliac and femoropopliteal atherosclerotic disease, the theoretic and experimental basis for the use of drug-eluting stents, and the preliminary results in human studies.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗
PubMed2002

A multicenter experience with the Talent endovascular graft for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The Talent endovascular graft has been used in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in more than 13,000 patients worldwide. However, information regarding the results of its use has been limited. This report describes the experience with 368 patients with AAAs who underwent treatment at four medical centers as part of an investigator-sponsored investigational device exemption trial. METHODS: Patients with AAAs were enrolled at four sites during a 32-month period from January 1999 to July 2001. All patients underwent treatment for infrarenal AAA with the Talent endovascular graft. Repair was performed with transrenal stent fixation under epidural (362/368 patients; 98.3%), local (4/368 patients; 1.1%), or general (2/368 patients; 0.5%) anesthesia. The average diameters were: maximum aortic aneurysm, 6.2 +/- 1.2 cm; proximal aortic fixation site, 2.6 +/- 0.4 cm; and distal iliac fixation site, 1.4 +/- 0.6 cm. Bifurcated grafts were used in 276 of 366 patients (75%), aortouniiliac in 57 of 366 patients (16%), and tube aortoaortic in 33 of 366 patients (9%). Multiple comorbid medical conditions were present in all patients (average, 4.7 conditions/patient). The mean age was 75.8 years, and 85% of the patients were male. Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 33 months (mean, 7.3 months). RESULTS: Endovascular graft deployment was accomplished in 366 of 368 patients. In the 263 patients followed for at least 6 months after endovascular repair, AAA diameter decreased by 5 mm or more in 83 patients (32%); diameter remained unchanged (change < 5 mm) in 157 patients (60%) and increased by 5 mm or more in 23 patients (8.7%). Major morbidity occurred in 46 of 368 patients (12.5%), and minor morbidity occurred in 31 of 368 (8.4%). The 30-day mortality rate was 1.9%. Secondary procedures were performed in 32 patients (8.7%). Late rupture occurred in two patients, and late deaths unrelated to AAA occurred in 32 patients (8.7%) during the follow-up period. The primary technical success rate for all patients was 93.4%. The 30-day primary procedural success rate was 73.3%. The 30-day secondary procedural success rate was significantly higher at 85.8%. Computed tomographic scan was performed within 1 month after surgery in 349 patients. An endoleak was present in 43 of 349 patients (12.3%). These endoleaks were comprised of 10 attachment site (type I; 2.9%), 31 retrograde side-branch (type II; 8.9%), and two transgraft (type III; 0.6%). CONCLUSION: These midterm findings show a high degree of technical and procedural success achieved in a patient population with extensive comorbid medical illnesses with low perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. Further follow-up study will be necessary to determine the effectiveness of the Talent endograft for the long-term treatment of AAA.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Failure of endovascular aortoaortic tube grafts: a plea for preferential use of bifurcated grafts.

OBJECTIVE: Aortoaortic tube graft repair was the first technique used for the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, progressive changes in the morphology of the distal aortic neck may be responsible for procedural failure. This study examines the use of aortoaortic tube prostheses and analyzes the factors that contributed to their failure and the methods used for their subsequent repair. METHODS: During a 7-year period, 462 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms underwent endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Of these, 65 patients (14%) underwent treatment with aortoaortic tube endoprostheses. Aortoaortic tube prostheses used included Talent (n = 44) (Medtronic-Worldmedical, Sunrise, Fla), Vanguard (n = 8) (Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass), EVT/Ancure (n = 4) (Guidant, Menlo Park, Calif), and physician-fabricated (n = 9). All the tube graft procedures were performed in the operating room with fluoroscopic guidance. The average age of patients for aortoaortic tube grafts was 74.5 years, and 48 of the patients were men. Failure was defined as aneurysm expansion, any type I endoleak, or type II endoleak persistent after 6 months. RESULTS: No aneurysm ruptures or perioperative deaths were seen. Retrograde aneurysm perfusion from lumbar or inferior mesenteric arteries (type II endoleak) that persisted beyond 6 months was present in three patients. Proximal attachment site endoleaks were present in two patients. No distal implantation site endoleaks were present within 1 month of the initial endovascular repair; however, endoleaks at the distal attachment site developed in 12 patients subsequently and included all graft types (Talent, n = 6; Vanguard, n = 2; Ancure/EVT, n = 1; physician-fabricated, n = 3). The average time interval to failure was 12.9 months. Preoperative distal aortic neck length showed a significant correlation with the subsequent development of distal endoleak (endoleak, 16.6 +/- 6.8 versus no endoleak, 23.3 +/- 9.6; P =.03). Preoperative distal aortic neck diameter, however, did not show significance (23.8 +/- 5.2 versus 22.6 +/- 4.7; P = not significant). CONCLUSION: Endovascular aortoaortic tube grafts are vulnerable to failure even when initial exclusion of the aneurysm is successful. A significant association is seen between distal neck length and eventual failure. Because of the propensity toward eventual failure, the use of aortoaortic tube grafts in the infrarenal aorta cannot be recommended for typical fusiform aneurysms, even when an adequate distal neck appears to be present.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Predicting iliac limb occlusions after bifurcated aortic stent grafting: anatomic and device-related causes.

OBJECTIVE: Graft limb occlusion may complicate endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The precise etiologic factors that contribute to the development of these graft limb thromboses have not been defined. We evaluated our experience with bifurcated aortic endografts to determine factors that may predict subsequent limb thrombosis. The management of the thrombosed limbs and the results after treatment were also investigated. METHODS: During a 4-year period, 351 patients with aortic aneurysms underwent treatment with bifurcated endografts (702 graft limbs at risk). These 351 bifurcated devices included AneuRx (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn; n = 35), Ancure (Guidant, Menlo Park, Calif; n = 8), Gore (W.L. Gore & Associates, Sunnyvale, Calif; n = 25), Talent (World Medical, Sunrise, Fla; n = 255), Teramed (Teramed, Minneapolis, Minn; n = 10), and Vanguard (Boston Scientific Vascular, Natick, Mass; n = 18). Details regarding the type of device, mechanism of deployment, and aortoiliac artery anatomy were collected prospectively and analyzed. Graft limbs were analyzed for diameter, use of additional endograft iliac extensions, deployment in the external iliac artery, and endograft to vessel oversizing. Follow-up included physical examination, duplex ultrasonography, and spiral computed tomographic scans at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months and annually thereafter. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 54 months, with a mean follow-up period of 20 months. RESULTS: Twenty-six of 702 limbs (3.7%) had an occlusion develop. The risk of limb thrombosis was associated with a smaller limb diameter. Mean graft limb diameter was 14 mm in the occluded population, and patent limbs had a mean diameter of 16 mm. Thrombosis occurred in 16 of 291 limbs (5.5%) that were 14 mm or less and in 10 of 411 limbs (2.4%) that were greater than 14 mm (P =.03). Extension of a graft to the external iliac artery was performed in 96 of the 702 limbs. Eight of these 96 limbs (8.3%) had thrombosis develop as compared with 18 of 606 (3.0%) that extended to the common iliac artery (P =.01). No significant association was present between limb thrombosis and the contralateral or ipsilateral side of a device, the configuration of the iliac graft limb end (closed web, open web, or bare spring), or the degree of iliac graft limb oversizing. AneuRx, Ancure, Vanguard, and Talent grafts each sustained limb occlusions, with no occlusions seen among the Gore and Teramed devices. No significant increased risk of graft limb thrombosis was observed in unsupported grafts (1/16; 6.3%) versus supported grafts (25/686; 3.6%; P = not significant). Thromboses occurred between 1 day and 23 months after surgery. Thirteen of the 26 thromboses (50%) occurred within 30 days of surgery. Presenting symptoms were mild to moderate claudication in eight patients (30.8%), severe claudication in 16 patient (61.5%), and paresthesia and rest pain in two patients (7.7%). Eighteen of 26 patients (69.2%) eventually needed intervention to reestablish flow to the occluded limb, including thrombolysis and stenting in two patients (7.7%), axillary femoral bypass in one patient (3.8%), femoral-femoral bypass in 13 patients (50.0%), and axillary-bifemoral bypass in two patients (7.7%). All patients with mild to moderate symptoms under observation had improvement in symptoms with no further interventions necessary. All revascularizations were successful in relieving symptoms. CONCLUSION: Graft limb occlusion is a recognized complication of endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms that may be associated with smaller graft limb diameter and extension to the external iliac artery. Occlusions usually necessitate additional intervention for resolution of ischemic symptoms. The use of small diameter grafts should be avoided when possible to reduce the risk of graft limb occlusions.

Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗
PubMed2002

Abdominal aortic aneurysmorrhaphy and cholelithiasis in the era of endovascular surgery.

The incidence of acute cholecystitis complicating standard abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has been reported between 0.3 and 18 per cent. This has prompted considerable debate regarding the management of cholelithiasis discovered incidentally during open aortic reconstruction. This study seeks to determine the incidence of cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis after endovascular AAA repair and evaluate options for management. Between February 1996 and October 2001 492 patients underwent endovascular AAA repair. All the procedures were performed in the operating room under fluoroscopic guidance. Epidural (98.9%), local (0.5%), or general (1.7%) anesthesia was used during these cases. The incidence of cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis was evaluated by CT scan and abdominal ultrasound. Serum measurements of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, and amylase were performed and clinical assessment was conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and annually thereafter. The mean age of these patients was 76.6 years; 84% were male. Comorbid medical conditions were present in all patients (average 3.5 conditions/patient). Follow-up ranged from 2 to 35 months (mean 12.8 months). Endovascular stent graft deployment was successful in 486 of the 492 patients (98.8%). Six patients were converted to standard open repair because of inability to achieve successful endovascular aneurysm repair. The perioperative major morbidity rate was 14.9 per cent. Minor morbidity rate was 8.5 per cent. The perioperative mortality rate was 1.9 per cent. No deaths were related to biliary disease. Cholelithiasis was identified in 64 (13%) patients preoperatively. One of 64 patients with a prior Billroth II reconstruction for peptic ulcer disease developed jaundice 8 days after AAA repair as a result of choledocholithiasis that required surgical repair. One patient without gallstones developed acute acalculous cholecystitis on postoperative day 16 as determined on pathologic analysis of the gallbladder. A third patient who had gallstones identified on preoperative CT scan developed calculous cholecystitis 16 months after endovascular AAA repair. These two patients underwent uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy and recovered uneventfully. The incidence of postoperative symptomatic cholelithiasis is 1.6 per cent (one of 64). The incidence of postoperative acute cholecystitis was 0.2 per cent (one of 486) and was unrelated to the presence of gallstones. The incidence of delayed symptomatic cholelithiasis was 1.6 per cent (one of 64). Endovascular repair of AAA does not appear to predispose the patient to the development of symptomatic cholelithiasis during the perioperative period. Therefore a preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis of cholelithiasis does not necessitate cholecystectomy in the setting of planned endovascular AAA repair. Patients who develop cholecystitis after endovascular AAA repair may be effectively treated by standard laparoscopic techniques.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Recent advances in peripheral angioplasty and stenting.

Utilization of percutaneous interventions for arterial and venous occlusive lesions continue to increase. With the progression of the technology supporting these therapeutic measures, the results of these interventions may be expected to improve. In general, a comparison of techniques for revascularization demonstrates similar initial technical success rates for surgery and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Angioplasty is often associated with lower procedural morbidity and mortality rates. Conversely, surgery frequently provides greater long-term patency. Late failure of percutaneous therapies may often be treated successfully with reintervention, however. The continued accumulation of experience with PTA and stenting will ultimately define its role in the management of occlusive disease.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Incidence and distribution of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in rehabilitation patients: implications for screening.

Patients admitted to in-patient rehabilitation programs have an increased risk for developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, the utility of screening for lower extremity DVT using duplex ultrasound in this high-risk population is not well characterized. The purpose of this study is to identify whether or not screening lower-extremity duplex exams are indicated in this high-risk population. Screening lower extremity duplex exams were performed on all patients admitted to the rehabilitation center at Mt. Sinai Hospital over a 3-year period. Charts were reviewed for patient age, gender, diagnosis, date of screening and follow-up duplex exams, presence and location of venous thrombosis at each duplex exam, history of anticoagulation, and medical DVT prophylaxis. The presence of DVT at screening, the location of DVT along the lower extremity, and the outcome of calf DVT were analyzed in terms of gender, underlying diagnosis, and history of DVT prophylaxis. Lower extremity DVT was detected in 34% of patients. Twenty-three percent of patients had isolated calf vein thrombosis. Men were more likely than women to have DVT. Calf DVTs progressed in 3% of patients over an average follow-up of 2 weeks. The presence of DVT, its location along the lower extremity, and the outcome of calf vein DVT had no significant relationship to underlying diagnosis or history of prophylaxis. Screening duplex exams to detect lower extremity DVT in rehabilitation patients is useful. Screening altered management in 26% of patients, prompting either anticoagulation or repeat duplex exam.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Aortic arch and descending thoracic aortic aneurysms: experience with stent grafting for second-stage "elephant trunk" repair.

Reconstruction of aortic arch and descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) is technically challenging and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report our experience with extensive TAAs using a two-stage "elephant trunk" repair, with the second stage completed using an endovascular stent graft (ESG). Over 6 years, 111 patients underwent ESG treatment of TAAs at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Twelve of these patients were referred for ESG placement for the second stage of elephant trunk reconstruction because comorbidities placed them at high risk of open surgical repair. Our database was analyzed for technical and clinical success and perioperative complications. The mean follow-up was 11.8 months (range 1-64 months). Twelve patients (five women and seven men) with a mean age of 69 +/- 10 years underwent repair of their distal aortic arch and descending TAAs. These aneurysms included nine atherosclerotic aneurysms, one pseudoaneurysm, and two penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers. Three patients were symptomatic. Stent graft repair was technically successful in 91.7% or 11 of 12 patients. Excessive aortic arch tortuosity resulted in failure to deploy a stent graft in one patient. An antegrade approach through the open elephant trunk was used in two patients with severe iliac occlusive disease. Endoleaks (type 2) were identified in two patients with no aneurysm expansion; however, a 14 mm expansion over 1 year occurred in a patient with no identifiable endoleak. One early mortality occurred in a patient with a ruptured 6 cm infrarenal AAA after successful exclusion of the 8 cm TAA. Second-stage elephant trunk reconstruction of an extensive TAA using an ESG is effective in the short term. Its long-term durability remains to be determined.

Aneurysm, False↗