Physician-Modified Fenestrated Stent-Grafts Planned Using Three-Dimensional Techniques for Complex Aortic Pathology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND: Complex aortic pathology involving the visceral arteries remains a significant therapeutic challenge. Open repair is associated with considerable perioperative risk, particularly in patients with multiple comorbidities, while standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is often not feasible because of inadequate proximal sealing zones. Fenestrated and branched endovascular repair (F/BEVAR) represents an established treatment strategy; however, the use of custom-made devices is limited by manufacturing time and availability. Physician-modified stent grafts (PMSGs) have therefore emerged as a pragmatic alternative. Three-dimensional planning techniques have been increasingly used to facilitate accurate graft modification. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PMSG procedures planned with three-dimensional techniques. Technical success, target vessel patency, early mortality, endoleak occurrence, and reintervention rates were analyzed. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases. Studies describing the use of physician-modified fenestrated stent grafts planned with three-dimensional tools were included. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation. A logit transformation was used for the analysis of proportions. RESULTS: The analysis included five studies involving 172 patients. The estimated weighted mean follow-up duration was 14.9 months. The overall technical success rate was 92.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.5-96.9%), with low-to-moderate heterogeneity. Target vessel patency was 96.9% (95% CI: 93.6-98.5%). Early mortality was 5.5% (95% CI: 2.1-13.3%). The incidence of endoleaks was 13.3% (95% CI: 5.8-27.4%), with significant heterogeneity among studies. Reinterventions were reported in 6.6% of patients (95% CI: 2.3-17.5%). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that PMSG procedures planned with three-dimensional techniques are associated with a high rate of technical success and preserved patency of target vessels in patients with complex aortic pathology. The observed variability in endoleak and reintervention rates likely reflects differences in anatomical complexity and patient selection among studies. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm long-term outcomes.