P. Bianchi

Multiple multilayer stents for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm: a possible new tool for aortic endovascular surgery

Purpose Endovascular surgery data are confirming the paramount role of modern endovascular tools for a safe and sure exclusion of thoracoabdominal lesions. Case report A 57-year-old female presented with severe comorbidity affected by a 58 mm thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). After patient-informed consent and local Ethical Committee and Italian Public Health Ministry authorization, three multilayer stents were implanted in the thoracoabdominal aortic tract, obtaining at a 20-month computed tomography scan follow up, a complete exclusion of the TAAA, with normal patency of visceral vessels. Conclusion Multilayer stents can be used in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, with positive results.

Axial computed tomography and duplex scanning for the determination of maximal abdominal aortic diameter in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms

ZusammenfassungGRUNDLAGEN: Diese Studie verglich den Durchmesser der Bauchschlagader mittels axialer Computertomographie und Duplexsonographie bei Patienten mit abdominellem Aortenaneurysma. METHODIK: Von 01/2002–12/2004 wurden 322 Patienten mit Abdominalaortenaneurysma mit Computertomographie und Duplexsonographie untersucht und der Durchmesser des Aneurysmas erhoben. ERGEBNISSE: Der Durchmesser war 56,17 mm mittels Computertomographie und 53,44 mm mittels Duplexsonographie. Die Computertomographie zeigte größere Durchmesser in 97,83 % der Patienten. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Im Vergleich zur Duplexsonographie ist der Durchmesser des abdominellen Aortenaneurysmas in der axialen Computertomographie größer.SummaryBACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess differences between axial computed tomography and duplex ultrasound, based on measurements of maximal aortic diameter in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: From January 2002 until December 2004, 322 patients were admitted with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. All of them underwent abdominal duplex ultrasound scanning and computed tomography by separate laboratories in order to determine the maximal aortic diameter. The computed tomography technologists were blinded to all duplex results and vice versa. RESULTS: Mean computed tomography maximal aortic diameter was 56.17 mm and mean duplex maximal aortic diameter was 53.44 mm. Computed tomography measurements were greater than duplex in 97.83% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Axial computed tomography consistently overestimates the maximal aortic diameter measurements in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms compared with duplex ultrasound.

Occlusive Shrinkage of Ovation Endograft™ Presenting as Acute Lower Limbs Ischemia: Effective Endovascular Management

The aim of this report is to describe the imaging and successful treatment of an acute shrinkage of the Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System. The Ovation Prime system utilizes a polymer-filled sealing ring that is cast in situ at the margin of the aneurysm; however, the residual endograft inner volume after ring filling may reduce volume and graft flow. Nevertheless, there are no reports about severe complications using the Ovation Prime system. A 75-year-old male presented to our hospital for acute lower limb ischemia. The patient reported a previous endograft for abdominal aortic aneurysm 1 month previously, which utilized the Ovation device. Computed tomography (CT) angiography demonstrated a critical narrowing of the endograft at the site of the proximal sealing rings. We decided on urgent treatment, delivering a covered stent graft (CP STENT NUMED™). Intraoperative intravascular ultrasound showed effective compaction of the proximal rings. Nine-month follow-up with CT angiography demonstrated good patency without ring recoil of the endograft. This is the first report of endovascular treatment for an acute and symptomatic shrinkage of proximal rings in the Ovation trivascular endograft. Angiographic and intravascular ultrasound findings showed that covered stenting is effective and that the ring polymer is safely moldable.The aim of this report is to describe the imaging and successful treatment of an acute shrinkage of the Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System. The Ovation Prime system utilizes a polymer-filled sealing ring that is cast in situ at the margin of the aneurysm; however, the residual endograft inner volume after ring filling may reduce volume and graft flow. Nevertheless, there are no reports about severe complications using the Ovation Prime system. A 75-year-old male presented to our hospital for acute lower limb ischemia. The patient reported a previous endograft for abdominal aortic aneurysm 1 month previously, which utilized the Ovation device. Computed tomography (CT) angiography demonstrated a critical narrowing of the endograft at the site of the proximal sealing rings. We decided on urgent treatment, delivering a covered stent graft (CP STENT NUMED™). Intraoperative intravascular ultrasound showed effective compaction of the proximal rings. Nine-month follow-up with CT angiography demonstrated good patency without ring recoil of the endograft. This is the first report of endovascular treatment for an acute and symptomatic shrinkage of proximal rings in the Ovation trivascular endograft. Angiographic and intravascular ultrasound findings showed that covered stenting is effective and that the ring polymer is safely moldable.