AxA is adequate in terms of both caliber and lack of calcifications as an access vessel for large-sheath catheterizations, and it might be considered an alternative UEA for complex aortic endovascular procedures thanks to its proximity to visceral target vessels. In this preliminary experience, percutaneous closure of AxA access with the Perclose ProGlide device is clinically safe and technically feasible with high rates of success.

This single-center preliminary experience with the LifeStream balloon-expandable covered stent in fenestrated/branched stent-grafts for TAAA repairs demonstrated good patency; however, an unexpectedly high rate of type IIIc endoleaks was observed. These endoleaks were resolved with reintervention or during the index procedure by proximal relining with a bare balloon-expandable stent, achieving adequate perifenestration sealing.

The use of the t-Branch device compared with open repair is associated with a greater sacrifice of healthy aorta in extent IV TAAA and with an increased loss of intercostal arteries arising from healthy aortic proximal neck. The theoretical possible increased risk of spinal cord ischemia secondary to the routine use of this off-the-shelf device should thus be analyzed further.

No abstract