Although there is currently a trend using endovascular methods to treat long and/or complex distal lesions, there are some interesting new approaches, technical modifications and simplifications in open surgery. Some of these are new, and some are older, but their effectiveness is now starting to be recognized. 1) Anatomical concepts: the lower leg/foot consists of 6 angiosomes, which are supplied by the 3 main arteries. It has been shown that the revascularization of the correct angiosome could lead to a higher rate of success when compared to the connection of an indirect artery. Other anatomical concepts describe the use of a flow-thru flap, and the advances in the use of homografts in peripheral bypass surgery. 2) New materials for implantation: while biological graft materials (tissue engineering) are still under development, no fundamental changes in clinical use have taken place. If autologous vein is missing, alloplastic materials made from polyester or polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) are the available alternatives. On the basis of studies published so far, heparin coating does appear to offer advantages. 3) New aids for operative treatment: in contrast to rather slow (clinical) advancement with regard to bypass materials, there have been some interesting developments with regard to ancillary products. There are clips for stapled anastomoses, small shunts or thermosensitive polymers to avoid clamping. Furthermore some techniques perform anastomoses without sewing, like intraluminal protein tubes or ring anastomoses. The Viabahn Padova Sutureless (ViPS) technique anastomoses a stent-graft to the artery by placing it openly into the vessel and then releasing a stent by a simple pulling mechanism. In summary, peripheral bypass surgery remains a very standardized operation. Although not spectacular, there are some interesting new approaches, technical modifications and simplifications.
Background: A controversy on bridging covered stent (BCS) choice, between self-expanding (SECS) and balloon-expandable (BECS) stents, still exists in branched endovascular repair. This study aimed to determine the primary target vessel (TV) patency in patients treated with the t-Branch device and identify factors impairing the outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken, including patients treated with the t-Branch (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) between 2014 and 2019 (early 2014–2016; late 2017–2019). The endpoint was the primary patency (CT: celiac trunk, SMA, superior mesenteric artery, RRA: right renal artery, LRA: left renal artery) during the follow-up. Any branch instability event was assessed. The factors affecting the patency were determined using multivariable regression models and Kaplan–Meier analyses. Results: In total, 2018 TVs were analyzed; 1542 SECSs and 476 BECSs. The CT patency was 99.8% (SE 0.2%) at the 1st month, with no other event. The SMA patency was 97.8% (SE 1) at the 12th month. The RRA patency was 96.7% (SE 2) at the 24th month. The LRA patency was 99% (SE 0.4) at the 6th month. Relining was the only factor independently associated with the SMA patency (OR 8.27; 95% CI 1.4–4.9; p = 0.02). The freedom from instability was 62% (SE 4.3%) and 45% (SE 5.4%) at the 24th month and 36th month. No significant difference was identified between the BECSs and SECSs in the early or late experience. Conclusion: BCS for the t-Branch branches performed with a good primary patency during the short-term follow-up. The type of BCS did not influence the patency. Relining might be protective for SMA patency.
To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel technique that modifies the configuration of a thoracic stent-graft after deployment to comply with the arch curvature.The principle of a Bowden cable has been applied to direct a conventional thoracic stent-graft in situ after deployment. A suture placed at the proximal inner curve of a conventional thoracic stent-graft is fitted with a sliding, self-locking knot attached to a line that runs inside a catheter through the central rod of the stent-graft. Traction applied to this line directs the endograft post deployment, which allows for better apposition to the aortic wall. Shortening the inner curve makes the stent-graft bend. The extent of bending is fully controlled by the surgeon and held in place with the sliding knot. A release mechanism allows removal of all luminal components of the mechanism.The described technique of directing a thoracic stent-graft in situ seems feasible and enables better apposition of the stent-graft in a glass model. It may improve the durability of thoracic stent-grafts in the aortic arch.
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