“Paving and Cracking”: An Endovascular Technique to Facilitate the Introduction of Aortic Stent-Grafts through Stenosed Iliac Arteries

Abstract

Purpose:

To describe a technique that facilitates the safe introduction of aortic stent-grafts through diseased iliac arteries.

Technique:

The technique involves relining and dilating (“paving and cracking”) stenosed iliac arteries with covered stents prior to the introduction of the main aortic stent-graft. It has been successfully used to introduce aortic stent-grafts in patients where other transfemoral endovascular measures have failed.

Conclusion:

This technique increases the applicability of transfemoral EVAR and prevents serious complications as a result of access-related damage to the iliac arteries.