Retrograde Target Vessel Catheterization as a Salvage Procedure in Fenestrated/Branched Endografting

Abstract

Purpose: To present retrograde target vessel catheterization as a bailout technique in fenestrated and branched endografting (F/B-EVAR). Methods: Between November 2003 and November 2014, 11 (1.6%) of 671 consecutive patients with juxtarenal, suprarenal, and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms required retrograde target vessel access as a bailout measure during F/B-EVAR due to failure of an antegrade approach. The target vessels involved the left renal artery (LRA) in 6 patients, the celiac artery (CA) in 3 patients, the right renal artery (RRA) in 1 patient, and both renal arteries in 1 patient. Results: The target vessels were successfully catheterized and secured with stent-grafts in 10 patients; a single case was unsuccessful because the fenestration was in the wrong position and blocked against the arterial wall. One (9.1%) patient died within 30 days. Major perioperative complications occurred in 6 patients, including 3 with renal function deterioration, 2 with access-site wound dehiscence, and a case of pneumonia. Median hospital stay was 20 days (range 7–60) and median intensive care unit stay was 2.5 days (range 0–9). Over a mean 26-month follow-up (range 1–60), one unrelated death occurred. Reintervention was required in 1 patient due to progression of an aneurysm of the right iliac artery. Conclusion: Retrograde target vessel access in F/B-EVAR is a feasible bailout procedure when antegrade cannulation fails. Secondary technical success is high, but the procedure is associated with higher perioperative morbidity and longer hospital stay.