Fenestrated aortic stent grafts

Abstract

Fenestrated stent grafts have been developed to offer an endovascular treatment option to those patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms whose infrarenal necks are anatomically unsuitable for endovascular repair with standard infrarenal devices. The ability to have customized fenestrations that will preserve flow to essential visceral arteries allows proximal seal and fixation to be achieved at and above the renal level. This article discusses patient selection, stent-graft design, and the importance of accurate planning. Deployment techniques along with complications and their avoidance are considered. The published midterm results are reviewed and appear to justify the continued use and evaluation of this technique as an alternative to open surgical repair in high-risk patients with infrarenal necks unsuitable for standard endovascular repair. Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.