The TEVAR App: A contemporary guide to thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Abstract

There is a growing number of devices used for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The designs of stent grafts and their delivery systems differ substantially. The success of TEVAR is based on the correct use of stent graft delivery systems, the identification and understanding of radiopaque markers, and the stent graft's accurate placement. In this brief communication, we introduce the TEVAR App - a novel guide for thoracic endovascular aortic repair. It is a tool that provides key information that is quick to access and easy to understand on the thoracic aortic stent grafts currently available. It includes instructions for use, animations demonstrating the stent grafts' deployment, troubleshooting information, size tables, the locations of radiopaque markers, stent graft and delivery system photos, chest X-rays, and information on magnetic resonance safety and compatibility. Furthermore, it contains the TEVAR Calculator, which assists one in planning stent graft size according to individual aortic dimensions and oversizing factors. The TEVAR App is cost-free, and its development has not been supported financially by any industry. It is a non-profit project that aims to educate and help physicians performing TEVARs.