Guessing the sequence of multiple relinings with AFX and nitinol-based cuff: "A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma"

Vascular. 2024 Jun;32(3):516-520. doi: 10.1177/17085381221140952. Epub 2022 Nov 23.

Abstract

Objective: Knowing the structural and technical features of both the older and newer aortic endografts is an essential tool to understand off-the-shelf combinations of different devices used to treat challenging abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) anatomies or failures of previous endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVAR).

Methods: We present a case of a 72-year-old male with history of AAA and evidence of multiple past EVAR interventions who presented with abdominal pain. With no reliable surgical history, we attempted to delineate the types of different endograft parts implanted and the sequence of relining procedure based on plain X-ray projections and combined computed tomography along with intraoperative angiography.

Results: A tubular endograft was presented with a distal fracture of its endoskeleton, and relined with the same type unibody bifurcate. The latter was extended proximally with an AFX extension of a characteristic radiopaque continuous rim. Angiographic findings intraoperatively excluded the latter as part of the initial procedure. Moreover, an extra nitinol-based cuff was identified centrally.

Conclusion: In diagnostic challenges involving multiple relining attempts of different endograft parts, careful analysis of the imaging findings, based on knowledge of the structural and technical features of both the older and newer endografts is necessary for proper diagnosis, identification of potential problems and complications and intervention planning, if needed.

Keywords: AFX; Endurant; abdominal aortic aneurysm; endograft; endograft failure; endovascular aneurysm repair; endovascular aneurysm repairs; relining.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alloys*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal* / surgery
  • Aortography*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation* / instrumentation
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Computed Tomography Angiography*
  • Endovascular Procedures* / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prosthesis Design*
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Reoperation
  • Stents
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • nitinol
  • Alloys