Twin-tube endografts for aortic aneurysms: an experimental feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore feasibility of twin-tube endografts (TTEGs) for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).


METHODS
AAAs were created in six dogs by overdilation of Palmaz stents. TTEGs made of seven 9.5-mm-diameter Gianturco Rösch Z (GRZ) stents and covered with PTFE were deployed simultaneously from both femoral arteries through 10-F sheaths to exclude the AAA. Follow-up aortography was performed immediately and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Two dogs were killed at 4 weeks and four were killed at 8 weeks. Gross and histologic examinations were performed.


RESULTS
AAA creation and TTEG placement were successful in all six dogs. TTEGs completely excluded AAAs in five dogs. Minor temporary perigraft leak was seen in one dog immediately after stent placement. Four dogs had TTEGs patent to termination at 8 weeks. In two dogs with oversized TTEGs, one of the twin endografts occluded at 2 weeks. At autopsy, TTEGs were formed in semicircular shape and histology did not show any significant inflammatory reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
TTEGs show promise for treatment of AAA, with the potential of reducing the introductory sheath size. Further experimental studies, particularly with TTEGs extended into iliac arteries, are warranted.
Sakaguchi
S
S
Dotter Interventional Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098, USA.
Uchida
B T
BT
Timmermans
H A
HA
Pavcnik
D
D
Sakai
Y
Y
Keller
F S
FS
Rösch
J
J
Yin
Q
Q
Kichikawa
K
K
Uchida
H
H
D000792:Angiography; D000818:Animals; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D009757:Nylons; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013193:Stainless Steel; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D009757:Nylons; D013193:Stainless Steel