Side-branched AAA stent graft insertion using navigation technology: a phantom study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of a side-branched stent graft inserted in an artificial abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), using navigation technology, and to compare procedure duration and dose of radiation with control trials.


METHODS
A custom-made stent graft was inserted into an artificial AAA using navigation technology in combination with fluoroscopy. The navigation technology was based on three-dimensional visualization of computed tomography data and electromagnetic tracking of microposition sensors. The stent graft had integrated position sensors in side branch and introducer and was guided into proper position with the aid of three-dimensional images. Control trials were performed with fluoroscopy alone.


RESULTS
It was feasible to insert a side-branched stent graft using three-dimensional navigation technology. The navigation-guided trials had a significantly lower X-ray load (p < 0.001), but showed no difference in the duration of the procedures (p = 0.34) as compared with controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Inserting a side-branched stent graft in an artificial AAA using navigation technology is feasible. Side-branched stent grafts and navigation systems may become useful in the endovascular treatment of complicated aortic aneurysms.
Institute of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. frode.manstad-hulaas@stolav.no
F
F
Manstad-Hulaas
S
S
Ommedal
G A
GA
Tangen
P
P
Aadahl
T N
TN
Hernes
D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015607:Stents; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques