title: Laser Generated In situ Fenestrations in Dacron Stent Grafts.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate if the creation of laser generated in situ fenestrations in polyester/Dacron stent grafts causes embolization.
  
  
  METHODS
  In seven pigs, Dacron stent grafts were implanted from the infrarenal aorta to the right iliac artery. Prior to placing the stent graft, a carotid artery protection filter, with a pore size of 70-200 μm, was placed in the proximal left common iliac artery. An excimer laser catheter was then advanced antegradely through the stent graft and positioned at the level of origin of the left iliac artery. A fenestration was then created with the laser probe. The carotid filter was retrieved and inspected macroscopically with magnifying glasses, for emboli and clot.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven pigs with a median weight of 90 kg (range 78-98 kg) were tested. The median operating time was 170 minutes. All laser fenestrations were successfully completed. No emboli or clot could be detected in the protection filters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Creation of laser generated, in situ fenestrations do not produce macroscopically visible emboli/clot. This might indicate safe usage of laser created fenestrations for endovascular arch repair and left subclavian artery revascularization.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Center Malmö-Lund, Skåne University Hospital, 205 03 Malmö, Sweden. Electronic address: b.sonesson@gmail.com.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sonesson
authors.affiliation: Vascular Center Malmö-Lund, Skåne University Hospital, 205 03 Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.affiliation: Vascular Center Malmö-Lund, Skåne University Hospital, 205 03 Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Resch
authors.affiliation: Vascular Center Malmö-Lund, Skåne University Hospital, 205 03 Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kristmundsson
authors.affiliation: Vascular Center Malmö-Lund, Skåne University Hospital, 205 03 Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Holst
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D023421:Models, Animal; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015607:Stents; D013552:Swine; D062666:Vascular Access Devices
chemical_list: D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates
keywords: Dacron stent grafts; Embolic complications; In situ fenestration; Laser