Endovascular Repair of 40 Visceral Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms with the Viabahn Stent-Graft: Technical Aspects, Clinical Outcome and Mid-Term Patency

Purpose: Endovascular repair of true visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) and pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) with stent-grafting (SG) can simultaneously allow aneurysm exclusion and vessel preservation, minimizing the risk of ischemic complications. Our aim was to report a single-center experience on SG of visceral aneurysms, focusing on technical aspects, clinical outcome and mid-term patency. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients affected by VAAs–VAPAs and submitted to endovascular treatment were retrospectively reviewed, and SG cases with the self-expandable peripheral Viabahn stent-graft were analyzed (2003–2017). Aneurysm type, patient number, SG clinical setting, procedural data, peri-procedural complications, technical success, 30-day clinical success, 30-day mortality and follow-up period (aneurysm exclusion, stent-graft patency, ischemic complications) were analyzed. Results: SG was performed in 40 patients (24 VAPAs/16 VAAs) and in 44 procedures (25 in emergency, 19 in elective treatments), via transfemoral in 37 cases (transaxillary in 7 cases). One peri-procedural complication was recorded (a splenic artery dissection successfully converted to transcatheter embolization). The overall technical and clinical success rates were, respectively, 96 and 84%, with excellent trend in elective treatments (both 100%). Overall 30-day mortality was 12.5% (septic shock after pancreatic surgery). Stent-graft thrombosis occurred in 2 patients within 3 months, with aneurysm exclusion and without ischemic complications. Stent-graft patency and aneurysm exclusion were confirmed at 6, 12 and 36 months in 18, 12 and 7 patients, respectively. Conclusion: SG of VAAs and VAPAs was safe and effective, particularly in elective treatments. The Viabahn stent-graft, flexible and without shape memory, is suitable for endovascular repair of tortuous visceral arteries.