PROXIMAL STENT DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT CONTRAST DURING ENDOVASCULAR ANEURYSM REPAIR - AN IMPROVED TECHNIQUE

Purpose: To describe a technique to enhance stent visibility on the fl uoroscopic monitor during aortic endograft deployment. Technique: To a ssist in accurate positioning and deployment of the proximal stent in a Parodi-type aortic endograft, the stent is affixed to the balloon so that the radiopaque marker sits at the stent's distal end. When the d evice is in position and the sheath is retracted, the stent and the ra diopaque balloon markers are clearly seen on the fluoroscopic image. U sing normal saline only to inflate the balloon allows the stent to rem ain visible throughout deployment. Conclusions: The use of saline rath er than contrast medium for balloon inflation provides continuous visu alization of the stent during expansion,thus facilitating accurate dep loyment and early recognition of balloon migration within the stent.