Twin-tube endografts for aortic aneurysms: An experimental feasibility study

PURPOSE: To explore feasibility of twin-tube endografts (TTEGs) for treatme nt of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), MATERIALS AND METHODS: AAAs were created in six dogs by overdilation of Pal maz stents, TTEGs made of seven 9.5-mm-diameter Gianturco Rosch Z (GRZ) ste nts and covered with PTFE were deployed simultaneously from both femoral ar teries through 10-F sheaths to exclude the AAA, Follow-up aortography was p erformed immediately and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, Two dogs were killed at 4 we eks 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, CONCLUSION: TTEGs show promise for treatment of AAA, with the potential of reducing the introductory sheath size. Further experimental studies,particu larly with TTEGs extended into iliac arteries, are warranted.