Laparo- and thoracoscopic aortic aneurysm neck optimization and treatment of potential endoleaks type IA and II in a porcine model

BACKGROUND: Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms has a higher incidence of late complications, and open conversion (OC) associated with high mortality may be required. As alternatives to OCs, we propose minimal invasive laparo-/thoracoscopic approaches, either to control endoleaks after endovascular repair, or to convert non-endovascular treatable cases due to a hostile neck anatomy by inserting a peri-aortic PTFE collar before endovascular repair. Such interventions may reduce complications and the necessity for OCs in the future. METHODS: In twelve pigs, were 10 had infra-/juxtrarenal AAAs, externally placed collars/aneuwraps around the proximal AAA neck and just below the left subclavian artery and division of the aortic side branches were carried out laparo-and thoracoscopically. RESULTS: For the laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures respectively, mean operative time was 143 ± 41 min and 86 ± 51 min and a mean of 2.6 and 2.25 aortic side branches were ligated/divided. For both procedures, the last half in the series were carried out significantly faster (p < 0.05) indicating a learning curve. Blood loss was minimal and no procedure related complications were seen. CONCLUSION: Using these minimal invasive endoscopic approaches, it seems feasible to externally band aneurysm necks and ligate aortic side branches in a pig model. These procedures could potentially be considered as alternatives to OCs in controlling endoleaks and in improving the safety of endovascular interventions. As endoscopic aortic surgery is challenging a learning curve is expected. Practicing the described procedures using this model, can be used as a learning tool prior to similar interventions on humans.