Endoluminal aortic shunting for distal perfusion during thoracic aortal cross-clamping in a pig model

To investigate the haemodynamic properties of a direct endovascular aortic shunt to maintain distal aortic perfusion as an alternative of a distal shunt (left-left-, Gott shunt) in thoracic aortic aneurysm repair.

A shunt was developed and tested in an in vitro model which should be capable of transporting a flow of 3-4 L/min with a decrease in blood pressure < 20 mmHg. Thereupon the shunt was tested in an in vivo experiment in six pigs to assess the possibility of its use with normal distal blood pressure. The shunt was inserted in the thoracic aorta and stayed in place for 1.5 h. Parameters were measured at six time intervals to assess organ perfusion, -function, cardiac output, proximal- and distal blood pressure and aortic- and shunt flow.

The mean blood flow through the shunt was 2.5 L/min. The difference of the mean blood pressure over the shunt was on average 14.20 mmHg. Parameters for coagulation disturbance and organ ischaemia were tested. The decrease in mean thrombocyte count was 299-158 (p<0.02). The venous lactate and the venous mesenteric lactate as parameters for intestinal ischemia did not increase significantly. No significant changes occurred in angiotensin II levels. Pulsatile flow was maintained but significantly suppressed (60%) distal from the shunt. The clamp time needed to insert the shunt and the venous mesenteric lactate, as well as the venous lactate, showed high correlation, r(s) = 0.9 (p<0.05) and r(s) = 0.94 (p<0.01). This also accounted for the 2nd clamp time, both r(s) = 0.95 (p<0.05).

The shunt is capable of transporting a blood flow of 2-4 L/min with an acceptable decrease in distal blood pressure. However, the time, needed to insert the shunt, was significantly associated with parameters of organ ischaemia.