Current status of branched stent-graft technology in treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair has been established as an alternative to open surgical reconstruction in appropriately selected patients. Until recently, this approach has been limited to aneurysms not involving critical aortic branches due to the complex nature of designing devices that would preserve important end-organ flow. This article reviews the current status of endovascular approaches to aneurysms involving the thoracoabdominal aorta. The evolution of fenestrated devices and further developments, including reinforced fenestrated branched grafts and directional branches for more complex aneurysms are discussed.