In situ fenestrations for the aortic arch and visceral segment: advances and challenges

The management of complex aortic pathologies remains a major challenge particularly in the emergency setting. Bespoke fenestrated and branch stent graft technology has shown encouraging short- and mid-term results in selected patients. Despite tremendous technological advances in this field however, factors such as the inherent delay in device manufacturing, anatomical and technical challenges, high degree of planning, and cost hinder the wider applications of minimally invasive endovascular therapy. In situ fenestration of aortic stent grafts is an attractive alternative that eliminates the need for preoperative custom tailoring with the potential to widen the therapeutic options available and to offer a bailout option after inadvertent side branch occlusion. This article summarizes the principles of this technique and discusses its current applications.