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Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
Endovascular treatment of a chronic contained ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
W J Metsemakers1, J Duchateau, F Vanhoenacker
1Department of Thoracovascular Surgery, General Hospital, AZ. St. Maarten, Duffel.
Insights
A chronic contained rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was successfully treated with endovascular repair. This case highlights the effectiveness of stent grafts in managing rare AAA complications, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant vascular condition.
- Chronic contained ruptures of AAAs are rare but life-threatening emergencies.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for patient survival.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male presented with left foot ischemia and signs of a chronic contained AAA rupture.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed superficial femoral artery occlusion and the AAA rupture.
- The patient also had irreversible ischemia of the left foot.
Findings:
- Endovascular exclusion of the abdominal aortic aneurysm was performed using a stent graft via a femoral approach.
- Post-procedure CT scans at 1, 3, and 6 months confirmed successful aneurysm exclusion.
- The endovascular approach was effective in managing this rare AAA complication.
Implications:
- Endovascular repair is a viable and increasingly utilized alternative to open surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- CT angiography remains the gold standard for diagnosing chronic contained AAA ruptures.
- Early diagnosis and prompt intervention, including endovascular techniques, can significantly improve outcomes in complex AAA cases.
Case Report:
We report a 69-year-old Caucasian male who presented with irreversible ischemia to the left foot. CT-scan showed, besides occlusion of both superficial femoral arteries, a chronic contained rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm was excluded with a stent graft placed through a femoral approach in a semi-urgent procedure. CT-scans at 1, 3 and 6 months demonstrated continued exclusion of the aneurysm. Chronic ruptures are a rare but important subset of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. CT-scan with contrast enhancement is the gold standard diagnosing technique. Treatment consists of prompt surgical intervention with endovascular repair being increasingly used as an alternative to an open surgical approach.
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