Periscope endograft technique to revascularize the left subclavian artery during thoracic endovascular aortic repair

To present early and midterm results of the periscope endograft (PG) technique to maintain left subclavian artery (LSA) blood flow in thoracic endovascular aortic repairs (TEVAR) involving zone 3.

From April 2010 to January 2013, 14 consecutive high-risk patients (11 men; mean age 70±8 years, range 56-87) underwent TEVAR with the PG technique for 10 thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), 2 traumatic aortic ruptures, and 2 aortic dissections without a suitable landing zone (>2 cm distal to the LSA). Five procedures were performed emergently for rupture (3 TAAs and the 2 trauma cases). Two patients had a periscope deployed in an aberrant right subclavian artery. The periscope endografts were sized 1 to 2 mm larger than the branch artery at the intended landing zone. The caudal end was extended distal to the intended distal landing site of the thoracic stent-graft, which was usually deployed after the PG. Both the PG and thoracic stent-grafts were generally molded using the kissing balloon technique. Outcomes analyzed were immediate technical success, perioperative mortality and morbidity, aneurysm diameter change, and periscope endograft patency.

Immediate technical success was 100%, with all procedures completed as planned. Perioperatively, one periscope occluded and one of the ruptured TAA patients died. One percutaneous access site hematoma required only conservative management. At a mean follow-up of 26±9 months (range 9-37), there was no additional PG occlusion. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of PG patency was 93% at 2 years.

The periscope endograft is a simple technique to maintain perfusion to the LSA in cases where the aortic stent-graft crosses its ostium. The PG technique can be performed transfemorally and even percutaneously, and it can be applied to all supra-aortic branches. Early and midterm results are encouraging, but more experience and long-term results are mandatory before this technique can be widely recommended.