Laser Generated In situ Fenestrations in Dacron Stent Grafts.

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Polyester/Dacron stent grafts are used in vascular repair.
• Laser technology offers potential for creating fenestrations in grafts.
• Embolization is a risk associated with endovascular procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess embolization risk from laser-generated fenestrations in stent grafts.
• To determine the safety of in situ laser fenestration creation.

Main Methods:

• Dacron stent grafts were implanted in seven pigs.
• Protection filters (70-200 μm) were used to capture potential emboli.
• Excimer laser created fenestrations in the stent grafts.
• Filters were inspected for emboli and clot.

Main Results:

• All laser fenestrations were successfully created.
• No macroscopic emboli or clot were detected in the protection filters.
• The procedure was performed in seven pigs.

Conclusions:

• Laser-generated in situ fenestrations in Dacron stent grafts do not cause visible emboli.
• This technique may be safe for endovascular arch repair and left subclavian artery revascularization.