Migration of the Nellix endoprosthesis

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Device Technology
• Radiology

Background:

• Endovascular aneurysm sealing (EAS) utilizes endoprostheses to treat aortic aneurysms.
• The Nellix endoprosthesis is one such device used in EAS procedures.
• Device migration is a potential complication following endovascular interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of Nellix endoprosthesis migration after EAS.
• To evaluate the sequelae associated with Nellix endoprosthesis migration.
• To assess the long-term positional stability of the Nellix device.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of follow-up imaging (CT scans) for EAS patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up.
• Measurement of stent graft migration using validated techniques comparing postoperative and latest scans.
• Definition of device migration as ≥4 mm movement relative to reference vessels.

Main Results:

• 17% (6/35 stent grafts) demonstrated proximal migration, exclusively in a caudal direction.
• Mean proximal migration distance was +6.6 mm at 1 year.
• No distal migration was observed; migration occurred without immediate sequelae in this series.

Conclusions:

• Proximal migration of the Nellix endoprosthesis is a documented occurrence.
• In this series, Nellix endoprosthesis migration did not result in immediate adverse events.
• Further research is necessary to understand the long-term implications and etiology of Nellix device migration.