Percutaneous Axillary Artery Access for Endovascular Treatment of Complex Thoraco-abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and safety of percutaneous axillary artery (AxA) access using vascular closure devices (VCD) for endovascular repair (ER) of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) using fenestrated, branched, and chimney stent grafts.

Between September 2013 and December 2017, 40 high risk patients (27 men; mean age: 72.7 ± 7.4 years) with TAAA underwent total percutaneous endovascular aortic repair by percutaneous puncture of the third segment of the left AxA, using a 12F sheath for delivery of the bridging visceral stent grafts. Percutaneous closure was performed using ultrasound guidance and two Perclose ProGlide VCDs per puncture site. Endpoints were device success defined as successful haemostasis of the axillary puncture site by VCD, procedure success defined as endovascularly assisted haemostasis of the AxA, major cerebrovascular and peripheral neurological complications, and 30 day mortality.

The median diameter of the AxA in the third segment was 6.5 mm (range 4.4-10.4 mm). The procedure success was 100%. Device success was achieved in 33 patients (82.5%). Device success in patients with AxA diameter >5 mm was 97%. All patients with diameter of the AxA <5 mm developed stenosis or occlusions of the vessel (n = 6), which were treated by percutaneous stent implantation. One bleeding at the AxA puncture site was treated with trans-femoral implantation of a covered stent. No secondary open procedures were required. No neurological deficit of the left upper limb was seen at discharge. Overall mortality at 30 days was 10%.

Direct puncture of the AxA in the third segment and its use as an access vessel for large sheaths during total percutaneous treatment of complex endovascular aortic procedures appear to be feasible and safe in arteries with a diameter >5 mm. Complications can be managed using endovascular techniques.