Frozen elephant trunk with straight vascular prosthesis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Device Development
• Aortic Disease Management

Background:

• The E-vita open hybrid graft was first implanted in 2005.
• The device, initially the "Essen I Prosthesis", evolved into the E-vita Open Prosthesis after CE mark approval.
• Clinical experience and device modifications have been integral to its application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review 15 years of clinical experience with the E-vita open hybrid graft.
• To detail surgical techniques that influenced clinical outcomes.
• To assess the device's efficacy in managing complex thoracic aortic pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Recapitulation of 15 years of clinical data and device evolution.
• Analysis of surgical techniques employed during implantation.
• Evaluation of patient outcomes, including mortality and morbidity rates.

Main Results:

• Reduced 30-day mortality to 12%.
• Decreased stroke incidence to 7% and spinal cord injury to 3%.
• Significantly lowered re-intervention rates on the distal aorta compared to proximal repairs.

Conclusions:

• The E-vita open hybrid graft has demonstrated effective management of complex thoracic aneurysms and aortic dissections.
• Surgical experience and device modifications have led to improved patient outcomes.
• Ongoing device variations promise expanded patient-specific treatment possibilities.