The need for custom made frozen elephant trunk: when and where

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Cardiovascular Engineering
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique is a prevalent method for managing extensive aortic diseases.
• Hybrid vascular devices, like the Thoraflex hybrid, combine open and endovascular approaches.
• Existing devices present challenges in supra-aortic vessel debranching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a customized Thoraflex hybrid device for FET procedures.
• To evaluate the advantages of this custom device in supra-aortic vessel debranching.
• To assess the impact on intraoperative cerebral perfusion during circulatory arrest.

Main Methods:

• Modification of a standard Thoraflex hybrid prosthesis.
• Description of the "Custom device" concept and its design.
• Evaluation of implantation technique and intraoperative cerebral perfusion.

Main Results:

• The custom device facilitates easier and more functional supra-aortic vessel debranching.
• Potential improvements in intraoperative cerebral perfusion during circulatory arrest were observed.
• The modified device offers advantages for specific surgical techniques.

Conclusions:

• A customized Thoraflex hybrid device offers potential benefits for FET procedures.
• This modification addresses challenges in supra-aortic vessel management.
• Further evaluation is warranted to confirm enhanced cerebral perfusion and surgical efficiency.