The preliminary European multi-centre experience with G-Branch Endograft

Background: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of a novel, customized multibranched G-Branch endograft for the treatment of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and juxta/pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (J/PAAA). Patients and methods: Between July 2023 and May 2025, 50 patients (mean age 72 years; 45 men) were treated with implantation of a customized G-Branch endograft (Lifetech Scientific, Shenzhen, China) at four European regional vascular centres. The mean aneurysm diameter was 65.7 mm (range, 55-90 mm). Depending on the size and extent of the aortic pathology, 19 patients had J/PAAA and 31 had TAAA. Three patients had concomitant common iliac artery aneurysms, and one patient had a concomitant arch aneurysm. All patients underwent either an elective one-stage repair (30 patients, 60%) or a staged repair (20 patients, 40%) according to the local protocol of each centre. Multicentre outcome data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed. Perioperative results were assessed before discharge and during follow-ups at 1, 6, and 12 months. Results: Technical success was achieved in 96% (48/50) of patients. In-hospital mortality was 4% (2/50). Early perioperative complications occurred in six patients (11%), with no spinal cord ischemia. Over a mean follow-up of 7 months (range, 1-23 months), two patient (4%) required an unplanned late reintervention with branch extension or relining due to a type Ic and IIIb endoleaks, respectively. Of the 198 target vessels, all remained patent, yielding an overall freedom from branch instability of 99%. No patients died due to aneurysm- or procedure-related causes; one patient died 8 months postoperatively due to a major stroke. All remaining 47 patients were doing well at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Our preliminary experience with the G-Branch endograft appears safe and yields high technical success with encouraging short-term outcomes for the endovascular repair of J/PAAA and TAAA. Continued patient surveillance and extended follow-up are essential to confirm these results.