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International audience; We thank Dr. Tresson for highlighting an important issue regarding the use of new strategies currently available for the management of arterial graft infection.

International audience; Background: The safety and efficacy of flow diversion among distal anterior circulation aneurysms must be proved.Purpose: Our aim was to analyze the outcomes after flow diversion among MCA, anterior communicating artery, and distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms.Data sources: A systematic search of 3 databases was performed for studies published from 2005 to 2018.Study selection: According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we included studies reporting flow diversion of distal anterior circulation aneurysms.Data analysis: Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool aneurysm occlusion and complication rates. From the individual patient data, univariate and multivariate analyses were used to test predictors of occlusion and complications.Data synthesis: We included 27 studies (484 aneurysms). The long-term adequate occlusion rate (O'Kelly-Marotta scale, C-D) was 82.7% (295/364; 95% CI, 77.4%-87.9%; I2 = 52%). Treatment-related complications were 12.5% (63/410; 95% CI, 9%-16%%; I2 = 18.8%), with 5.4% (29/418; 95% CI, 3.2%-7.5%; I2 = 0%) morbidity. MCA location was an independent factor associated with lower occlusion (OR = 0.5, P = .03) and higher complication rates (OR = 1.8, P = .02), compared with anterior communicating artery and distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. The Pipeline Embolization Device (versus other stents) gave better occlusion rates (OR = 2.6, P = .002), whereas large/giant aneurysms were associated with higher odds of complications (OR = 2.2, P = .03). The rates of occlusion and narrowing of arteries covered by flow-diverter stents were 6.3% (29/283; 95% CI, 3.5%-9.1%; I2 = 4.2%) and 23.8% (69/283; 95% CI, 15.7%-32%; I2 = 80%), respectively. Symptoms related to occlusion and narrowing of the jailed arteries were 3.5% (6/269; 95% CI, 1.1%-5%; I2 = 0%) and 3% (6/245; 95% CI, 1%-4%; I2 = 0%), respectively.Limitations: We reviewed small and retrospective series.Conclusions: Flow diversion among distal anterior circulation aneurysms is effective, leading to adequate aneurysm occlusion in 83% of cases. However, this strategy has some limitations among MCA and larger lesions, especially related to the higher rate of complications. Compared with the other devices, the Pipeline Embolization Device seems to be associated with a higher occlusion rate

International audience; BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal regression is a reliable marker for long-lasting success after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The aim of this study was to identify the preoperative factors that can predictably lead to aneurysmal sac regression after EVAR, according to the reporting standards of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the International Society of Cardiovascular Surgery (SVS/ISCVS). METHODS: From 199 patients treated by EVAR between 2000 and 2009, 164 completed computed tomography angiographies and duplex scan follow-up images were available. All computed tomography angiographies for enrolled patients in this retrospective study were analyzed with Endosize software (Therenva, Rennes, France) to provide spatially correct 3-dimensional data in accordance with SVS/ISCVS recommendations. Anatomic parameters were graded according to the relevant severity grades. A severity score was calculated at the aortic neck, the abdominal aortic aneurysm, and the iliac arteries. Clinical and demographic factors were studied. Patients with aneurysmal regression >5 mm were assigned to group A (mean age, 71.4 ± 8.9 years) and the others to group B (76.3 ± 8.3 years). RESULTS: Aneurysmal regression occurred in 66 patients (40.2%; group A). Univariate analyses showed smaller severity scores at the aortic neck (P = .02) and the iliac arteries (P = .002) in group A and calcifications and thrombus were less significant at the aortic neck (P = .003 and P = .02) and at the iliac arteries (P = .001 and P = .02), and inferior mesenteric artery patency was less frequent (68.2% vs 82.7%, P = .04). Two multivariate analyses were done: one considered the scores and the other the variables included in the scores. In the first, the patients of group A were younger (P = .002) and aortic neck calcifications were less significant (P = .007). In the second, group A patients were younger (P < .001) and the aortic neck scores were smaller (P = .04). There was no difference between the two groups in the type of implanted endoprosthesis or in the follow-up (group A: 46.4 ± 24 months; group B: 47.2 ± 22 months; P = .35). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the young age of the patients and their aortic neck quality, in particular the absence of neck calcification, appear to have been the main factors affecting aneurysm shrinkage, such that they represent a target population for the improvement of EVAR results.

Extension to the right heart chambers can cause valve obstruction, leading to cardiac insufficiency and death. Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic angiography are the most sensitive methods to diagnose this pathology and to enable planning of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy. Treatment consists in a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, along with removal of as much of the extrauterine tumor as possible. Recurrence can result from incomplete excision and may necessitate further surgical treatment. Because of the presence of estrogen receptors, antiestrogens such as tamoxifen may be given when the tumor is unresectable or to control for incomplete resection or recurrence of the tumor.

International audience; Consumptive coagulopathy is known to occur in patients with aneurysm, especially in the thoracic localization. Compared to open chest surgery, the endovascular treatment leaves in place a large thrombosed aneurysmal sac, which might induce and/or exacerbate the coagulopathy. Although exceptional, some recent reports have raised the potential disastrous issue related to this complication. We report the case of a 74-year-old patient treated for an asymptomatic thoracic aorta aneurysm by endoprosthesis who developed a fatal disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. This complication has been related to a type III endoleak associated with a preoperative hepatic insufficiency.

International audience; BACKGROUND: To assess the accuracy of the aortic outer curvature length for thoracic endograft planning. METHODS: Seventy-four patients (58 men, 66.4 ± 14 years) who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair between 2009 and 2011 treated with a Cook Medical endograft were enrolled in this retrospective study. Immediate postoperative CT scans were analysed using EndoSize software. Three vessel lengths were computed between two fixed landmarks placed at each end of the endograft: the straightline (axial) length, the centerline length and the outer curvature length. A tortuosity index was defined as the ratio of the centerline length/straightline length. A Student t test and a Pearson correlation coefficient were used to examine the results. RESULTS: We found a significant difference between the centerline length (135.4 ± 24 mm) and that of the endograft (160 ± 29 mm) (p < .0001). This difference correlates with the tortuosity index (r = .818, p < .0001), the endograft length (r = .587, p < .0001), and the diameter of the endograft (r = .53, p < .0001). However, the outer curvature length (161.3 ± 29 mm) and the endograft length (160 ± 29 mm) were similar (p = .792). CONCLUSION: The outer curvature length more accurately reflects that of the deployed endograft and may prove more accurate than centerlines in planning thoracic endografts.

P. Menua,∗, J.F. Stoltzb and H. Kerdjoudjc aFaculte de medecine, Groupe Ingenierie Cellulaire et Tissulaire, Universite de Lorraine, UMR CNRS 7561, Vandœuvre, France bDepartement Unite Therapeutique Cellulaire et Tissulaire, Universite de Lorraine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre, France cEA 4691, Laboratoire Biomateriaux et inflammation en site osseux, UFR Odontologie, SFR CAP-Sante, Universite de Reims, Champagne Ardenne (URCA), France

International audience; Computer-aided surgery makes use of a variety of technologies and information sources. The challenge over the past 10 years has been to apply these methods to tissues that deform, as do vessels when relatively rigid flexible objects are introduced into them (Lunderquist rigid guide wire, aortic prosthesis, etc) Three stages of computer-aided endovascular surgery are examined: sizing, planning, and intraoperative assistance. The authors' work shows that an approach based on optimized use of the imaging data acquired during the various observation phases (pre- and intraoperative), involving only lightweight computer equipment that is relatively transparent for the user, makes it possible to provide useful (ie, necessary and sufficient) information at the appropriate moment, in order to aid decision making and enhance the security of endovascular procedures.

International audience; Because of the severe increase of mortality by cardiovascular diseases, there has been rising interest among the tissue-engineering community for small-sized blood vessel substitutes. Here we present small diameter vascular grafts made of slow degradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanofibers obtained by electrospinning. The process was optimized by a factorial design approach that led to reproducible grafts with inner diameters of 2 and 4 mm, respectively. Fiber sizes, graft morphology, and the resulting tensile stress and tensile strain values were studied as a function of various parameters in order to obtain optimal vascular grafts for implantation after gamma-sterilization. The influence of polymer concentration, solvent, needle-collector distance, applied voltage, flow rate, and spinning time has been studied. Consequently, an optimized vascular graft was implanted as an abdominal aortic substitute in nine rats for a feasibility study. Results are given following up a 12-week implantation period showing good patency, endothelization, and cell ingrowth.

International audience; To better understand the effect of the internal thoracic artery on endothelial growth after open coronary endarterectomy, we designed an experimental test of the hypothesis that closing an endarterectomized artery by an arterial patch improves re-endothelialization. The two carotid arteries were endarterectomized in nine sheep and were randomly chosen for closure by native arterial femoral (ART) patch or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch. Three animals were randomly chosen for sacrifice at 8, 15 and 21 days each. The endarterectomized segments were studied macroscopically and microscopically. The endarterectomized area covered with adhesive thrombus was more extensive in the PTFE than in the ART group (P=0.0117). In the ART group, the regenerated endothelium was normal and sprouted from the edges of both the endarterectomy and the arterial patch towards the central endarterectomized area. In the PTFE group, it sprouted from the edges of the endarterectomy and never reached the central endarterectomized area, where abnormal endothelium was observed. The endarterectomized area covered with normal endothelium was more extensive in the ART than in the PTFE group at 8 days, at 15 days, and 21 days (P

International audience; PURPOSE: To report initial experience with endovascular stent-grafting in aortic intramural hematoma (IMH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2006, 15 patients (mean age, 67 years; range, 54-83 y) underwent endovascular treatment of aortic IMH. Thirteen patients were admitted for acute aortic syndrome and two for traumatic aortic injury. An endovascular procedure was performed as primary treatment for four patients (type A IMH, n = 3; type B IMH, n = 1) and as a second-line therapy in 11 patients because of unfavorable evolution (type A IMH, n = 1; type B IMH, n = 10). All stent-grafts were placed in the descending aorta, even for type A IMH. The mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 6-72 months). RESULTS: The primary success rate was 93%, with complete exclusion of the lesion (n = 14). Exclusion was partial for one patient with a type I endoleak (7%). The 30-day mortality rate was zero. IMH evolution was favorable in all cases, with decreased aortic wall thickening (n = 8) or complete regression (n = 7). Complications associated with endovascular repair were mainly related to aneurysm formation (20%). The late death rate was 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular stent-graft treatment can be performed in the management of complicated IMH, even in some cases of type A IMH, when an intimal lesion is located in the isthmus or descending aorta with contraindications to surgery. This procedure offers low morbidity and mortality rates, representing a feasible therapeutic option especially for elderly patients with comorbidities. Further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

International audience; Usual imaging after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) consists of AAA diameter monitoring and endoleak detection. Among additional predictor parameters previously proposed to help clinicians in better identifying subgroups of AAA still at risk of rupture, AAA wall motion after EVAR has been studied, but its value was not clearly established. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is an ultrasonographic modality which allows wall motion measurements along an arterial segment. The aim of the current study was to analyze AAA wall motion with TDI before and after EVAR and to describe its evolution in patients with more than 1 month of follow-up. Twenty-five consecutive patients undergoing EVAR between February 2005 and June 2007 gave informed consent to be prospectively investigated with the TDI system before EVAR and at each visit during follow-up. The mean (SD) follow-up was 13.7 (9.7) months. Maximum mean segmental dilation (MMSD), segmental compliance, dilation at maximum diameter, pressure strain elastic modulus (Ep), and stiffness were compared between three periods (before stenting, before discharge, and at last follow-up), and their relation with AAA diameter was analyzed. A significant decrease in AAA compliance was immediately observed after successful EVAR and remained stable during later follow-up. On the other hand, AAA diameter progressively decreased along time and was statistically lower at the last control compared to the initial value. MMSD, segmental compliance, and dilation at maximum diameter were positively related to AAA diameter. This means that the larger the AAA diameter after stenting, the higher the value for these parameters can be expected. On the contrary, percentage of AAA diameter decrease and percentage of MMSD decrease were not related after successful EVAR. There was no parallelism between loss in compliance and diameter decrease along time, and there is not a unique pattern of AAA diameter and compliance evolution after EVAR. Even if comparison between patients without and with endoleak was weak due to the small sample of the latter group (five patients with endoleak), compliance tended to be greater in case of endoleak. AAA wall motion after successful EVAR reflects complex interactions between all the components of the stented aneurysm which evolve over time, including true compliance of the aneurysm wall itself; intra-aneurysm sac pressure with possible different effects for peak, mean, and pulse pressures; remodeling of the thrombus; stiffness characteristics of the graft; and systemic pressure. Combining simultaneous MMSD records with actual intrasaccular pressure measurements in patients with and without endoleak would improve our understanding of the clinical pulsatility mechanism within AAA after EVAR.

Background— Long-term patency of conventional synthetic grafts is unsatisfactory below a 6-mm internal diameter. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a promising biodegradable polymer with a longer degradation time. We aimed to evaluate in vivo healing and degradation characteristics of small-diameter vascular grafts made of PCL nanofibers compared with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. Methods and Results— We prepared 2-mm–internal diameter grafts by electrospinning using PCL (M n =80 000 g/mol). Either PCL (n=15) or ePTFE (n=15) grafts were implanted into 30 rats. Rats were followed up for 24 weeks. At the conclusion of the follow-up period, patency and structural integrity were evaluated by digital subtraction angiography. The abdominal aorta, including the graft, was harvested and investigated under light microscopy. Endothelial coverage, neointima formation, and transmural cellular ingrowth were measured by computed histomorphometry. All animals survived until the end of follow-up, and all grafts were patent in both groups. Digital subtraction angiography revealed no stenosis in the PCL group but stenotic lesions in 1 graft at 18 weeks (40%) and in another graft at 24 weeks (50%) in the ePTFE group. None of the grafts showed aneurysmal dilatation. Endothelial coverage was significantly better in the PCL group. Neointimal formation was comparable between the 2 groups. Macrophage and fibroblast ingrowth with extracellular matrix formation and neoangiogenesis were better in the PCL group. After 12 weeks, foci of chondroid metaplasia located in the neointima of PCL grafts were observed in all samples. Conclusions— Small-diameter PCL grafts represent a promising alternative for the future because of their better healing characteristics compared with ePTFE grafts. Faster endothelialization and extracellular matrix formation, accompanied by degradation of graft fibers, seem to be the major advantages. Further evaluation of degradation and graft healing characteristics may potentially lead to the clinical use of such grafts for revascularization procedures.

The long-term benefit of venous bypass has been clearly demonstrated, but procedure feasibility is contingent upon availability of a suitable vein. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of venous bypasses performed by the first author using veins presenting dilatations that were selectively reinforced with a short prosthesis. The purpose was to answer three questions. First, should ectasis be reduced before reinforcement? Second, do hyperplasia and stenosis develop in reinforced zones? Third, do dilatation and rupture develop in unreinforced zones? Twelve patients, including 10 men and 2 women ranging in age from 36 to 77 years (median 68), underwent bypass for peripheral artery disease in seven cases, popliteal aneurysm in four, and prosthetic rupture in one. Ten patients had poor distal runoff. The bypass was femoral-to-popliteal in eight cases, femoral-to-infrapopliteal in three, and popliteal-to-popliteal in one. The graft was reversed in nine cases and ex situ devalvulated in three. The number of prosthetic reinforcements used was one in two cases, two in three cases, three in six cases, and four in one case. All but one prosthetic reinforcement were made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Bypass occlusion was observed in two cases, including one case observed in the early postoperative period after bypass for limb salvage in a young man in whom distal runoff was limited to a few collaterals and one case that occurred 4 years after a repeat bypass procedure. The other 10 bypasses remained patent throughout follow-up, which varied from 1 to 11 years (median 4). There were three deaths during follow-up. Doppler ultrasound revealed no stenosis in the reinforced zones and no dilatation in the unreinforced zones but demonstrated progressive deterioration of the runoff in 50% of cases. At the last follow-up examination, two bypasses were patent despite poor runoff. Although the number of patients in this series was small, the outcome of venous bypass using reinforced vein grafts appeared clearly better than outcomes of prosthetic bypass reported in the literature. Reinforcement can be easily achieved using a short, thin-walled PTFE prosthesis adjusted to the proper diameter by gentle dilatation using forceps. Unlike most authors, we do not recommend reducing dilatation by resection or oversewing. Reinforced zones did not develop stenosis and unreinforced intermediate zones showed little or no dilatation and no risk of rupture.

International audience; OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the complications, the morbidity and mortality of renal transplantation in patients with a vascular prosthesis inserted either prior to or at the same time as renal transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between January 2001 and January 2006, six renal transplantations were performed in patients with arterial vascular prostheses or requiring concomitant insertion of a vascular prosthesis during renal transplantation. The mean age was 58 years [range: 47-69 years]. In each case, we evaluated operative difficulties, complications and postoperative course (morbidity, mortality) and the renal functional result. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 230 minutes [range: 130-380 minutes] with a mean blood loss of 390 ml [175-750 ml]. Three patients required another surgical operation for femoral thrombosis, iliofemoral thrombosis and compressive haematoma. The median length of hospital stay was 21 days [range: 9-78 days]. Graft function was restored immediately in all six patients, and one case of graft loss was observed. The morbidity was higher than that usually observed after renal transplantation. With a mean follow-up of 26 months, the vascular and renal results are satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Renal transplantation in patients with a history of vascular prosthesis or requiring replacement of the vascular prosthesis at the same time as renal transplantation can be performed with satisfactory results but with an increased morbidity. The vascular treatment must be part of a multidisciplinary strategy in the context of transplantation.

International audience; PURPOSE: To determine the relative rates of common iliac artery (CIA) expansion after elective straight aortic tube-graft replacement of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). METHODS: Five participating centers in this 2004 study entered patients they had managed by an aortoaortic tube graft for elective AAA repair. The procedures took place between January 1995 and December 2003. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained for all patients in 2004 to assess changes in CIA diameter. Measurements on preoperative and postoperative CT scans were all made at the same level using the same technique. RESULTS: Entered in the study were 147 patients (138 men, 9 women) with a mean age of 68 years. Mean follow-up from aortic surgery to verification of CIA diameter on the postoperative CT scan was 4.8 years. Mean preoperative CIA diameter was 13.6 mm vs 15.2 mm postoperatively. No patient developed occlusive iliac artery disease during follow-up. Three patients (2%) required repeat surgery during follow-up for a CIA aneurysm. The 147 patients were divided into three groups based on preoperative CIA diameter shown in CT scan: group A (n = 59, 40.1%), both CIA were of normal diameter; group B (n = 53, 36.1%), ectasia (diameter between 12 and 18 mm) of at least one CIA; group C (n = 35, 23.8%), an aneurysm (diameter >18 mm) of at least one CIA. CIA diameter increased by a mean of 1 mm (9.4%) over 5.5 years in group A vs 1.7 mm (12.1%) over 4.3 years in group B and 2.3 mm (12.7%) over 4.2 years in group C. The three patients who required repeat surgery for a CIA aneurysm during follow-up were all in group C. Four variables were associated with aneurysmal change in CIA: initial CIA diameter, celiac aorta diameter on the preoperative CT scan, a coexisting aneurysm site, and the follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: Tube-graft placement during AAA surgery is justified even for moderate CIA dilatation ( or =25 mm enlarge more rapidly and warrant insertion of a bifurcated graft during the same surgical session as AAA repair. The evolutive potential of CIA between 18 mm and 25 mm in diameter justifies a bifurcated graft when the celiac aorta diameter is >25 mm or the patient's life expectancy is > or =8 years.

International audience; The study of mechanical properties of the arterial wall is an important step in the comprehension of the vascular physiopathological functioning. However, cryopreserving biological tissues using very low temperatures can induce biological and structural modifications which may involve complications (dilatation, bursting, stenosis) after reimplantation. Many procedures of mechanical tests (traction, dilatation) developed in research allow us to comprehend and analyse rheological behaviour of the arterial wall. The study presented in this article offers a new perspective to detect changes of mechanical properties of cryopreserved arterial samples. In fact, the original idea is to couple a mechanical test bed (uniaxial traction of arterial rings) with spectroscopic measurements (autofluorescence) for the purpose of correlating mechanical modifications and spectral variations. Ultimately, this new approach could lead to develop a device allowing atraumatic and contactless optical examinations of arterial graft to determine its mechanical state before reimplantation.

BACKGROUND: The evolution and correlation between the aortic neck and distally located iliac necks after endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) was studied. METHODS: Of 179 patients who had undergone AAA repair between 2003 and 2007, 61 received the same radiologic follow-up and were included in this retrospective study. Data for 61 aortic necks and 115 iliac arteries were analyzed using the preoperative scan, 1-month visit, and final follow-up, with a minimum mean follow-up of 24 ± 15.2 months. Three measurements were taken of the aortic neck: subrenal (D1a), 15 mm below the lowest renal artery (D1b), and at the origin of the aneurysm (D1c). Three measurements were taken at the level of the iliac arteries: origin (Da), middle (Db), and the iliac bifurcation (Dc). These measurements were analyzed using analysis of variance and Spearman correlation coefficient. The results were evaluated for subsequent endoleaks, migrations, and reinterventions. All diameters were compared between patients with a regression of >10% in the greatest diameter of AAA at last follow-up (group A, n = 35) and those without (group B, n = 26). RESULTS: All diameters (in mm) increased significantly over time at the level of the proximal neck (D1a = 3.7 ± 2.8, P = .018; D1b = 4.4 ± 2.5, P = .016; D1c = 4.3 ± 3.1, P = .036) and iliac arteries (Da = 2.1 ± 0.2, P = .0006; Db = 2.5 ± 0.5, P = .0006; Dc = 3 ± 0.7, P = .007). The increase in diameters at the proximal neck and iliac arteries evolved independently (insignificant correlation), with the exception of D1b and Dc (P = .006), which showed a weak correlation (r = 0.363). The group A patients presented increases in all diameters, although to a less significant extent (P < .05) than group B patients. During follow-up, a proximal endoleak and a distal endoleak occurred, both requiring reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a trend toward dilatation of the aortic neck and iliac arteries, with no correlation between the two levels, even in patients with a regression of the aneurysm sac during follow-up. Although this study found no correlation with the occurrence of endoleaks, our results suggest the need for a longer follow-up, especially on the landing sites.

International audience; Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta has been adopted as the first-line therapy for much pathology. Initial results from the early-generation endografts have highlighted the potential of this technique. Newer-generation endografts have now been introduced into clinical practice and careful assessment of their performance should be mandatory. This study describes the initial experience with the Valiant endograft and makes comparisons with similar series documenting previous-generation endografts. Data were retrospectively collected on 180 patients treated with the Valiant endograft at seven European centers between March 2005 and October 2006. The patient cohort consisted of 66 patients with thoracic aneurysms, 22 with thoracoabdominal aneurysms, 19 with an acute aortic syndrome, 52 with aneurysmal degeneration of a chronic dissection, and 21 patients with traumatic aortic transection. The overall 30-day mortality for the series was 7.2%, with a stroke rate of 3.8% and a paraplegia rate of 3.3%. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that mortality differed significantly between different indications; thoracic aneurysms (6.1%), thoracoabdominal aneurysms (27.3%), acute aortic syndrome (10.5%), chronic dissections (1.9%), and acute transections (0%). Adjunctive surgical procedures were required in 63 patients, and 51% of patients had grafts deployed proximal to the left subclavian artery. Comparison with a series of earlier-generation grafts demonstrated a significant increase in complexity of procedure as assessed by graft implantation site, number of grafts and patient comorbidity. The data demonstrate acceptable results for a new-generation endograft in series of patients with diverse thoracic aortic pathology. Comparison of clinical outcomes between different endografts poses considerable challenges due to differing case complexity.