Innovative Procedure for Inferior Mesenteric Artery Embolization Using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 during Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to present an easy and quick technique for embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

TECHNIQUE: We performed IMA embolization using a conventional EVAR device alone with the femoral artery approach during EVAR, which has not been reported previously. First, a 16F or 18F DrySeal Sheath is inserted from the femoral artery into the site around the IMA. Second, cannulation is performed in the IMA with an angiography catheter having a 0.038-inch inner lumen that is used for gate cannulation during EVAR. Third, IMA embolization is performed using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 (AVP4). The use of the DrySeal Sheath facilitates cannulation of the IMA, and its combination with a stent-graft balloon allows the AVP4 to be placed at the root of the IMA without deviation of the catheter. The success rate of the procedure was 90.9% (30/33 cases). The median procedure time was 11.6 min. No complications due to IMA embolization were noted.

CONCLUSION

This procedure enables safe and quick placement of the AVP4 in the IMA using the catheter insertion approach from the femoral artery, which has been conventionally regarded as difficult.