Air bubbles are released by thoracic endograft deployment: An in vitro experimental study:

摘要

Purpose:Embolic stroke is a dreaded complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The prevailing theory about its cause is that particulate debris from atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic wall are dislodged by endovascular instruments and embolize to the brain. An alternative source of embolism might be air trapped in the endograft delivery system. The aim of this experimental study was to determine whether air is released during deployment of a thoracic endograft.Methods:In an experimental benchtop study, eight thoracic endografts (five Medtronic Valiant Thoracic and three Gore TAG) were deployed in a water-filled transparent container drained from air. Endografts were prepared and deployed according to their instructions for use. Deployment was filmed and the volume of air released was collected and measured in a calibrated syringe.Results:Air was released from all the endografts examined. Air volumes ranged from 0.1 to 0.3?mL for Medtronic Valiant Thoracic and from 0.025 to 0.04?mL for Gore T...