An Experimental Study of a New Pull-through Technique for Aortic Arch Aneurysm in a Porcine Model

Abstract

A new pull-through technique for placement of the aortic arch stent-graft was developed. Selfexpandable curved stents (Matsui-Kitamura stents) were used on 4 pigs. With use of the endoscopic system, the sheath insertion was performed at the ascending aorta. By this pullthrough method from the ascending aorta to the femoral artery, the stent was deployed into the aortic arch. All stents were successfully deployed into the correct position, and they fitted into the curvature of the aortic arch wall. By this method, stent-grafting for aortic arch aneurysm is expected to be performed with more accuracy and safety.