Outcome Analysis From a Multicenter Registry on Unibody Stent-Graft System for the Treatment of Spontaneous Infrarenal Acute Aortic Syndrome (MURUSSIAS Registry)
Authors: Pecoraro Felice , Volpe Pietro , Boccalon Luca , Migliara Bruno , Rivolta Nicola , Silvestro Antonino , Trabattoni Piero L. M. , Massara Mafalda , Diaco Domenico A. , Dinoto Ettore , Urso Francesca , Alberti Antonino , Feriani Giovanni , Franchin Marco , Ravini Matteo L. , Saccu Claudio 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

This study reports the outcomes from a Multicenter Registry on unibody stent-graft system for the treatment of spontaneous infrarenal acute aortic syndrome (MURUSSIAS registry).

Materials and methods:

The retrospective MURUSSIAS registry included spontaneous infrarenal acute aortic dissection (IAAS) managed with the unibody stent-graft system (AFX endovascular AAA system; Endologix Inc., Irvine, California) outside the current instruction for use. IAAS considered aortic dissection (AD), intramural hematoma (IMH), and penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU). Indications to IAAS treatment were symptoms, associated dilated abdominal aorta (>3 cm), rapidly-growing (>0.5 cm/6 months) aorta, IAAS disease progression. Measured results were technical success, early (within 30 days) and midterm outcomes (after 30 days), including mortality, complications, symptoms recurrence, type I/III endoleak occurrence, stent-graft patency, survival, and freedom from reintervention. The mean follow-up was 22.12 ± 17 months.

Results:

The MURUSSIAS registry included 83 patients from 7 participating centers. IAAS indication to treatment were symptoms in 42 (51%). In 14 (17%) patients, the infrarenal aortic length was <80 mm, and in 28 (34%), the aortic bifurcation diameter was <16 mm. Technical success was 100%. Mortality occurred early in 1 (1%) and at the midterm in 3 (4%) patients. Complications occurred early in 10 (12%) patients (1 severe, 3 moderates, and 6 mild) and at midterm in 2 (2%) (2 moderate). No symptoms’ recurrence or type I/III endoleaks were registered. The 36-month estimated survival and freedom from reinterventions were 89% and 92%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The MURUSSIAS registry is the largest collection of spontaneous IAAS managed endovascularly using the AFX endovascular AAA system. The IAAS peculiar anatomic features were fitted with the used technique with excellent results. This treatment strategy might be considered in IAAS unless specifically-designed endovascular solutions will be available also in the emergent setting. Further studies are required to assess the longer-term performances and the stability of the reported technique.

Clinical Impact

The lack of specifically designed devices for infrarenal acute aortic syndrome (IAAS) disease remains an issue principally for its specific anatomic features. The MURUSSIAS registry retrospectively examined the outcomes of spontaneous IAAS treated using the unibody stent-graft system in a spontaneous national study; and reports the largest available data on this topic. The use of the unibody stent-graft system showed to fit the anatomic peculiarities of IAAS with excellent outcomes. This IAAS treatment strategy should be considered unless specifically designed endovascular solutions will be available.