Device profile of EndoAnchors for aortic stent graft implantation: overview of their safety and efficacy

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) are established techniques to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA). However, there are limitations when challenging proximal neck anatomy is present. Heli-FX EndoAnchors have been used in addition to EVAR and TEVAR to improve proximal sealing of a stent-graft, but there are limited data available on their outcomes, safety, and efficacy.

Areas Covered

The properties and development of Heli-FX EndoAnchors are evaluated. The evidence of various clinical outcomes, safety, and efficacy is interrogated with the augmented use of Heli-FX EndoAnchors with EVAR or TEVAR.

Expert Opinion

Challenging proximal neck anatomy can be problematic during EVAR or TEVAR. EndoAnchors may be part of the solution – used either prophylactically or therapeutically. The safety and efficacy databases are building but long-term data are still not available for this device and there remains inadequate data to support its routine use. Judicious patient selection is still needed.

KEYWORDS:

• EndoAnchor
• EndoStaple
• EVAR
• Heli-FX
• Hostile neck
• TEVAR

Article highlights

• EndoAnchors are designed to achieve a more secure proximal seal during EVAR or TEVAR, especially in aneurysms with hostile necks

• Technical and procedural successes are high with the use of EndoAnchors

• Sac regression, reintervention rates, and endoleaks following EVAR with EndoAnchors show promising results

• EndoAnchors have been used in TEVAR with limited data and variable results

• There is a paucity of long-term data to support their routine use

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.