Early and midterm outcome of Multilayer Flow Modulator stent for complex aortic aneurysm treatment in Germany

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the early and midterm outcomes of endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysm cases using the Multilayer Flow Modulator (MFM; Cardiatis, Isnes, Belgium) endograft in Germany.

METHODS: A retrospective study including patients presenting with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), thoracic aortic aneurysm, or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm treated with the MFM was conducted in Germany. Mortality and morbidity (in terms of spinal cord ischemia, visceral ischemia, and stroke) at 30 days postoperatively were evaluated. In addition, during follow-up, freedom from reintervention, rupture, and failure mode were also assessed.

RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2014, a total of 61 patients with AAA, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, or thoracic aortic aneurysm were treated with the MFM endograft in 29 hospitals around Germany. However, data of 40 patients with a mean age of 73.4 ± 11.2 years (72.5% male; 29/40) and mean aortic aneurysm diameter of 60.3 ± 16.6 mm from 14 hospitals were available for this retrospective study. Thirty-seven (93%) patients were treated urgently. In 12 cases (12/40 [30%]), patients were treated outside instructions for use because of aortic aneurysm diameter >65 mm. A total of 69 MFM stents were used (1.7/patient). The technical success rate was 95% (38/40). Postoperatively, no patient presented with spinal cord ischemia, renal function deterioration, stroke, or intestinal ischemia, except for one patient who developed multiorgan failure because of early stent migration. The intraoperative and 30-day mortality rate was 0% and 2.5%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 12.9 months (±14.9 months), with a survival rate at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months of 97%, 78%, and 70%, respectively. Freedom from failure mode (type I or II) at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months was 97.5%, 88%, and 86%, respectively, and visceral vessel patency was 99.3% (155/156 available). During follow-up, 4 patients (4/39 [10%]) had an aneurysm sac rupture and 10 (10/39 [25%]) underwent a reintervention. Freedom from rupture and freedom from reintervention at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months were 97.5% and 100%, 96% and 84%, and 86% and 75%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of the MFM for endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysm in urgent cases appears to be technically feasible in terms of mortality and morbidity, with moderate 30-day and acceptable midterm outcomes. Reinterventions may be needed to expand the utility of outcomes.