Stent-Graft Placement Is Viable Treatment for Visceral Artery Aneurysms

A recent article in CIR describes the authors’ experiences in treating visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) with the use of covered stents.

The article has concluded that stent-graft placement for VAA is a viable treatment technique for aneurysms >2 cm in diameter, for rapidly expanding aneurysms, and for patients who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant.

Participants
4 patients with VAA treated with the use of stent-grafts during a 17-month study interval and with a follow-up performed to 24 months. Three patients had a splenic artery aneurysm, and one had a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm.

Results of the Study
All aneurysms were >2 cm in diameter. Patients were treated with a variety of stent-grafts with diameters ranging from 5 mm to 7 mm. All patients had complete exclusion of the aneurysm. The patient with the hepatic pseudoaneurysm expired secondary to pancreatitis 16 days later. The three patients with the splenic artery aneurysm had exclusion of their aneurysm seen 24 months later.

Conclusions
Stent-graft placement for VAA is a viable treatment technique. Indications for treatment of these aneurysms include size >2 cm, rapidly expanding aneurysm, bleeding and rupture, pregnancy, and the likelihood of getting pregnant.

Author: Sohail Contractor, MD

Reference:
Rossi M, Rebonato A, et al. Endovascular Exclusion of Visceral Artery Aneurysms With Stent-Grafts: Technique and Long-Term Follow-Up. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol; 2008; 31 (January-February): 36-42