ePTFE coated self-expanding Nitinol Stent in the treatment of non-obstructive peripheral arterial lesions

Purpose: We report our experience regarding use of Fluency stent-graft (Bard, Murray Hill, NJ, USA) for the treatment of peripheral aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulae, dissections and arterial ruptures, lacerations or perforations. Methods and Materials: This two-center study included 59 patients (40 M, 19 F) with a mean age of 64.37 years (range 20-91 years). In total 61 lesions were treated, so subdivided: 10 true aneurysms, 26 pseudoaneurysms, 5 iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula, 20 arterial ruptures,lacerations or perforations. Results: Immediate technical success was obtained in 60 of 61 lesions (98.3%); in 1 case (pseudoaneurysm of hepatic artery) additional embolization of the gastroduodenal artery with microcoils was needed. Follow-up was available for 57 patients and 59 lesions; mean period was 23.52 months (range 1-60 months). At 1 year primary patency was 89.47%, whereas secondary patency was 96,4%. Conclusion: Endovascular application of Fluency stent-graft seems to offer an effective, and durable less invasive alternative to standard surgical techniques for the treatment of peripheral aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, iatrogenic arteriovenous fistulae and arterial ruptures, or penetrating injuries.