The Custom Made Branched/Fenestrated Endovascular Device to be used in this treatment plan is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, and is approved for use only in a clinical study. However, the FDA has allowed the use of this device for compassionate use.
The devices used are tubular grafts made of polyester fabric sewn to metal stents. The upper part of the grafts includes fenestrations (holes) that allow the grafts to be located above or near major arteries that branch off of the aorta (celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and renal arteries) without blocking blood flow to them. The celiac artery supplies blood to internal organs including the liver and stomach. The SMA supplies blood to internal organs as well, including parts of the large and small intestines. The renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys. Grafts with branches and/or fenestrations are needed when the aneurysm is located near these major arteries. The major arteries that branch off of the aorta (celiac artery, SMA, and renal arteries) may also be treated using stents (small tubular metal structures) to help keep the arteries open and aligned with the graft fenestrations (holes).
