Periscope graft to extend distal landing zone in ruptured thoracoabdominal aneurysms with short distal necks

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms may be compromised or even impossible due to short proximal and/or distal necks or landing zones, respectively. Supra-aortic branches may limit the proximal anchorage and visceral or renal arteries the distal anchorage of endografts. While solutions have been proposed to overcome the problem of a short proximal neck, no technique has been described that solves the problem of a short distal neck. We present the "periscope technique," which allows extension of the distal landing zone and complete endovascular treatment of ruptured thoracoabdominal aneurysms with short distal necks using devices already stocked in most centers performing EVAR procedures. (J Vasc Surg 2010;51:1293-6.)