Minimally Invasive Segmental Artery Coil Embolization (MISACE) Prior to Endovascular Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Abstract

Purpose: Minimally Invasive Segmental Artery Coil Embolization (MISACE) is a novel approach to reduce paraplegia risk in Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair with limited data. We report our experience with MISACE as a method of spinal cord pre-conditioning to prevent spinal cord ischemia following endovascular repair of TAAA.

Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 17 patients who had an attempted MISACE prior to endovascular TAAA repair with mean follow-up of 350 days (2017-2020). Baseline patient and aneurysm characteristics along with procedural technique and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Mean age of 69 years and 76.5% were males. TAAA Crawford classification were II, n = 6 (35.3%), III, n = 4 (23.5%) and IV, n = 5 (29.4%). The mean aortic diameter was 70.6 ± 10.9 mm. Staged repair was performed on 9 patients. Technically successful embolization occurred in 14 patients (82.4%) and was unsuccessful in 3 patients. The median number of embolized arteries was 3 and 71% of the target arteries were between T9 and T12. Mean fluoroscopy time was 51.5 ± 22.5 min and mean contrast volume used was 132.8 ± 56.1 mL. Average number of catheters used was 4.6 and 3.5 wires. No complications related to the procedure. Mean interval between embolization to endovascular TAAA repair was 51.2 days (5-110 days). All patients received spinal drainage at the time of repair. Postoperatively, 2/14 of patients developed paraparesis in the MISACE successful group and 1/3 patients developed paraplegia in the unsuccessful group.

Conclusions: MISACE is a promising strategy to prevent SCI. This data demonstrates the technique is feasible and safe but anatomic challenges remain.

Keywords: MISACE; Segmental arteries; Spinal cord ischemia; TAAA.