A laparoscopic endovascular aortobifemoral conduit that can be retained as a long-term bypass: a solution for patients with inadequate iliac access.

PURPOSE

To present a laparoscopic technique for placing a partially stented aortobifemoral (ABF) conduit that can be used for more proximal endovascular manipulations and then be retained as a permanent bypass of occlusive iliac disease.

TECHNIQUE

Ethical approval was obtained to use a fresh frozen cadaver. The left common iliac artery, distal aorta, and proximal right common iliac artery were dissected laparoscopically. A curved hollow needle was inserted into the distal aorta, and wire access was obtained. A partially stented bifurcated Dacron bypass graft was deployed under fluoroscopic guidance into the distal aorta. The limbs of the bypass were then used as conduits for endovascular access before being tunneled behind the ureters and anastomosed to the femoral arteries in the usual way, retaining the stented graft as an ABF bypass.

CONCLUSION

This novel technique combines laparoscopic access with endovascular manipulation to place an ABF conduit, which can be retained as a permanent bypass without the need for an abdominal incision. This technique could provide a minimally invasive solution for pelvic occlusive disease that hinders endovascular repairs, as well as a minimally invasive means of securing endoluminal access in patients with iliac arteries of inadequate caliber.