Large animal model validation of a fenestrated balloon-expandable stent for treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease

The AortoIliac FENestrated (AIFEN) stent is a novel device that is designed for the endovascular management of aortoiliac occlusive disease while maintaining the natural aortoiliac anatomy and native bifurcation. Here, we report the first benchtop creation of this device through modification of a balloon-expandable covered stent and implanted in three large animal porcine aortoiliac segments. AIFEN stent placement was feasible and was maintained for 4 weeks in vivo. This first proof-of-concept AIFEN stent study demonstrates promising results and warrants further, rigorous evaluation to improve endovascular management of aortoiliac occlusive disease.