Technical challenges encountered during deployment of the ovation abdominal aortic stent-graft system.

PURPOSE: To describe technical challenges encountered using the Ovation endograft for abdominal aortic aneurysms and suggest tips and maneuvers for successful management. TECHNIQUE: Deployment of the Ovation's unsupported main body is often associated with the anteroposterior arrangement of the limb gates instead of the usual side-by-side configuration, rendering contralateral catheterization challenging. Successful catheterization of the contralateral limb can be confirmed by lateral deviation of the ipsilateral stiff guidewire caused by balloon inflation within the contralateral limb. Moreover, failure to cannulate the contralateral limb gate due to persistent impingement of the guidewire or compromise of the inflated rings can be overcome using the transbrachial antegrade approach.
CONCLUSION: Awareness of certain aspects associated with the use of the Ovation device and adoption of the adjunctive techniques herein described helps the interventionist avoid unexpected challenges or manage technical difficulties to maximize the device's safety and effectiveness.