31
7 PATIENT SELECTION AND TREATMENT
See Section 4, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Individualization of Treatment
Cook recommends that the Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft component
diameters be selected as described in Tables 10.5.1 and 10.5.2. The length
of the Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft should extend from the lowest
renal artery to just above the internal iliac (hypogastric) artery bifurcation. All
lengths and diameters of the devices necessary to complete the procedure
should be available to the physician, especially when preoperative case
planning measurements (treatment diameters/lengths) are not certain. This
approach allows for greater intraoperative flexibility to achieve optimal
procedural outcomes. The risks and benefits previously described in
Section
6, SUMMARY OF CLINICAL STUDIES
should be carefully considered for each
patient before use of the Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft. Additional
considerations for patient selection include but are not limited to:
• Patient's age and life expectancy
• Co-morbidities (e.g., cardiac, pulmonary or renal insufficiency prior to
surgery, morbid obesity)
• Patient's suitability for open surgical repair
• Patient's anatomical suitability for endovascular repair
• The risk of aneurysm rupture compared to the risk of treatment with the
Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft
• Ability to tolerate general, regional or local anesthesia
• Iliofemoral access vessel size and morphology (minimal thrombus, calcium
and/or tortuosity) should be compatible with vascular access techniques
and accessories of the delivery profile of a 14 French to 22 French vascular
introducer sheath
• Non-aneurysmal infrarenal aortic segment (neck) proximal to the aneurysm:
• with a length of at least 15 mm,
• with a diameter measured outer wall to outer wall of no greater than
32 mm and no less than 18 mm,
• with an angle less than 60 degrees relative to the long axis of the
aneurysm, and
• with an angle less than 45 degrees relative to the axis of the suprarenal
aorta
• Iliac artery distal fixation site greater than 10 mm in length and 7.5 to
20 mm in diameter (measured outer wall to outer wall)
• Freedom from significant femoral/iliac artery occlusive disease that would
impede flow through the endovascular graft
The final treatment decision is at the discretion of the physician and patient.
8 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
The physician and patient (and/or family members) should review the risks
and benefits when discussing this endovascular device and procedure,
including:
• Risks and differences between endovascular repair and surgical repair
• Potential advantages of traditional open surgical repair
• Potential advantages of endovascular repair
• The possibility that subsequent interventional or open surgical repair of the
aneurysm may be required after initial endovascular repair
In addition to the risks and benefits of an endovascular repair, the physician
should assess the patient's commitment and compliance to postoperative
follow-up as necessary to ensure continuing safe and effective results. Listed
below are additional topics to discuss with the patient as to expectations after
an endovascular repair:
• The long-term performance of endovascular grafts has not yet been
established. All patients should be advised that endovascular
treatment requires lifelong, regular follow-up to assess their health
and the performance of their endovascular graft. Patients with specific
clinical findings (e.g., endoleaks, enlarging aneurysms or changes in the
structure or position of the endovascular graft) should receive enhanced
follow-up. Specific follow-up guidelines are described in Section 12,
IMAGING GUIDELINES AND POSTOPERATIVE FOLLOW-UP.
• Patients should be counseled on the importance of adhering to the follow-
up schedule, both during the first year and at yearly intervals thereafter.
Patients should be told that regular and consistent follow-up is a critical
part of ensuring the ongoing safety and effectiveness of endovascular
treatment of AAAs. At a minimum, annual imaging and adherence to
routine postoperative follow-up requirements is required and should be
considered a lifelong commitment to the patient’s health and well-being.
• The patient should be told that successful aneurysm repair does not arrest
the disease process. It is still possible to have associated degeneration of
vessels.
• Physicians must advise each patient that it is important to seek prompt
medical attention if he/she experiences signs of limb occlusion, aneurysm
enlargement or rupture. Signs of graft limb occlusion include pain in the
hip(s) or leg(s) during walking or at rest or discoloration or coolness of the
leg. Aneurysm rupture may be asymptomatic, but usually presents as: pain;
numbness; weakness in the legs; any back, chest, abdominal or groin pain;
dizziness; fainting; rapid heartbeat or sudden weakness.
• Due to the imaging required for successful placement and follow-up of
endovascular devices, the risks of radiation exposure to developing tissue
should be discussed with women who are or suspect they are pregnant.
Men who undergo endovascular or open surgical repair may experience
impotence.
Physicians should refer the patient to the
Patient Guide
regarding risks
occurring during or after implantation of the device. Procedure related risks
include cardiac, pulmonary, neurologic, bowel and bleeding complications.
Device related risks include occlusion, endoleak, aneurysm enlargement,
fracture, potential for reintervention and open surgical conversion, rupture
and death (
See Section 5.1, Observed Adverse Events and Section 5.2,
Potential Adverse Events)
. The physician should complete the
Patient ID Card
and give it to the patient so that he/she can carry it with him/her at all times.
The patient should refer to the card anytime he/she visits additional health
practitioners, particularly for any additional diagnostic procedures (e.g., MRI).
9 HOW SUPPLIED
• The Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft is supplied sterile and preloaded in
peel-open packages.
• The device is intended for single use only. Do not re-sterilize the device.
• Inspect the device and packaging to verify that no damage has occurred as
a result of shipping. Do not use this device if damage has occurred or if the
sterilization barrier has been damaged or broken. If damage has occurred,
do not use the product and return to COOK.
• Prior to use, verify correct devices (quantity and size) have been supplied for
the patient by matching the device to the order prescribed by the physician
for that particular patient.
• The main body device is loaded onto an 18, 20 or 22 French Flexor®
introducer sheath. The sheath’s surface is treated with a hydrophilic coating
that, when hydrated, enhances trackability. To activate the hydrophilic
coating, the surface must be wiped with a sterile gauze pad soaked in saline
solution.
• Do not use after the "USE BY" (expiration) date printed on the label.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
10 CLINICAL USE INFORMATION
10.1 Physician Training
CAUTION: Always have a qualified surgery team available during
implantation or re-intervention procedures in the event that conversion
to open surgical repair is necessary.
CAUTION: The Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft with the H&L-B
One-Shot Introduction System should only be used by physicians and
teams trained in vascular interventional techniques and in the use of this
device. The recommended skill/knowledge requirements for physicians
using the Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft with the H&L-B One-Shot
Introduction System are outlined below:
Patient selection:
• Knowledge of the natural history of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and
co-morbidities associated with AAA repair.
• Knowledge of radiographic image interpretation, device selection, planning
and sizing.
A multidisciplinary team that has combined procedural experience with:
• Femoral cutdown, arteriotomy and repair
• Percutaneous access and closure techniques
• Non-selective and selective wire guide and catheter techniques
• Fluoroscopic and angiographic image interpretation
• Embolization
• Angioplasty
• Endovascular stent placement
• Snare techniques
• Appropriate use of radiographic contrast material
• Techniques to minimize radiation exposure
• Expertise in necessary patient follow-up modalities
10.2 Inspection Prior to Use
Inspect the device and packaging to verify that no damage has occurred as
a result of shipping. Do not use this device if damage has occurred or if the
sterilization barrier has been damaged or broken. If damage has occurred, do
not use the product and return to COOK. Prior to use, verify correct devices
(quantity and size) have been supplied for the patient by matching the device
to the order prescribed by the physician for that particular patient.
10.3 Materials Required
(Not included in 3-piece modular system)
• Zenith AAA Endovascular Graft Ancillary Kit
• Fluoroscope with digital angiography capabilities (C-arm or fixed unit)
• Contrast media
• Syringe
• Heparinized saline solution
• Sterile gauze pads
10.4 Materials Recommended
(Not included in 3-piece modular system)
The following products are recommended for implantation of any component
in the Zenith product line. For information on the use of these products, refer
to the individual product's Suggested Instructions for Use.
• .035 inch (0.89 mm) extra stiff wire guide, 260 cm; for example:
• Cook Lunderquist Extra Stiff Wire Guides (LES)
• .035 inch (0.89 mm) standard wire guide; for example:
• Cook .035 inch wire guides
• Cook Nimble™ Wire Guides
• Molding Balloons; for example:
• Cook CODA® Balloon Catheter
• Introducer sets; for example:
• Cook Check-Flo® Introducer Sets
• Cook Extra Large Check-Flo® Introducer Sets
• Cook Flexor® Balkin Up & Over® Contralateral Introducers
• Sizing catheter; for example:
• Cook Aurous® Centimeter Sizing Catheters
• Angiographic radiopaque tip catheters; for example:
• Cook Beacon® Tip Angiographic Catheters
• Cook Beacon® Tip Royal Flush Catheters
• Entry needles; for example:
• Cook single wall entry needles
6.8 Secondary Outcome Measures
As described in Table 6.8.1, treatment of AAA with the Zenith AAA Endovascular Graft compared to the surgical control group demonstrated significant
benefits in recovery and quality of life measures.
Table 6.8.1 Secondary Outcomes by Treatment Group
Item
Zenith Standard Risk
Surgical Standard Risk
P
value
Zenith High Risk
Zenith Roll-in
Anesthesia time (min)
221.6 ± 67.3
304.5 ± 102.7
<.001
218.9 ± 69.6
213.9 ± 57.7
Procedure time (min)
153.2 ± 56.3
238.7 ± 92.2
<.001
153.5 ± 58.6
155.9 ± 43.2
Blood bank products received
5.0% (10/200)
84% (67/80)
<.001
12% (12/100)
3.8% (2/52)
Blood loss (cc)
299 ± 324
1676 ± 1676
<.001
356 ± 514
265 ± 226
Days in ICU
0.4 ± 0.9
3.4 ± 4.6
<.001
0.5 ± 1.2
0.5 ± 0.9
Days to discharge
2.6 ± 1.7
8.8 ± 5.6
<.001
3.0 ± 2.8
2.7 ± 1.5
Days to oral fluids
0.5 ± 0.8
3.9 ± 2.5
<.001
0.5 ± 0.6
0.7 ± 0.5
Days to normal diet
1.3 ± 1.2
6.6 ± 4.9
<.001
1.3 ± 0.8
1.1 ± 0.7
Days to normal bowel function
2.6 ± 1.4
4.2 ± 2.1
<.001
2.6 ± 1.5
2.0 ± 1.2
Days to ambulation
1.2 ± 0.7
3.5 ± 3.4
<.001
1.2 ± 0.7
1.2 ± 0.6
Hours of intubation
1.9 ± 2.2
11.7 ± 13.6
<.001
1.2 ± 1.7
2.6 ± 4.6
Maximum temperature
101.1 ± 1.3
100.7 ± 1.2
.06
100.8 ± 1.1
101.0 ± 1.2