Endovascular Aortic Repair

Endovascular aortic repair has emerged to alleviate the perioperative morbidity and mortality rate associated with open surgical repair (OSR). Since the first successful abdominal aneurysm exclusion in 1991, this treatment has evolved in terms of the procedural policies, devices, and has been further utilised practically for other types of aortic disorders. In this non-invasive procedure, a stent-graft is placed transluminally through a catheter to exclude the disease either by shielding the diseased artery and, thus, prevents the rupture of the arterial wall.

Endovascular aortic treatment offers shorter hospital length of stay, fewer perioperative complications, and is less invasive than OSR. However, the complications that do develop can result in increases in mid to long-term mortality - bringing into question the advantages. To prevent stent-graft complications, close monitoring of the device over many years is required - particularly as complications can arise in 25-40% of patients who then require additional interventions or conversion to OSR.

We are developing a novel stent-graft that utilises advanced manufacturing technology, with the aim to develop a biomimetic prototype capable of addressing the current device complications and are building a specific type of composite material for this purpose. We are also performing biomimetic case studies with assistance from our Australian and international collaborators. Our ultimate goal is to open a new path for the next generation of sent-grafts.