Thousands of patients have new hope in treating thoracic aortic arch disease thanks to a new minimally invasive treatment being tested at UC Davis Health. UC Davis Medical Center is one of 30 facilities in the United States approved to study the NEXUS Aortic Arch Stent Graft System.
A non-randomized clinical trial is known as TRIOMPHE. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the NEXUS System in treating problems of the thoracic aorta, including the aortic arch, the upper portion of the aorta that carries blood from the heart. The principal investigators are Bob Kiayi, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Stephen Maximus, Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery.
“Treatment of patients with thoracic aortic arch disease presents many challenges due to their size, shape, and location,” explains Maximus. “The only current treatment for these conditions is open surgery. Currently, a sternotomy is required. [opening of the chest] Hypothermic circulatory arrest (cessation of blood flow at very low body temperatures). Despite great advances, open aortic arch repair has a relatively high mortality and morbidity rate, and for these reasons many patients are not eligible. ”
We are pleased to offer patients a minimally invasive option for conditions that were previously treatable only with major open surgery. This system has the potential to provide a better patient experience and improve outcomes. ”—Stephen Maximus
The NEXUS System was designed to overcome the challenges of aortic arch anatomy. The surgeon delivers it by navigating the patient’s vascular system using a fluoroscopic guide (x-ray), starting with a small incision or needle puncture near the groin. This is called an endovascular approach.
NEXUS is designed to enable minimally invasive repairs for more patients while reducing the risks of surgery. This reduces the operative time and length of hospital stay, and may lead to better outcomes.
“We are pleased to offer our patients a minimally invasive option for conditions that were previously only treatable with major open surgery,” said Maximus. We may be able to improve outcomes.”
For more information on the TRIOMPHE clinical trial and the NEXUS device, please visit the company’s website.