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Investigation ¿ evaluation: loma linda mercantile informed cook on 04mar2022 of an incident involving a zenith flex aaa endovascular graft bifurcated main body (rpn: tffb-22-82-zt) lot 13068201.The site reported an 87 year old female patient underwent an evar procedure.During the procedure, a tffb-28-82-zt was deployed in the infrarenal aorta.A final angiogram was performed and reportedly revealed a type lll endoleak.The site has stated there was no junctional separation leading to the endoleak.The site also confirmed there was calcification noted at the proximal seal zone.An esbe-22-39-zt was placed at the first two covered stents of the main body and the endoleak persisted.At that point, two gore limbs were placed to bring the bifurcation up higher to cover the area of concern on the graft.The site also placed omnilink stents at the proximal end of each gore limb to assist in keeping the limbs open.Attempts were made to gather information about the patient¿s pre-existing conditions/comorbidities, but that information was unknown.A review of the complaint history, device history record, drawing, instructions for use (ifu), manufacturing instructions, quality control, and specifications of the device were conducted during the investigation.The complainant did not return the complaint device to cook for investigation.However, nineteen videos and four still images from implantation angiography were provided and reviewed by an expert reviewer on 25mar2022.In the findings of the image review, it was noted that although a persistent endoleak was confirmed, the endoleak cannot be confirmed as a type iiib trans fabric endoleak.Instead, the endoleak was more likely a persistent type ia endoleak through seal zone pleating.The expert review noted that this endoleak should spontaneously resolve.Additionally, a document based investigation evaluation was performed.Cook has concluded that sufficient inspection activities are in place to identify this failure mode prior to distribution.In response to this incident, cook completed a review of the device history record (dhr).The dhr for lot 13068201 records 0 non-conformances.Cook also reviewed the dhr for the graft sub-assembly, (b)(6) and records 0 non-conformances.The dhr for the sewn graft from the approved vendor for lot 1911628.11 was also reviewed and records 0 non-conformances.The dhr for graft kit sub-assembly, (b)(6) also records 0 non-conformances.A database search was completed for lot 13068201 and found no additional lot related complaints.As there are no related non-conformances, adequate inspection activities have been established, there is objective evidence that the dhr was fully executed, and no other lot related complaints that have been received from the field, it was concluded that there is no evidence that nonconforming product exists in house or in field.Evidence provided by the complaint facility, device failure analysis, device history record, complaint history, manufacturing documents, and verification testing, suggests that the device was manufactured to specification.Cook also reviewed product labeling.The product ifu, t_zaaaf_rev 5 ¿zenith flex aaa endovascular graft with the z-trak introduction system,¿ provides the following information to the user related to the reported failure mode: 4 warnings and precautions: 4.1 general: additional endovascular interventions or conversion to standard open surgical repair following initial endovascular repair should be considered for patients experiencing an enlarging aneurysm, unacceptable decrease in fixation length (vessel and component overlap) and/or endoleak.An increase in aneurysm size and/or persistent endoleak or migration may lead to aneurysm rupture.Patients experiencing reduced blood flow through the graft limb and/or leaks may be required to undergo secondary interventions or surgical procedures.4.2 patient selection, treatment and follow-up: the zenith flex aaa endovascular graft is designed to treat aortic neck diameters no smaller than 18 mm and no larger than 32 mm.The zenith flex aaa endovascular graft is designed to treat proximal aortic necks (distal to the lowest renal artery) of at least 15 mm in length.Iliac artery distal fixation site greater than 10 mm in length and 7.5 - 20 mm in diameter (measured outer wall to outer wall) is required.These sizing measurements are critical to the performance of the endovascular repair.Key anatomical elements that may affect successful exclusion of the aneurysm include severe proximal neck angulation (>60 degrees for infrarenal neck to axis of aaa or >45 degrees for suprarenal neck relative to the immediate infrarenal neck); short proximal aortic neck (<15 mm); an inverted funnel shape (greater than 10% increase in diameter over 15 mm of proximal aortic neck length); and circumferential thrombus and/or calcification at the arterial implantation sites, specifically the proximal aortic neck and distal iliac artery interface.In the presence of anatomical limitations, a longer neck may be required to obtain adequate sealing and fixation.Irregular calcification and/or plaque may compromise the attachment and sealing at the fixation sites.Necks exhibiting these key anatomical elements may be more conducive to graft migration or endoleak.Adequate iliac or femoral access is required to introduce the device into the vasculature.Access vessel diameter (measured inner wall to inner wall) and morphology (minimal tortuosity, occlusive disease and/or calcification) should be compatible with vascular access techniques and delivery systems of a 16 french to 22 french vascular introducer sheath.Vessels that are significantly calcified, occlusive, tortuous, or thrombus-lined may preclude placement of the endovascular graft and/or may increase the risk of embolization.A vascular conduit technique may be necessary to achieve success in some patients.Multiple large, patent lumbar arteries, mural thrombus and a patent inferior mesenteric artery may all predispose a patient to type ii endoleaks.Patients with uncorrectable coagulopathy may also have an increased risk of type ii endoleak or bleeding complications.Diameters utilizing ct, diameter measurements should be determined from the outer wall to outer wall vessel diameter (not lumen measurement) to help with proper device sizing and device selection.The contrast-enhanced spiral ct scan must start 1 cm superior to the celiac axis and continue through the femoral heads at an axial thickness slice of 3 mm or less.4.4 device selection: strict adherence to the zenith flex aaa endovascular graft ifu sizing guide is strongly recommended when selecting the appropriate device size (tables 10.5.1 through 10.5.2).Appropriate device oversizing has been incorporated into the ifu sizing guide.Sizing outside of this range can result in endoleak, fracture, migration, device infolding or compression 4.5 implant procedure: appropriate procedural imaging is required to successfully position the zenith flex aaa endovascular graft and assure accurate apposition to the aortic wall.Inaccurate placement and/or incomplete sealing of the zenith flex aaa endovascular graft within the vessel may result in increased risk of endoleak, migration or inadvertent occlusion of the renal or internal iliac arteries.Renal artery patency must be maintained to prevent/reduce the risk of renal failure and subsequent complications.5.2 potential adverse events: adverse events that may occur and/or require intervention include, but are not limited to: endoleak.Endoprosthesis: improper component placement; incomplete component deployment; component migration; suture break; occlusion; infection; stent fracture; graft material wear; dilatation; erosion; puncture; perigraft flow; barb separation and corrosion 6.5 endoleak management: during the clinical study type i endoleaks were treated during the initial procedure by use of additional balloon sealing or if unsuccessful, additional prostheses.Type lll endoleaks caused by graft defects, inadequate seal or disconnection of the modular components were treated with additional ballooning or prostheses.7 patient selection and treatment: 7.1 individualization of treatment: the risks and benefits 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 anatomical suitability for endovascular repair.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: 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.Physicians should refer patients 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.10.5 device sizing guidelines: the choice of diameter should be determined from the outer wall to outer wall vessel diameter and not the lumen diameter.Undersizing or oversizing may result in incomplete sealing or compromised flow.11 directions for use: anatomical requirements.Proximal aortic neck lengths should be a minimum of 15 mm with a diameter measured outer wall to outer wall of 18 ¿ 32 mm.Pre-implant determinants.Verify from pre-implant planning that the correct device has been selected.Determinants include: 1.Femoral artery selection for introduction of the main body system (i.E., define respective contralateral and ipsilateral iliac arteries).2.Angulation of aortic neck, aneurysm, and iliac arteries.3.Quality of the aortic neck.4.Diameters of infrarenal aortic neck and distal iliac arteries.5.Distance from renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation.6.Length from the aortic bifurcation to the internal iliac arteries/attachment site(s).7.Aneurysm(s) extending into the iliac arteries may require special consideration in selecting a suitable graft/artery interface site.8.Consider the degree of vascular calcification.11.1.12 molding balloon insertion: 10.Remove molding balloon and replace it with an angiographic catheter to perform completion angiograms.11.Remove or replace all stiff wire guides to allow iliac arteries to resume their natural position.Final angiogram: 1.Position angiographic catheter just above the level of the renal arteries.Perform angiography to verify that the renal arteries are patent and that there are no endoleaks.Verify patency of internal iliac arteries.2.Confirm there are no endoleaks or kinks and verify position of proximal gold radiopaque markers.Remove the sheaths, wires, and catheters.12.4 ultrasound: ultrasound imaging may be performed in place of contrast ct when patient factors preclude the use of image contrast media.Ultrasound may be paired with non-contrast ct.A complete aortic duplex is to be videotaped for maximum aneurysm diameter, endoleaks, stent patency and stenosis.Included on the videotape should be the following information as outlined below: transverse and longitudinal imaging should be obtained from the level of the proximal aorta demonstrating mesenteric and renal arteries to the iliac bifurcations to determine if endoleaks are present utilizing color flow and color power angiography (if accessible).Spectral analysis confirmation should be performed for any suspected endoleaks.Transverse and longitudinal imaging of the maximum aneurysm should be obtained.Based on the information provided, no inspection of returned product and the results of the investigation, it was determined the likely cause of this failure mode is related to the procedure.After review of the imaging, it was determined the endoleak was a persistent type 1a endoleak and not a type iiib endoleak as the site reported.The appropriate personnel have been notified.Per the quality engineering risk assessment no further action is required.Cook will continue to monitor for similar complaints.This report is required by the fda under 21 cfr part 803 and is based on unconfirmed information submitted by others.Neither the submission of this report nor any statement contained herein is intended to be an admission that any cook device is defective or malfunctioned, that a death or serious injury occurred, nor that any cook device caused, contributed to, or is likely to cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if a malfunction occurred.
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