“There is an increasing awareness that we need to get aneurysm sacs to regress after endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR],” Andrew Holden (Auckland, New Zealand) stated during a recent discussion with Michel Reijnen (Arnhem, The Netherlands) on potential solutions in this space from Shape Memory Medical. The pair spoke on the topic at the recent 2023 Charing Cross (CX) International Symposium (25–27 April, London, UK), outlining some updated results from the AAA-SHAPE study and considering the future of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac treatment with shape memory polymer.
By way of background, Holden pointed out that stable or growing aneurysms are associated with a “significantly higher” mortality than those that regress. He explained that the AAA-SHAPE study has been designed to assess whether the shape memory polymer active aneurysm sac management technique could be a successful strategy for management of the aneurysm sac during EVAR.
Holden reported that so far, the trial has recruited 35 patients in New Zealand and The Netherlands, 70% of whom have had 12-month follow-up. “We have really refined the technique,” he said, adding that the investigators have seen a “very encouraging” safety profile with no device related adverse events.
Looking ahead, Reijnen stated that there is “still a lot to be done,” underscoring a need for level I evidence in the form of a randomised trial, with Holden closing that, for the time being, “we are another step down the road” toward active aneurysm sac management.
This video is sponsored by Shape Memory Medical.
