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Enrolling by invitationNCT01654133Updated Apr 15, 2026

Evaluation of Visceral Function Following Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Branched Stent- Grafts

An interventional study of Endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) using branched stent graft and Endovascular repair of ascending/arch aortic aneurysm using branched stent graft in Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal, Ascending Aorta Aneurysm and Aortic Arch Aneurysm, sponsored by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Enrolling by invitation at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-15.

Sponsored by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
770
Allocation
Non-randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate visceral function, after endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms or ascending/aortic arch aneurysms.

Read the detailed description

This study will evaluate the effect of endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (Types I-IV) on visceral function or aortic arch aneurysms using custom manufactured and off the shelf stent grafts. Specifically, the device orientation and configuration will be evaluated with respect to renal function. Since detailed CT scan imaging will be performed prior to and after endovascular repair, critical data concerning each branched vessel length, tangential orientation from the aorta, angle of incidence, and diameter can be determined. This information can then be coupled with hemodynamic data obtained from duplex ultrasonography as well as changes in renal volume, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and flow characteristics over time. By analyzing the data in this fashion, it may be possible to determine changes in hemodynamics and/or physiologic conditions with respect to branched stent-graft design characteristics. These data may be utilized to enhance current device design and improve patient outcomes. The FDA has approved the use of commercially available devices to be used in conjunction with the investigational device if the Investigator deems this necessary.

02

Conditions studied

  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal
  • Ascending Aorta Aneurysm
  • Aortic Arch Aneurysm

Keywords

  • Aortic Aneurysm, abdominal
  • Ascending Aorta Aneurysm
  • Aortic Arch Aneurysm
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In context

Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal

473 studies on the registry are indexed under Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; 100 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 770 is above the median of 66 across 233 interventional studies indexed under Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal.

Browse Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal studies →

Lead sponsor

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is the lead sponsor of 1,340 studies on the registry; 133 are open to participants now.

Of its 155 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 136 (88%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Eligibility criteria

Cohort 1 (TAAA) Inclusion Criteria:

Patients may be included in the study if the patient has at least one of the following and has aortic anatomy appropriate for treatment with the Zenith® p-Branch™, Zenith® t-Branch, or Physician Specified TAAA Endovascular Graft (Custom Manufactured Devices).

  1. Aortic Aneurysm Diameter

    a. TAAA (Type I - IV) (including pararenal subtypes) with orthogonal aortic diameter greater than or equal to 5 cm or b. greater than two times the normal aortic diameter

  2. Rapid aortic enlargement (> than or equal to 5mm in 1 year)
  3. Presence of a saccular aneurysm at risk for rupture based on investigators evaluation
  4. Iliac artery aneurysm ˃2.2 cm may be treated with the Zenith® Branch Endovascular Graft-Iliac Bifurcation when the iliac artery aneurysm is associated with the qualifying thoracoabdominal aneurysm treated in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

General Exclusion Criteria

Patients must be excluded from the study if any of the following conditions are true:

  1. Less than 18 years of age
  2. Unwilling to comply with the follow-up schedule
  3. Inability or refusal to give informed consent

Medical Exclusion Criteria

Patients must be excluded from the study if any of the following conditions are true:

1) Known sensitivities or allergies to stainless steel, nitinol, polyester, solder (tin, silver), polypropylene, urethane or gold 2) History of anaphylactic reaction to contrast material that cannot be adequately premedicated 3) Leaking, ruptured aneurysm associated with hypotension 4) Uncorrectable coagulopathy

Anatomical Exclusion Criteria

Patients must be excluded from the study if any of the following conditions are true:

  1. Inadequate femoral/iliac access compatible with the required delivery systems;
  2. Does not have a non-aneurysmal aortic segment proximal to the aneurysm with:

    a. A length of at least 4 mm, i.e. at least 4 mm circumferential wall contact around the limits of scallop b. A diameter measured outer wall to outer wall of no greater than 31mm and no less than 21 mm; c. An angle less than 60 degrees relative to the centerline of the aneurysm; d. An angle less than 45 degrees relative to the supraceliac aorta.

  3. Does not have visceral vessel anatomy compatible with Zenith® p-Branch™, specifically:

    a. Renal vessel origins as measured relative to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) compatible with the renal fenestration, i.e. Both renal vessel origins within 7.5mm of the corresponding renal fenestrations; b. Celiac vessel origin as measured relative to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) compatible with the celiac scallop.

  4. A proximal seal site with unsuitable thrombus/atheroma
  5. Does not have iliac artery fixation sites and anatomy consistent with:

    1. Common iliac artery fixation site diameter, measured outer wall to outer wall on a sectional image (CT) \<8.0 mm (prior to deployment)
    2. Iliac artery diameter, measured outer wall to outer wall on a sectional image (CT) >21 mm at distal fixation site
    3. Iliac artery distal fixation site \<10 mm in length
    4. Inability to preserve at least one hypogastric artery

      -

Cohort 2 (ascending/aortic arch) Inclusion Criteria:

General Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Treatment not possible with a currently available non-modified approved device
  2. Patient accepts to and is able to comply with lifetime follow-up
  3. Patient accepts to and is able to provide informed consent prior to enrollment
  4. No stroke with significant residual deficit or myocardial infarction within the last 12 months
  5. No significant carotid bifurcation disease (> 70% stenosis by NASCET criteria)
  6. Absence of systemic or local infection that may increase the risk of endovascular graft infection
  7. Patient determined to be a high-risk profile for open surgical repair considering any of the following items:

    1. Anatomy: previous sternotomy or left-sided thoracotomy (if the proposed open repair would require dissection of the thoracic aorta), previous aortic surgery, large aneurysm abutting the sternum with risk of disruption during sternotomy, prior cervical or chest irradiation.
    2. Physiology: ASA Category ≥ III, age >70 years, previous myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, or coronary artery stent, coronary stress test with a reversible perfusion defect, COPD, congestive heart failure

Vascular Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Aortic Aneurysm Diameter: Ascending and/or Arch aneurysm with or without aortic or aortoiliac aneurysm with orthogonal aortic diameter greater than two times the normal aortic diameter
  2. Rapid aortic enlargement (≥ 5 mm in 1 year)
  3. Presence of a saccular aneurysm at risk for rupture based on the investigators evaluation
  4. Clinical indication for aneurysm repair based on symptoms
  5. Concomitant thoracoabdominal and aortic arch aneurysm meeting one of the above-mentioned criteria.

Anatomic Inclusion Criteria:

1) There is enough space for the device to be deployed distal to coronary arteries and any coronary artery bypass grafts that are considered patent and necessary for proper cardiac perfusion 2) Ascending aortic length >50 mm (greater curve distance from sinotubular junction to proximal aspect of the innominate artery) 3) Sealing zone in the ascending aorta >40 mm in length and \<38 mm in diameter for native aorta (\<42 mm if surgical graft replacement in place) 4) Sealing zone in the great vessels of >20 mm in length

  • Diameter of innominate artery used for sealing \< 20 mm
  • Diameter of CCA or subclavian artery used for sealing \< 16mm 5. Distal aortic fixation zone: Native aorta or surgical graft (endovascular device or Dacron graft) , diameter: 20-42mm, distal neck length ≥20mm 6) Access for device delivery to accommodate 22F or 24F sheath depending on device design.

    7) Sealing zone in the great vessels of ≥ 20 mm in length

  • Diameter of innominate artery used for sealing between 8 and 20 mm
  • Diameter of CCA or subclavian artery used for sealing between 6 and 16 mm.

Extra inclusion criteria - special situations:

  • Aortic dissection:

    1. A true lumen size large enough for device deployment and to gain access into the target branches
    2. A sealing zone in the target aorta (or surgical graft) that is proximal to the primary dissection, so that the graft would seal off the dissection lumen
    3. A sealing zone in the target supra-aortic trunk vessels that is distal to the dissection or surgically created
    4. Access into the true lumen from the groin and to at least one supra-aortic trunk vessel
  • If more distal disease is observed in the aorta

    1. The repair might be coupled with a thoracoabdominal branched device
    2. Iliac anatomy large enough to allow the delivery of the arch branch device which is loaded within a 20F-24F sheath. Iliac conduits may be set in place if necessary.

Exclusion Criteria:

General exclusion criteria:

  1. Life expectancy less than 2 years
  2. Less than 18 years of age
  3. Women must not be pregnant or breastfeeding
  4. Active malignancy with life expectancy less than 2 years
  5. Presence of mycotic aneurysm, systemic or local infection in access sites that may increase the risk of endovascular graft infection
  6. Untreatable coagulopathy
  7. Coronaropathy / Unstable angina
  8. Anaphylactic reaction to contrast that cannot be adequately pre-medicated
  9. Cultural objection to receipt of blood or blood products
  10. Allergy or sensitivity to the endografts material (stainless steel, polyester, polypropylene, solder (tin, silver), gold, or nitinol)
  11. Leaking or ruptured aneurysm associated with hypotension
  12. Participation in another investigational clinical or device trial, except for participation in another investigational endovascular stent-graft protocol, percutaneous aortic valve protocol, or concomitant clinical trials designed to evaluate medical therapy strategies to reduce perioperative risk during fenestrated-branched endovascular repair
  13. Prior open surgical or interventional procedure within 30 days of the anticipated date of the fenestrated-branched procedure, with the exception of planned procedures to provide access for repair (e.g. staged iliac conduit, cervical debranching) or to facilitate the procedure.

Anatomic Exclusion Criteria for the Cook Ascending/Arch graft

  1. Significant occlusive disease, tortuosity, or calcification that would prevent endovascular access.
  2. Iliac artery diameter, measured inner wall to inner wall on a sectional image (CT) \<7.0 mm at any point along access length (prior to deployment). Inability to perform a temporary or permanent open surgical or endovascular iliac conduit for patients with inadequate femoral/iliac access.
  3. Proximal seal length \< 40 mm
  4. Proximal seal site with a circumferential thrombus/atheroma/calcium

    -

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Non-randomized
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
770 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Endovascular TAAA Repair

    Endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) using Branched stent grafts

    Device: Endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) using branched stent graft

  • Experimental
    Endovascular Ascending/Aortic Arch Branch Repair

    Endovascular repair of aortic ascending/arch aneurysm using branched stent grafts

    Device: Endovascular repair of ascending/arch aortic aneurysm using branched stent graft

Interventions

  • DeviceEndovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) using branched stent graft

    Repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

    Also known as: Endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

  • DeviceEndovascular repair of ascending/arch aortic aneurysm using branched stent graft

    Repair of ascending/arch aortic aneurysms

    Also known as: Endovascular repair of ascending/ arch aortic aneurysm

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in renal function over time (up to two years) after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair various custom stent grafts

    Visceral function after endovascular repair of pararenal aneurysms using various custom stent grafts. Specifically, the device orientation and configuration will be evaluated with respect to renal function over time. Critical data concerning each branched vessel from radiological studies coupled with hemodynamic data obtained from renal artery duplex, changes in renal volume, eGFR, and flow characteristics at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post procedure may make it possible to determine changes in renal function.

    Time frame: Pre-procedure and 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post procedure

Secondary outcomes

  1. Time to morbidity

    Morbidity at 30 days, 1 \& 2 years post procedure

    Time frame: 30 days and 1 & 2 years post procedure

  2. Time to mortality

    Mortality at 30 days, 1 \& 2 years post procedure.

    Time frame: 30 days and 1 & 2 years post procedure

  3. Time to loss of stent graft integrity

    Evidence on contrast CT angiography of loss of stent graft integrity at 30 days, and one and two years post procedure.

    Time frame: 30 days and 1 & 2 years post procedure

  4. Time to migration

    Evidence of stent graft migration on abdominal x-rays at 30 days and 1 \& 2 years.

    Time frame: 30 days and 1 & 2 years post procedure

  5. Endoleak

    Evidence of Endoleak on contrast CT angiography of abdomen 30 days and 1 \& 2 years post procedure.

    Time frame: 30 days and 1 & 2 years post procedure

  6. Branch vessel Events

    Evidence of branch vessel events on contrast CT angiography and renal duplex 30 days, and 1 \& 2 years post procedure.

    Time frame: 30 days and 1 & 2 years post procedure

07

Study locations

1 site
  • UNC Heart and Vascular
    Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Mesnard T, Huang Y, Schanzer A, Timaran CH, Schneider DB, Mendes BC, Eagleton MJ, Farber MA, Parodi FE, Gasper WJ, Beck AW, Sweet MP, Zetterval SL, Lee A, Oderich GS; United States Aortic Research Consortium. Multicenter Prospective Evaluation of Patient Radiation Exposure During Fenestrated-branched Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Ten-year Experience. Ann Surg. 2026 Jul 1;284(1):184-193. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006676. Epub 2025 Feb 18. PubMed 39963789 ↗
  • Oderich GS, Huang Y, Harmsen WS, Tenorio ER, Schanzer A, Timaran CH, Schneider DB, Mendes BC, Eagleton MJ, Farber MA, Gasper WJ, Beck AW, Sweet MP, Lee WA; United States Aortic Research Consortium. Early and Late Aortic-Related Mortality and Rupture After Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study. Circulation. 2024 Oct 22;150(17):1343-1353. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.068234. Epub 2024 Jul 11. PubMed 38989575 ↗
  • Finnesgard EJ, Beck AW, Eagleton MJ, Farber MA, Gasper WJ, Lee WA, Oderich GS, Schneider DB, Sweet MP, Timaran CH, Simons JP, Schanzer A; United States Aortic Research Consortium. Severity of acute kidney injury is associated with decreased survival after fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. J Vasc Surg. 2023 Oct;78(4):892-901. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.05.034. Epub 2023 Jun 16. PubMed 37330702 ↗
  • Aucoin VJ, Motyl CM, Novak Z, Eagleton MJ, Farber MA, Gasper W, Oderich GS, Mendes B, Schanzer A, Tenorio E, Timaran CH, Schneider DB, Sweet MP, Zettervall SL, Beck AW; U.S. Aortic Research Consortium. Predictors and outcomes of spinal cord injury following complex branched/fenestrated endovascular aortic repair in the US Aortic Research Consortium. J Vasc Surg. 2023 Jun;77(6):1578-1587. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.01.205. Epub 2023 Apr 13. PubMed 37059239 ↗
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Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Apr 15, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT01654133
Lead sponsor
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Collaborators
UNC Hospitals, Cook Group Incorporated
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Jul 31, 2012
Start date
Jul 2012
Primary completion
Aug 2035 (estimated)
Completion
Aug 2035 (estimated)
Last update
Apr 15, 2026

Study contacts

Mark A Farber, MD
principal investigator · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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