EndoStapling System Helps Treat Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

An innovative helical staple technology enables independent endograft fixation in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedures, mimicking the hand suturing performed during open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

The Aptus EndoStapling System for EVAR procedures provides physicians with a technology to repair endovascular grafts that have exhibited migration or endoleaks (or are at risk of these complications), and is designed for use in sites in which augmented radial fixation and/or sealing is required to regain or maintain effective aortic aneurysm exclusion. The system also can be used during de novo EVAR procedures in challenging proximal necks to enhance the endograft's inherent fixation and sealing mechanisms, potentially reducing distal migration.


The Aptus EndoStapling system is approved for use with Aptus' own endograft and with the Cook Medical Zenith endoraft, the Gore Excluder, and the Medtronic AneuRx, Endurant, and Talent endografts, in both initial implant and secondary repair settings. In an initial phase I trial with 21 patients, no device migration and no Type I, III, or IV endoleaks were detected one year after implantation; a larger follow-up trial with 155 patients is currently underway. The Aptus EndoStapling System is a product of Aptus Endosystems (Sunnyvale, CA, USA), and has received the European Community (CE) mark of approval.

"Given the recent publication of several long term EVAR outcome studies, we now recognize that late EVAR failure and the need for secondary intervention is a major underserved clinical need affecting many patients, and continued improvement in technology is required," said Jeff Elkins, CEO of Aptus Endosystems. "To date, physicians have had limited prophylactic and treatment options for graft migration and Type I endoleaks. The novel concept of independent and physician controlled proximal fixation using the EndoStapling System is a considerable step toward addressing long term complications and making EVAR a more definitive solution for treating aortic aneurysms."

"The use of the Aptus EndoStapling system will be a great advantage to simplify revision surgery for migrated endografts," said Jean Paul de Vries, MD, PhD, head of the department of Vascular Surgery at St. Antonius Hospital (Nieuwegein, The Netherlands). "The ability to staple migrated endografts to the aortic wall and to fixate extension cuffs will overcome most migrations and type IA endoleaks. This system truly mimics a sutured anastomosis."

Related Links:
Aptus Endosystems
St. Antonius Hospital