Introduction: The Altura aortic endograft for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) consists of two separate components with a proximal double D-shaped design. The braided endoskeleton of the endograft is attached only at the proximal and distal ends of the inner surface of the fabric resulting in adjustable length of the Altura components. To ensure optimal orientation and sealing, the design of Altura permits collapse, readjustment, and deployment of the repositioned D-shaped endografts.
Areas covered: Since this new endograft design by Lombard presents unique characteristics, the aim of this article is to present its unique structure and deployment method and discuss its applicability, indications and associated concerns.
Expert opinion: The Altura endograft revolutionizes the mechanism of infrarenal sealing by containing no main body at all. This feature allows ideal treatment of AAA with considerable offset of the renal arteries and permits also relining in cases of failing endografts or in cases where the short length of existing structures precludes deployment of conventional bifurcated endografts.
Keywords: Altura; D-shaped endografts; EVAR; abdominal aortic aneurysm; endograft; endovascular aneurysm repair; infrarenal sealing; stent-graft.