A potentially shorter hospital length of stay could also reduce hospital costs, Dr. Kelso noted.
While the audience appeared equally enthusiastic about the results, some members questioned whether results on a physician-modified graft without an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) should be presented at the meeting in light of recent warnings by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that such interventions involve the use of significant-risk devices and need to be conducted under an IDE. Dr. Kelly responded that he is currently working with the FDA to obtain an IDE.
Earlier this year, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Cardiology became the first medical societies to receive an IDE to study alternative access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the STS/ACC TVT Registry
Dr. Kelly and Dr. Kelso reported having no financial disclosures. Dr. Geraghty disclosed relationships with Cook Medical and Bard/Lutonix.
*CORRECTION, 10/29/2013: An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the annual meeting of the Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society.