Continued favorable results with open surgical repair of type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract

Type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair, despite low risk of spinal cord ischemia (SCI), is reported to have significant morbidity and mortality. This has led some to apply adjuncts (eg, extracorporeal circulation) used in more extensive TAAA repair or to consider alternative approaches, such as hybrid operations. We have used a consistent, simplified surgical approach to type IV TAAA, and the goal of the present study is to review experience over 2 decades with such treatment and to identify correlates of surgical morbidity. All type IV repairs at Massachusetts General Hospital from January 1989 through September 2009 were evaluated for clinical features, technical operative details, and 30-day outcomes. Logistic regression identified predictors of morbidity. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. A total of 179 patients underwent type IV repair, with elective repair in 156 (87%) and urgent in 23 (13%). The clamp-and-sew technique was used for all operations, with routine hypothermic renal perfusion. Clinical features were age 73 ± 8 years, coronary artery disease in 89 (50%), and creatinine level >1.8 mg/dL defining chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) in 32 (18%). Operative reconstruction in 166 (93%) consisted of one beveled proximal anastomosis incorporating the descending thoracic aorta, celiac, superior mesenteric artery, and right renal arteries origins (mean visceral clamp time, 36 ± 12 minutes) and a side-arm graft to the left renal artery. Technical details included previous abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in 52 (29%), operative time of 290 ± 90 min, estimated blood loss of 2.7 ± 1.4 L, and splenectomy in 57 (32%). The 30-day outcomes were death in 5 (2.8%), myocardial infarction in 6 (3.4%), hemodialysis in 5 (2.8%), and any degree of SCI in 4 (2.2%). Regression analysis identified a history of CRI as an independent predictor of postoperative complication or death (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-8). Survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 89% ± 2%, 62% ± 4%, and 36% ± 5%, respectively. A simplified operative approach for type IV TAAA repair is associated with favorable perioperative results. These data refute the need for surgical adjuncts commonly applied in more extensive TAAA and indicate that the hybrid operation is an illogical posture. CRI should figure prominently in clinical decision making. Long-term survival equates that observed after routine AAA repair.