Endovascular repair in type A aortic dissection: Anatomic candidacy for currently manufactured stentgrafts and conceptual valve-carrying devices for an Endo-Bentall procedure.

Abstract

Endovascular treatment has been suggested as alternative for open surgery as treatment for type A aortic dissection, but current devices have severe anatomic limitations. This study assesses computed-tomography-based anatomic suitability of currently manufactured stent grafts as well as two embodiments of valve-carrying devices. In a retrospective single-center cohort of 200 consecutive ascending/arch operations between 2009 and 2018, 112 type A aortic dissection patients were identified and evaluated for endovascular candidacy based on locations of entries, landing zone diameters/lengths and supra-aortic vessel origins according to the anatomical instructions for use criteria of 6 commercially available, (tubular, branched or fenestrated) stentgrafts. Two suggested valve-carrying devices with inner branches or fenestrations for the coronary arteries and branches for the supra-aortic vessels were also evaluated. The anatomic feasibility for commercial stentgrafts ranged from 4% to 21%. The main limitations was proximal landing zone diameter (considering oversizing <15%) and length due to dilatation and an entry too close to the sinotubular junction. For the valve-carrying conduits, anatomical feasibility was between 31% and 80%. with the main limiting factors the diameter of the aortic annulus and its distance to the coronary arteries. Anatomic applicability of currently manufactured stentgrafts for the treatment of type A aortic dissection is mainly limited by the absence of a suitable proximal landing zone in the ascending aorta and might substantially be improved by anchoring in the aortic annulus using a valve-carrying device which employs either fenestrations or branches for the coronary arteries.