Extended Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair is Optimal Therapy in Acute Complicated Type B Dissection

Abstract

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) represents optimal therapy for complicated acute type B aortic dissection (aTBAD). Persistent knowledge gaps remain, including optimal length of aortic coverage, impact on distal aortic remodeling, and fate of the dissected abdominal aorta. Review of the Emory Aortic Database identified 92 patients who underwent TEVAR for complicated aTBAD from 2012-2018. Standard TEVAR covered aortic zones 3 and 4 (from the left subclavian to the mid-descending thoracic aorta). Extended TEVAR fully covered aortic zones 3 though 5 (from the left subclavian to the celiac artery). Long-term imaging, clinical follow-up, overall and aortic-specific mortality were reviewed. Extended TEVAR (n=52) required a greater length of coverage vs. Standard TEVAR (n=40) (240±32mm vs. 183±23mm, p<0.01). In-hospital mortality occurred in 5.4% (7.7% vs. 2.5%, p=0.27) due to mesenteric malperfusion (n=3) or rupture (n=2). Overall incidence of postoperative stroke, transient paraparesis, paraplegia, and dialysis were 5.4% (3.9% vs. 7.5%, p=0.38), 3.2% (5.8% vs. 0%, p=0.18), 0%, and 0% respectively, equivalent between groups. Follow-up was 96.6% complete to a mean of 6.1 years (interquartile range 3.5-8.6 years). There were significantly higher rates of complete thrombosis/obliteration of the entire thoracic false lumen after Extended TEVAR (82.2% vs. 51.5% p=0.04). Distal aortic reinterventions were less frequent after Extended TEVAR (5.8% vs 20%, p=0.04). Late aorta-specific survival was 98.1% after Extended TEVAR vs. 92.3% for Standard TEVAR (p=0.32). Extended TEVAR for complicated aTBAD is safe, results in a high rate of total thoracic false lumen thrombosis/obliteration, and reduces distal reinterventions. Longer-term follow-up will be needed to demonstrate a survival benefit compared to limited aortic coverage.