Repair of Distal Aortic Arch Aneurysms by Left Subclavian Artery Transposition with Stented Elephant Trunk Implantation

Abstract

Repair of distal aortic arch aneurysms remains technically challenging using conventional open surgery due to its location. Several techniques, including a conventional prosthetic graft replacement and a hybrid technique, were introduced to manipulate this lesion. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with left subclavian artery (LSCA) transposition with stented elephant trunk implantation for repair of distal aortic arch aneurysms. From May 2009 to December 2014, 9 men (mean age 55 ± 16 years) with distal aortic arch aneurysms underwent LSCA transposition with stented elephant trunk implantation under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with antegrade selective cerebral perfusion via a median sternotomy. One case had a history of endovascular abdominal aortic repair. There was no in-hospital death. The mean time of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay was 22 ± 9 and 53 ± 17 hr, respectively. No severe complications occurred in this group. All patients survived and were discharged. No patient died during the follow-up period. Postoperative computed tomography revealed good patency of the anastomotic site between the LSCA and the left common carotid artery. Satisfactory surgical results and follow-up outcomes were achieved by simultaneous repair of proximal aortic lesions and complete seal of the lesion involving the distal aortic arch and proximal descending aorta using LSCA transposition with implantation of a stented elephant trunk. Encouraging outcomes favor this technique for distal aortic arch aneurysm.