Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury Research Articles

Paraplegia Due to Stent Fracture, after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) became the standard treatment for patients with Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury (BTAI) because it is a minimally invasive intervention, with proven lower morbidity and mortality compared with open surgery, especially in multiple trauma patients. However, there is still some debate about the grade of BTAI which requires intervention, the durability of the stent, and its future complications, as well as about the age limit for the younger age group to be treated by TEVAR. We report a case of a 19-year-old male who presented to the emergency department complaining of lower chest and upper abdominal pain radiating to his back with gradual loss of motor ability at his lower limbs for the previous 2 days. These symptoms started immediately after heavy lifting and a jump from a scaffold at the patient’s workplace. The patient had a history of BTAI, associated with other injuries, treated successfully with TEVAR, and discharged from hospital 13 months ago, after an uneventful post-intervention period. He was not committed to the follow-up schedule and continued his strenuous job after being discharged. The patient was admitted, and computerized tomography angiography showed distal aortic stent fracture with thrombosis occluding the lower thoracic aorta, for which the patient was treated with another stent graft. This is the first case report of stent fracture after TEVAR in a young patient provoked by strenuous work, demonstrating an early stent fracture, which usually occurs as a late complication of TEVAR.

Analysis of diagnosis, treatment and risk classification of blunt thoracic aortic injury

Objective: Propose a new risk classification system for blunt thoracic aortic injury and explore its treatment strategies. Methods: After the retrospective analysis of clinical data from 68 patients with blunt thoracic aortic injury in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from November 2016 to October 2020, there were 56 males and 12 females, among these patients, the median age was 45(21-69). According to the degree of aortic injury and the combined injury, the patients were scored for aortic injury, and the risk of the patients were graded into following three types: low-risk group (score ≤ 2 points) 12 cases, intermediate-risk group (3 points ≤ score ≤ 5 points) 41 cases, high-risk group (score ≥ 6 points) 15 cases. Analyzing the effects of treatments received by patients in different grades on the prognosis. Patients were followed up through hospitalization or outpatient clinics at 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery and every year thereafter. Results: Of the 68 patients, 21 received non-surgical treatment and 47 received surgical repair, including 6 open surgery and 41 thoracic aortic endovascular repair. There were 16 cases of emergency operation and 31 cases of delayed operation. Twelve low-risk patients were treated with non-surgical treatment, and only 1 patient died of lung infection, with a mortality rate of 8.3% (1/12). There were 8 deaths in 41 moderate-risk patients, with a mortality rate of 19.5% (8/41), and the aortic-related mortality rate was 9.8% (4/41), and the operative mortality rate was 10.8% (4/37). The total mortality of 15 high-risk patients was 40% (6/15), and the aortic-related mortality rate was 30.0% (5/15), and the mortality rate of surgical patients was 10% (1/10). During the follow-up period of 5 to 52 months, no deaths occurred outside the hospital. According to the risk grading, there were significant differences in the aortic-related mortality of each grade (χ²=7.840, P=0.020). During the follow-up of 5-52 months, 1 case had type Ⅰ endoleak, 1 case of cerebral infarction, and 1 case of acute renal failure. Conclusion: According to the patient's degree of aortic injury and combined injury, the risk classification helps to choose the appropriate treatment.

Improving the Endovascular Management of Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury

Improving the Endovascular Management of Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury

Postoperative complications of endovascular blunt thoracic aortic injury repair

BackgroundThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the standard of care for thoracic aortic aneurysms and increasingly for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). Postoperative complications, including spinal cord ischemia and...

Single-Center Clinical Analysis of Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Injuries: A Retrospective Observational Study

Purpose This study investigated the clinical outcomes of trauma patients with blunt thoracic aortic injuries at a single institution. Methods During the study period, 9,501 patients with traumatic aortic injuries presented to Trauma Center of Gil Medical Center. Among them, 1,594 patients had severe trauma, with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of >15. Demographics, physiological data, injury mechanism, hemodynamic parameters associated with the thoracic injury according to chest computed tomography (CT) findings, the timing of the intervention, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Results Twenty-eight patients had blunt aortic injuries (75% male, mean age, 45.9±16.3 years). The majority (82.1%, n=23/28) of these patients were involved in traffic accidents. The median ISS was 35.0 (interquartile range 21.0–41.0). The injuries were found in the ascending aorta (n=1, 3.6%) aortic arch (n=8, 28.6%) aortic isthmus (n=18, 64.3%), and descending aorta (n=1, 3.6%). The severity of aortic injuries on chest CT was categorized as intramural hematoma (n=1, 3.6%), dissection (n=3, 10.7%), transection (n=9, 32.2%), pseudoaneurysm (n=12, 42.8%), and rupture (n=3, 10.7%). Endovascular repair was performed in 71.4% of patients (45% within 24 hours), and two patients received surgical management. The mortality rate was 25% (n=7). Conclusions Traumatic thoracic aortic injuries are life-threatening. In our experience, however, if there is no rupture and extravasation from an aortic injury, resuscitation and stabilization of vital signs are more important than an intervention for an aortic injury in patients with multiple traumas. Further study is required to optimize the timing of the intervention and explore management strategies for blunt thoracic aortic injuries in severe trauma patients needing resuscitation. Keywords: Aorta, thoracic; Aneurysm, false; Traumatic; Multiple trauma

Retrospective study of thoracic endovascular aortic repair as a first-line treatment for traumatic blunt thoracic aortic injury.

This study sought to confirm if thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was an appropriate therapeutic strategy for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). Between 3/2005 and 12/2020, 104 patients with BTAI were brought to our hospital. The severity of each trauma case was evaluated using the Injury Severity Score (ISS); aortic injuries were classified as type I to IV according to Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines. Initial treatment was categorized into four groups: nonoperative management (NOM), open aortic repair (OAR), TEVAR, or emergency room thoracotomy/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ERT/CPR). The patients' mean age and ISS were 56.7 ± 20.9years and 48.3 ± 20.4, respectively. Type III or IV aortic injury were diagnosed in 82 patients. The breakdown of initial treatments was as follows: NOM for 28 patients, OAR for four, TEVAR for 47, and ERT/CPR for 25. The overall early mortality rate was 32.7%. Logistic regression analysis confirmed ISS > 50 and shock on admission as risk factors for early mortality. The cumulative survival rate of all patients was 61.2% at 5years after treatment. After initial treatment, eight patients receiving TEVAR required OAR. The cumulative rate of freedom from reintervention using TEVAR at 5years was higher in approved devices than in custom-made devices (96.0 vs. 56.3%, p = 0.011). Using TEVAR as an initial treatment for patients with BTAI is a reasonable approach. Patients with severe multiple traumas and shock on admission had poor early outcomes, and those treated with custom-made devices required significant rates of reintervention.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: Single-Center Experience in a Developing Country

Background: Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is a lethal condition. The most common intervention is no longer open aortic repair (OAR), it has been almost entirely replaced by thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR). Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to share our experience in emergency TEVAR and address some difficulties that have been encountered. Methods: In this retrospective study, all patients with blunt chest trauma between July 2014 and April 2020 were identified. Only patients with BTAI who were treated by emergency TEVAR were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results:A total of 657 cases of blunt chest trauma were identified. Only 7 cases were found to have BTAI who underwent emergency TEVAR; six patients (85.7%) were males, with a mean age (±SD) of 29.5±8.5 years and one as a 39-year-old female. Motor vehicle accident (MVA) was the mechanism of injury (100%). Two patients (27.6%) had grade-II, 4 patients (57.1%) had grade-III, and 1 patient (14.2%) had grade IV aortic injuries. Technical success was achieved in all cases (100%). No peri-procedural-related mortality and morbidity. No graft-related complications or re-interventions during the average follow-up of 23.3±8.6 months. Conclusions: Despite our lack of experience in OAR for BTAI, TEVAR has provided us with an alternative treatment option for this life-threatening condition. Considering the challenges that may be encountered in developing countries, our results were similar to what has been reported in the literature.

Anatomic feasibility of off-the-shelf thoracic single side-branched endograft in patients with blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury

ObjectiveThe advent of thoracic single side-branched endograft (TSSBE) has provided a treatment option to obviate the need for open cervical debranching of the left subclavian artery (LSA), thereby enabling total endovascular incorporation of the LSA during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). In a previous study of patients with type B aortic dissection who had required zone 2 TEVAR, the anatomic feasibility of this device was demonstrated to range from 28% to 35%, suggesting limited applicability of the currently available designs. The objectives of the present study were twofold: (1) to evaluate the anatomic feasibility of TSSBE in blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) patients who would require LSA revascularization; and (2) to describe the anatomic characteristics of the supra-aortic arch branches that could be used to improve future device design. MethodsA retrospective review was performed of BTAI patients who had undergone TEVAR at a single institution from November 2013 to October 2018. Preoperative computed tomography angiograms were analyzed using three-dimensional reconstruction to quantify the aortic diameter, distance and arc length between branch vessels, and the LSA diameter and length. We calculated the proportion of patients who had met all aortic and LSA anatomic requirements for TSSBE proposed by investigational protocols. We also assessed the effect of anatomic requirement modifications on device suitability. Finally, we assessed the local anatomic relationship between the supra-aortic branches. ResultsA total of 41 patients (63% men; median age, 39 years; range, 23-88 years; 68% normal aortic arch pattern, 32% bovine aortic arch pattern) with BTAI who had required TEVAR involving the LSA and were, thus, considered potential candidates for TSSBE were included. Of the 41 patients, 13 (32%; 7 with a bovine aortic arch and 6 with a normal aortic arch) had met all proposed aortic and LSA anatomic requirements for TSSBE. An appropriate aortic diameter, LSA diameter, and LSA length to its first branch were observed in 100%, 95%, and 66% of the patients, respectively. An insufficient distance between the arch branch vessels, observed in 41%, was the most common exclusionary criterion. The median clock-face position of the LSA was 12:00 (interquartile range, 30 minutes) in the normal arch group and 11:45 (interquartile range, 15 minutes) in the bovine arch group. ConclusionsDespite the numerous potential advantages of TSSBE, only 32% of patients with BTAI requiring LSA revascularization had met all the aortic and LSA anatomic requirements, justifying the need for additional designs. Better characterization and mapping of the aortic arch branches will improve future device design and application.

Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injuries: a retrospective cohort analysis of 2 decades of experience.

The aim of this study was to analyse and report the changes in the management of blunt traumatic aortic injuries (BTAIs) in a single centre during the last 2 decades. A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with BTAI from January 1999 to January 2020 was performed. Data were collected from electronic/digitalized medical history records. Forty-six patients were included [median age 42.4 years (16-84 years), 71.7% males]. The predominant cause of BTAI was car accidents (54.5%, n = 24) and all patients presented with concomitant injuries (93% bone fractures, 77.8% abdominal and 62.2% pelvic injuries). Over 70% presented grade III or IV BTAI. Urgent repair was performed in 73.8% of patients (n = 31), with a median of 2.75 h between admission and repair. Thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) was performed in 87% (n = 49), open surgery (OS) in 10.9% (n = 5) and conservative management in 2.1% (n = 1). Technical success was 82.6% (92.1% TEVAR, 79% OS). In-hospital mortality was 19.5% (17.5% TEVAR, 40% OS). Of these, 3 died from aortic-related causes. Seven (15.2%) required an early vascular reintervention. The median follow-up was 34 months (1-220 months), with 19% of early survivors having a follow-up of >10 years. Only 1 vascular reintervention was necessary during follow-up: secondary TEVAR due to acute graft thrombosis. Of the patients who survived the initial event, 6.7% died during follow-up, none from aortic-related causes. Even with all the described shortcomings, in our experience TEVAR for BTAI proved to be feasible and effective, with few complications and stable aortic reconstruction at mid-term follow-up. With the current technical expertise and wide availability of a variety of devices, it should be pursued as a first-line therapy in these challenging scenarios.

多発外傷における鈍的胸部大動脈損傷治療のタイミング(Timing of treatment for blunt thoracic aortic injury in cases of multiple trauma)

要旨【目的】多発外傷における鈍的胸部大動脈損傷（BTAI）に対する治療のタイミングについて検討する。【対象】2011年から2018年に自施設で診療したBTAIのうち，AIS≥3または治療手技（手術あるいは血管内治療）を要する体幹部外傷を伴い，かつ侵襲的治療［ステントグラフト内挿術（SG）あるいは開胸手術（OS）］を行った25例を後方視的に検討した。【結果】48時間以内に侵襲的治療を施行した群は17例（68%，生存15例）で，48時間以降に施行した群の8例（32%，生存7例）と比較して入院期間が短く（43［31–55.5］日／64.5［61.5–82.75］日），RBC輸血量が少なかった（2［0–4］単位／8［4–19］単位）。待機期間がとくに長かった3例のうち2例はStanford B型のII型で，経過中に非手術的治療からSGへ変更したものだった。最終的に22例（88%）を救命した。BTAIの損傷形態は，日本外傷学会分類IIIbが1例でOSを施行，IIIaが18例（72%）で17例にSGが選択された。II型（IIaまたはIIb）は6例（24%）で，そのうちStanford A型の2例にはOSが，B型の4例にはSGが選択された。【結語】多発外傷におけるBTAIは48時間以内に侵襲的治療を行えば入院期間を短縮できRBC輸血量を減らすことができた。

Chronic Blunt Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Injuries

Blunt thoracic aortic injuries are potentially lethal. Those who survive may form an organised haematoma in the periadventitial space resulting in a pseudoaneurysm, which may be identified incidentally decades later. While the role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in acute settings has been established, its role in chronic cases is yet to be defined. We report three cases that were diagnosed incidentally six, nine and 18 years after the injury. Two were managed by TEVAR while the third declined intervention and is on annual follow-up. Patients with asymptomatic and stable pseudoaneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta should be offered surveillance versus TEVAR because the risk of rupture is not negligible, whilst taking into account the patient’s level of physical activity. These three cases highlight the importance of early diagnosis of aortic injuries in blunt trauma and its grading.

Blunt thoracic aorta injuries, an Australian single centre's perspective

Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAI) are potentially life-threatening emergencies. The management paradigm has shifted from open repair to a predominantly endovascular approach. We evaluated the trends in managing BTAI at our centre over the last decade and compared them to current international guidelines. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who presented with BTAI to our level one trauma centre, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Patient demographics, injury grade and location, imaging features, management details and outcomes were analysed. BTAI is rare, with 39 patients identified at our institute over the last 10 years. Of these, seven died in the emergency department from their associated injuries (17.9%). Of the 32 survivors, 27 underwent surgical management with an endovascular stent-graft placement, and the remaining five patients were treated non-operatively. No patients were treated via an open surgical approach. All patients were diagnosed via computed tomography angiography. There were one death and two endoleaks amongst patients who underwent Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The death occurred secondary to severe traumatic brain injury. Two patients illustrated neurological changes however these were associated with the original injury. No patients failed non-operative management. This study demonstrates that at our level one trauma centre, patients with BTAI are managed in accordance with international guidelines. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography for diagnosis and grading of injury. All patients requiring surgical management underwent TEVAR. Furthermore, our data support that select patients with grade I injuries can safely be managed non-operatively.

Reevaluating the Need for Routine Coverage of the Left Subclavian Artery in Thoracic Blunt Aortic Injury

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the treatment of choice for thoracic blunt aortic injury (TBAI). A 20mm proximal seal zone is recommended based on aneurysmal disease literature which often results in coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA). The aim of this study was to analyze our experience with TEVAR for TBAI and evaluate whether 20mm is required to achieve successful remodeling. This is a single-center, retrospective study of all consecutive patients who received a TEVAR for treatment of moderate and severe TBAI between April 2014 and November 2018. Three-dimensional software reconstruction was used for computed tomography (CT) scan centerline measurements. Outcomes included technical success, need for reinterventions, and immediate and long-term aortic-related complications. Sixty-one patients underwent TEVAR for TBAI during the study period. Twenty-eight (46%) patients underwent LSA coverage with an average distance from the LSA to the injury of 6.4mm (0-15.1mm). Of the 33 (54%) patients who did not undergo coverage of the LSA, 22 patients (66%) had less than 20mm of proximal seal zone. The mean distance from the LSA to injury in this group was 16.6mm (7.9-29.5mm). None of the patients with LSA coverage developed ischemic symptoms, and an average decrease in left arm systolic blood pressure of 24.8mm Hg (0-62mm Hg) was noted versus the right arm. There was no aortic-related mortality in either group. Follow-up CT scans revealed excellent remodeling. Immediate outcomes of TEVAR for TBAI with LSA coverage are well tolerated; however, the long-term sequela of LSA coverage is unknown. Exclusion of the injury and excellent remodeling appear to occur with less than 20mm of proximal seal, and perhaps more attention should be made to preservation of the LSA.

Management of Moderate Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injuries in Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage

Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) are the second most common cause of death due to blunt-force trauma in the United States. Patients with minimal injuries do not typically require surgical repair, whereas patients with severe injuries are treated emergently. Moderate aortic injuries are repaired in a semielective fashion, but the optimal management of patients with moderate BTAI with associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. We sought to analyze the management and outcomes of patients presenting with concomitant moderate BTAI and ICH. Consecutive patients who received a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) at our institution for treatment of moderate BTAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed as part of an institutional review board-approved protocol. Patients were classified by our BTAI classification into "minimal", "moderate", or "severe". ICH was identified on computed tomography scan and its severity determined by the neurosurgical team. Outcome measures included surgical timing and surgical outcomes. Fifty-two patients had a moderate BTAI and underwent TEVAR, 20 (38 %) of whom presented with ICH. Median time from admission to surgery was 58.5hr for patients with ICH and 26.5hr for non-ICH patients. Intraoperative heparin was administered in all patients without ICH and in 19 of 20 (95%) patients with ICH after the ICH met criteria for stability. Protamine reversal was utilized in 80% of patients with ICH and 75% of non-ICH patients. No patient developed ischemic stroke or spinal cord ischemia. Worsening ICH was seen in only one patient, who also received heparin infusion for pulmonary embolus 24hr before TEVAR. There were no aortic-related mortalities in either group. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 5% for patients with ICH and 3% for non-ICH patients. Patients with moderate BTAI and stable ICH are not at increased risk of TEVAR-related complications. Administration of intraoperative heparin during TEVAR appears to be safe and does not worsen ICH.

Blunt thoracic aortic injury: challenges of open repair

Thoracic aortic injuries are fatal with less than 50% patients surviving beyond 24 hours even after reaching the hospital if approach is delayed. Rapid transportation, adequate resuscitation, prompt radiological diagnosis, and urgent repair significantly improves outcomes. Even after a food repair, complications such as spinal cord ischemia causing paraplegia and acute lung injury significantly increase the morbidity. Thoracic endovascular repair may appear to be superior to open repair, but its long-term results and efficacy are not well established. We present our experience with open repair in managing this challenging acute emergency and certain measures to avert common but grievous complications.

Intraoperative heparin use is associated with reduced mortality without increasing hemorrhagic complications after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt aortic injury

ObjectiveThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is an effective treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). However, the risks and benefits of administering intraoperative heparin in trauma patients are not well-defined, especially with regard to bleeding complications. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative registry was queried from 2013 to 2019 to identify patients who had undergone TEVAR for BTAI with or without the administration of intraoperative heparin. Univariate analyses were performed with the Student t test, Fisher exact test, or χ2 test, as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression was then performed to assess the association of heparin with inpatient mortality. ResultsA total of 655 patients were included, of whom most had presented with grade III (53.3%) or IV (20%) BTAI. Patients receiving heparin were less likely to have an injury severity score (ISS) of ≥15 (70.2% vs 90.5%; P < .0001) or major head or neck injury (39.6% vs 62.9%; P < .0001). Patients receiving heparin also had a lower incidence of inpatient death (5.1% vs 12.9%; P < .01). Across all injury grades, heparin use was not associated with the need for intraoperative transfusion or postoperative transfusion or the development of hematoma. In patients with grade III BTAI, the nonuse of heparin was associated with an increased risk of lower extremity embolization events (7.4% vs 1.8%; P < .05). On multivariable logistic regression analysis for inpatient mortality, intraoperative heparin use (odds ratio [OR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.86; P < .05) and female gender (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.11-0.86; P < .05) were associated with better survival, even after controlling for head and neck trauma and injury grade. In contrast, increased age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.1; P < .001), postoperative transfusion (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; P < .01), higher ISS (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07; P < .05), postoperative dysrhythmia (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.10-18.18; P < .05), and postoperative stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR, 5.54; 95% CI, 1.11-27.67; P < .05) were associated with increased odds of inpatient mortality. ConclusionsIntraoperative heparin use was associated with reduced inpatient mortality for patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI, including those with major head or neck trauma and high ISSs. Heparin use did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications across all injury grades. Also, in patients with grade III BTAI, heparin use was associated with a reduced risk of lower extremity embolic events. Heparin appears to be safe during TEVAR for BTAI and should be administered when no specific contraindication exists.

Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injury: 10-Year Single-Center Experience

Objective In blunt trauma patients, injury of the thoracic aorta is the second most common cause of death after head injury. In recent years, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has largely replaced open repair as the primary treatment modality, and delayed repair of stable aortic injuries has been shown to improve mortality. In light of these major advancements, we present a 10-year institutional experience from a tertiary cardiovascular surgery center. Methods Records of patients who underwent endovascular or open repair of the ascending, arch or descending thoracic aorta between January 2009 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients without blunt traumatic etiology were excluded. Perioperative data were retrospectively collected from patient charts. Long-term follow-up was performed via data from follow-up visits and phone calls. Results A total of 1,667 patients underwent 1,740 thoracic aortic procedures (172 TEVAR and 1,568 open repair). There were 13 patients (12 males) with a diagnosis of blunt thoracic aortic injury. Mean patient age was 43.6 years (range, 16–80 years). Ten (77%) patients underwent TEVAR, two (15.4%) underwent open repair, and one (7.7%) was treated nonoperatively. Procedure-related stroke was observed in one (7.7%) case. Procedure-related paraplegia did not occur in any patients. Left subclavian artery origin was covered in seven patients. None developed arm ischemia. Hospital survivors were followed-up for an average of 60.2 months (range, 4–115 months) without any late mortality, endoleak, stent migration, arm ischemia, or reintervention. Conclusion Blunt thoracic aortic injury is a rare but highly fatal condition. TEVAR offers good early and midterm results. Left subclavian artery coverage can be performed without major complications.

Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury and Acute Trauma: The Effect on Aortic Diameter and the Consequences for Stent-graft Sizing

Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is associated with a high mortality and large trauma burden. Trauma and resuscitation after injury affect cardiovascular status, which may in turn affect aortic diameter. Measurement of aortic diameter is necessary to guide stent-graft sizing as part of BTAI management. Inaccurate measurement may lead to stent-graft complications. This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of acute major trauma on stent-graft sizing and stent-graft complications, in the context of BTAI and to assess whether any effect could be predicted. Patients who were admitted to a UK major trauma center between January 2007 and December 2017, and were diagnosed with BTAI, were identified. The thoracic aortic diameter was measured at six points on initial and surveillance computed tomography imaging. Data on patient demographics, admission heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and serum lactate were gathered. Thirty-two patients were identified. Twenty met inclusion criteria. Of these, 12 were managed operatively and eight nonoperatively. The mean age was 40, the mean injury severity score was 43, and 85% were male. A mean increase in diameter between initial trauma scan and surveillance scan was noted throughout the thoracic aorta (P<0.05). Stent-graft oversizing relative to aortic diameter changed significantly from initial trauma imaging to surveillance imaging (P<0.05). Admission heart rate, MAP, and serum lactate were not predictive of the percentage change in aortic diameter. There were no complications at surveillance imaging (mean 45days) or during medium term follow-up (mean 532days). Aortic diameter is affected by BTAI, acute major trauma, and resuscitation in a significant and variable manner. Measurements of the aorta in a patient with BTAI in the acute trauma setting should be viewed with uncertainty. A lack of complications in the short term is suggestive of a wide tolerance range regarding stent-graft sizing, but long-term results are unknown.

Patients with blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury treated with TEVAR present increased flow dynamics alterations and pulse wave velocity: a 4D flow CMR study

Abstract Background Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is widely used for the treatment of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injuries. Aortic flow dynamics and mechanical implications of this intervention are poorly investigated and may be of particular interest in the long-term follow-up of these mostly young patients. Purpose To assess whether the presence of TEVAR in a cohort of otherwise healthy subjects was related to dilation of the proximal aorta or increase in aortic stiffness and flow alterations. Methods Nineteen patients who underwent TEVAR implantation after a traumatic injury of the thoracic descending aorta (DAo) (10.0±6.1 years from intervention) and 44 healthy volunteers (HV) underwent 4D flow CMR to compute ascending aorta (AAo) pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of aortic stiffness, systolic flow reversal ratio (SFRR), quantifying backward flow during systole and in-plane rotational flow (IRF), measuring in-plane strength of helical flow. IRF and SFRR were assessed at 20 planes between the sinotubular junction and the mid thoracic DAo. Aortic diameters were measured using double-oblique cine CMR. Results Patients with TEVAR and HV did not differ in age, sex, body surface area, blood pressure and DAo diameter distal to TEVAR (Table). However, TEVAR patients presented larger diameters at the sinus of Valsalva and AAo, increased AAo PWV and strong flow alterations: IRF was reduced from the distal AAo to the proximal DAo, while SFRR was increased in the whole thoracic aorta (Figure). Conclusions In patients with blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury treated with TEVAR the aorta proximal to TEVAR is dilated, stiffer and present potentially pathogenic flow conditions. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess whether these alterations have prognostic value and may improve clinical prevention and management of these patients. Figure 1. IRF and SFRR in healthy vs TEVAR Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI19/01480). Guala A. received funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (IJC2018-037349-I).

Should Percutaneous Access for Repair of Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury Be Shunned? An Aortic Trauma Foundation Database Analysis

Should Percutaneous Access for Repair of Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury Be Shunned? An Aortic Trauma Foundation Database Analysis