Endovascular Repair Of Aortic Dissection Research Articles

Indications, Safety and Effectiveness of Transcatheter Electrosurgical Septotomy During Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissections

ObjectiveEndovascular repair of aortic dissections may be complicated by inadequate sealing zones, persistent false lumen (FL) perfusion, and limited space for catheter manipulation and target artery incorporation. The aim of this study was to describe the indications, technical success, and early outcomes of transcatheter electrosurgical septotomy (TES) during endovascular repair of aortic dissections. MethodsWe reviewed the clinical data of consecutive patients treated by endovascular repair of aortic dissections with adjunctive TES in two centers between 2021-2023. Endpoints were technical success, defined by successful septotomy without dislodgment of the lamella or target artery occlusion, and 30-day rates of major adverse events (MAEs). ResultsAmong 197 patients treated by endovascular repair for aortic dissections, 36 (18%) patients (median age, 61.5 years (IQR 55-72.5); 83% males) underwent adjunctive TES for acute (n = 3, 8%), subacute (n = 1, 3%), or chronic post-dissection aneurysms (n = 32, 89%). Indications for TES were severe true lumen (TL) compression (≤ 16mm) in 28 patients (78%), target vessel origin from FL in 19 (53%), creation of suitable landing zone in 12 (33%), and organ/limb malperfusion in four (11%). Endovascular repair included fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) in 18 patients (50%), thoracic EVAR (TEVAR)/ EVAR/PETTICOAT in 11 (31%), and arch branch repair in 7 (19%). All patients had dissections extending through Zones 5 to 7, and 28 patients (78%) underwent TES across the renal-mesenteric segment. Technical success of TES was 92% (33/36) for all patients and 97% (32/33) among those with subacute or chronic post-dissection aneurysms. There were three technical failures, including two patients with acute dissections with inadvertent SMA dissection in one patient and distal dislodgement of the dissection lamella in two patients. There were no arterial disruptions. Mean post-septotomy aortic lumen increased from 13.2±4.8mm to 28.4±6.8mm (P<.001). All 18 patients treated by FB-EVAR had successful incorporation of 78 target arteries. There was one (3%) early death from stroke, and three (8%) patients had MAEs. After a median follow-up of 8 months (IQR, 4.5-13.5 months), 13 (36%) patients had secondary interventions, and two (6%) died from non-aortic-related events. There were no other complications associated with TES. ConclusionTES is an adjunctive technique that may optimize sealing zones and luminal aortic diameter during endovascular repair of subacute and chronic post-dissection. Although no arterial disruptions or target vessel loss occurred, but patients with acute dissections are prone to technical failures related to dislodgement of the lamella.

Application of multi-planar reconstruction technique in endovascular repair of aortic dissection

BACKGROUND Endovascular repair of aortic dissection is an effective method commonly used in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection. Stent placement during the operation was one-time and could not be repeatedly adjusted during the operation. Therefore, it is of great significance for cardiovascular physicians to fully understand the branch status, position, angle, and other information regarding aortic arch dissection before surgery. AIM To provide more references for clinical cardiovascular physicians to develop treatment plans. METHODS Data from 153 patients who underwent endovascular repair of aortic dissection at our hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent multi-slice spiral computed tomography angiography. Based on distinct post-image processing techniques, the patients were categorized into three groups: Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) (n = 55), volume reconstruction (VR) (n = 46), and maximum intensity projection (MIP) (n = 52). The detection rate of aortic rupture, accuracy of the DeBakey classification, rotation, and tilt angles of the C-arm during the procedure, dispersion after stent release, and the incidence of late complications were recorded and compared. RESULTS The detection rates of interlayer rupture in the MPR and VR groups were significantly higher than that in the MIP group (P &lt; 0.05). The detection rates of DeBakey subtypes I, II, and III in the MPR group were higher than those in the MIP group, and the detection rate of type III in the MPR group was significantly higher than that in the VR group (P &lt; 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the detection rates of types I and II compared to the VR group (P &gt; 0.05). The scatter rate of markers and the incidence of complications in the MPR group were significantly lower than those in the VR and MIP groups (P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION The application of MPR in the endovascular repair of aortic dissection has improved the detection rate of dissection rupture, the accuracy of anatomical classification, and safety.

A narrative review on endovascular false lumen management options in chronic aortic dissection

ObjectiveData on false lumen (FL) evolution after endovascular repair for aortic dissection showed discouraging findings in terms of complete FL thrombosis. Persistent flow from collateral arteries and distal entry points may prevent FL exclusion. This review aims to present the current techniques and available evidence on endovascular FL management in patients treated for chronic aortic dissection. MethodsA review of the English literature was undertaken using the MEDLINE and Embase databases from January 2000 to February 2023. Studies reporting on technical and clinical findings of the available endovascular techniques for FL exclusion were considered eligible. Only descriptive data are presented, and no comparison was attempted. ResultsThe available techniques dedicated to preventing FL retrograde flow are (1) the “Cork in the Bottle technique,” (2) physician-modified aortic occluders, (3) the Knickerbocker technique, and (4) FL endografts (FLEs; the Candy-Plug technique). The “Cork in the Bottle technique” has been related to a 24-month follow-up positive aortic remodeling rate at 80%. The Knickerbocker technique showed technical success at 94% but with a secondary reintervention rate at 31%. Follow-up imaging confirmed aortic diameter regression in 75% of patients. Physician-modified and custom-made FLEs (the Candy-Plug technique) have been used for FL backflow interruption. Published experience on the use of custom-made generation I to III FLEs showed a 94% technical success rate and an 80% complete FL thrombosis. During the midterm follow-up, positive aortic remodeling was detected in up to 90% of patients. ConclusionsExclusion of FL’s backflow is mandatory in patients managed for chronic aortic dissections and can be achieved with various techniques. All options are associated with high technical success in experienced hands; however, further advancements and long-term follow-up data are needed.

Aortic remodeling following hybrid arch repair with zone 0 to 5 thoracic endovascular aortic repairs for complex arch and descending thoracic aortic pathologies

ObjectiveFor high-risk patients with aortic arch pathology, hybrid aortic arch repair with simultaneous or staged thoracic endovascular repair of the descending aorta may be a viable alternative to open repair. However, data on postintervention aortic remodeling remain limited. We report the short-term outcomes of remodeling of the thoracoabdominal aorta after hybrid arch repair + thoracic endovascular repair. MethodsAll patients undergoing hybrid arch repair with planned zones 0 to 5 thoracic endovascular repair from January 2020 to March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Computed tomography angiography scans preoperatively, after hybrid aortic arch repair, and on long-term follow-up were analyzed for thoracoabdominal aorta remodeling. Mean change in aortic true luminal diameter and full luminal diameter was calculated at every level, and paired-samples t test was used to compare means. ResultsOf 39 patients, 38 had follow-up data at a mean duration of 14.9 months. There were a total of 3 (7.7%) deaths, 0 (0.0%) strokes, and 0 (0.0%) paralysis. For the 35 patients undergoing thoracic endovascular repair for aortic dissection, at follow-up, there was a significant increase in the mean true luminal diameter at each level (P < .05), except at the aortic bifurcation and common iliac arteries. The largest increase in mean true luminal diameter (P < .01) was observed at the level of the left inferior pulmonary vein (mean difference +13.22 mm, 95% CI, 10.38-16.07), tracheal carina (mean difference +13.06 mm, 95% CI, 10.05-16.07), and inferior left atrium (mean difference +11.19 mm, 95% CI, 7.84-14.53). ConclusionsHybrid arch repair with zones 0 to 5 leads to improved true lumen augmentation in zones 0 to 8 with complete false lumen thrombosis down to zone 5 at short-term follow-up. Zones 9 to 11, if involved, may require adjunctive treatment strategies for total aortic remodeling and complete false lumen obliteration.

In situ laser fenestration of aortic septum to bridge false and true lumen during endovascular repair of aortic dissection

Fenestration of the septum between the true and false lumen might be necessary after aortic dissection. We report the technical aspects of in situ laser fenestration of the aortic dissection septum. Two illustrative cases are provided: a 56-year-old man with false lumen deployment of a frozen elephant trunk graft, and a 67-year-old man who underwent fenestrated endovascular aortic repair with a target branch vessel off the false lumen. In both cases, the septum was crossed using in situ laser fenestration. This technique is a precise option to enable passage between true and false lumens during endovascular repair of an aortic dissection.

A retrospective study of endovascular repair of aortic dissection with aberrant right subclavian artery

A retrospective study of endovascular repair of aortic dissection with aberrant right subclavian artery

Role of CTA Surveillance for Management of Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of timing for post-interventional CT imaging on the rate of re-intervention and all-cause mortality in patients with endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissections (TBAD). Data on 70 patients with endovascular repair of aortic dissection during a three-year period from a single institution retrospectively were collected. Study participants were stratified based on those who had a postoperative CTA in the first 30 days after index intervention (early) vs. those who did not (late). The re-intervention and all-cause mortality rates between the two groups were investigated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. During a median follow-up time of 230 days, the primary endpoint (additional operation) was reached in 24/70 patients (34.3%) with no statistically significant difference between the early and late CTA group (log-rank-test: P = 0.886). All-cause mortality was present in 14/70 (20%) patients, with no statistically significant difference between both groups (log-rank-test: P = 0.440). Additionally, both groups had no significant differences in time to additional operation and death. Cox regression analysis revealed the presence of a chronic TBAD and underlying connective tissue disease as relevant risk factors for the need for an additional operation and obesity as a protective and renal failure as a negative factor for all-cause mortality. CTA surveillance within 30 days of the index operation did not significantly modify mortality or rate of re-intervention after endovascular treatment for TBAD. Surveillance recommendations should be tailored to individualized factors.

Usefulness of 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography in differentiating between subacute and chronic aortic dissection: initial investigation.

In the selection of thoracic endovascular repair for aortic dissection (AD), it is important to distinguish between the subacute and chronic phases, but there is no reliable way to distinguish between them in patients with unknown onset of AD. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18F-FDG)-PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) for discriminating subacute AD from chronic AD. Thirteen patients with AD who were medically treated and followed up for 6 months were studied. 18F-FDG PET/CT images were obtained for each patient in the subacute phase (the first scan) and at 6 months (the second scan) after the onset. Target-to-background ratio (TBR) was measured as the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) in the dissected aortic wall divided by blood pool SUV. TBR was significantly higher in the first scan (mean ± SD, 1.97 ± 0.32) than in the second scan (1.69 ± 0.29, P = 0.007). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TBR for discriminating subacute AD from chronic AD was 0.76. With a threshold of 1.74, the TBR showed the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of 85%, 69%, 73%, and 82%, respectively, for the discrimination of subacute AD from chronic AD. Metabolic assessment of dissected aortic wall by 18F-FDG PET/CT is useful in differentiating between subacute and chronic AD and can provide important information in determining the appropriate indication for treatment for patients with AD of unknown onset.

Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection Involving the Left Subclavian Artery by Castor Stent Graft: A Multicentre Prospective Trial

The left subclavian artery (LSA) origin can be intentionally covered by stent grafts, to provide adequate proximal landing zones during thoracic endovascular repair for Stanford type B aortic dissections (TBADs). To preserve the LSA, a novel single branched stent graft, named “Castor” was designed and a clinical trial conducted to investigate its suitability. From April 2013 to March 2015, 73 patients with TBAD were treated by Castor stent grafts at 11 Chinese tertiary hospitals as part of a single arm prospective clinical trial. There were 50 acute (<2 weeks [68.5%]) and 23 chronic aortic dissections (>2 weeks [31.5%]). The technical success rate was 97% (n = 71/73). The two failures were caused by occlusion of the branch section of the stent graft. There were four intra-operative endoleaks (two type Ia, two type B from the LSA). The endoleak rate was 5% (n = 4/73). There was one in hospital death and no major complications. The median follow up time was 61 months (range 48–72 months). The mortality was 5% (n = 4/73) within one year and 7% within six years (n = 5/73). Two deaths were of unknown cause and three were not related to the aorta. Two new entry tears were found on the proximal or distal edge of the stent graft and were retreated endovascularly. Six occlusions of the branch section of the Castor stent graft were found, and the follow up patency rate of the branch section was 93% (n = 63/68). Two intra-operative endoleaks were left during follow up and eventually disappeared according to the latest computed tomography angiograms. For patients with TBADs needing anchoring proximal to the origin of LSA, the Castor single branched stent graft may provide an easily manipulated, safe, and effective endovascular treatment.

Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection Involving the Left Subclavian Artery by Castor Stent Graft: A Multicentre Prospective Trial

The left subclavian artery (LSA) origin can be intentionally covered by stent grafts, to provide adequate proximal landing zones during thoracic endovascular repair for Stanford type B aortic dissections (TBADs). To preserve the LSA, a novel single branched stent graft, named "Castor" was designed and a clinical trial conducted to investigate its suitability. From April 2013 to March 2015, 73 patients with TBAD were treated by Castor stent grafts at 11 Chinese tertiary hospitals as part of a single arm prospective clinical trial. There were 50 acute (<2 weeks [68.5%]) and 23 chronic aortic dissections (>2 weeks [31.5%]). The technical success rate was 97% (n=71/73). The two failures were caused by occlusion of the branch section of the stent graft. There were four intra-operative endoleaks (two type Ia, two type B from the LSA). The endoleak rate was 5% (n=4/73). There was one in hospital death and no major complications. The median follow up time was 61 months (range 48-72 months). The mortality was 5% (n=4/73) within one year and 7% within six years (n=5/73). Two deaths were of unknown cause and three were not related to the aorta. Two new entry tears were found on the proximal or distal edge of the stent graft and were retreated endovascularly. Six occlusions of the branch section of the Castor stent graft were found, and the follow up patency rate of the branch section was 93% (n=63/68). Two intra-operative endoleaks were left during follow up and eventually disappeared according to the latest computed tomography angiograms. For patients with TBADs needing anchoring proximal to the origin of LSA, the Castor single branched stent graft may provide an easily manipulated, safe, and effective endovascular treatment.

Application of an extracorporeal prefenestrated stent graft in endovascular repair of ascending aorta and aortic arch lesions

Aortic dissection involving the ascending aorta and aortic arch is a serious condition. Treatment using traditional surgical methods has certain disadvantages. This study investigated the effectiveness of thoracic endovascular repair of aortic dissection using an external prefenestrated stent. We present a series of aortic dissection cases involving the ascending aorta and aortic arch treated with an external prefenestrated stent. Postoperative follow-up of the patients showed that all stents were released at the proper position and that branch vessels were not occluded, and there were no instances of type I endoleak. One patient died suddenly one week after surgery; another experienced retrograde type A aortic dissection in the second week; and type I endoleak occurred in one patient in the first week, although this resolved within six months. No serious complications such as cerebrovascular events, acute spinal cord ischemia, and paraplegia occurred during the perioperative period. All patients had false lumen thrombosis in the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Prefenestrated stent grafting is a feasible treatment option for repairing an entry tear in the ascending aorta.

Commentary on “Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection Involving the Left Subclavian Artery by Castor Stent Graft: A Multicentre Prospective Trial”

Commentary on “Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection Involving the Left Subclavian Artery by Castor Stent Graft: A Multicentre Prospective Trial”

False Lumen Embolization in Chronic Aortic Dissections to Improve Results of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: Early Experience of 21 Consecutive Cases

Introduction - The failure of endovascular repair of chronic aortic dissections can be explained by the back flow in the false channel through distal re-entry tears. After implantation of a thoracic stent-graft, the false lumen thrombosis occurs in only about 50% of the cases. We evaluated the feasibility of embolization of the false channel in chronic aortic dissections. Methods - Between June 2015 and January 2017, 21 patients with chronic aortic dissection were treated for aneurysmal dilatation of the descending thoracic aorta. They were considered high surgical risk. They were treated by the placement of a thoracic stentgraft and embolization of the false lumen or embolization alone. This was done by placing vascular plugs or coils inside the false lumen. This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. We studied the technical feasibility, the post-operative courses as well as the quality of exclusion of the false channel (determined on late phase CTA). Results - The mean age of the patients was 61 +/- 14 years, 6 patients had residual type A dissection after cardiac surgery, and 15 patients had type B dissection. Five patients were suffering from Marfan disease (24%). Six patients (28%) were symptomatic (painful) preoperatively. Seven patients (33%) had prior aortic arch replacement with elephant trunk procedure. The mean maximum diameter of the thoracic aorta was 63 +/- 14 mm. Spinal fluid drainage was used in 71% of cases (15/21 patients). The embolization was possible in 100% of the cases. Thrombosis of the false lumen at the level of the thoracic dilatation was obtained in 100% of cases but required sometime several sessions. In 81% of cases it was obtained after the 1st embolization. One patient required 2 sessions of embolization and 2 patients required 3 sessions. One patient presented a type A retrograde dissection in relation to the erosion of the arterial wall by the proximal bare stent of a stent-graft. He was operated (open conversion) with simple post-operative course. Only one patient had postoperative medullary ischemia (partially resolving paraparesis). Finally, 2 patients had a replacement of the distal aorta below the stent-graft for a preexisting thoracoabdominal dilatation. The mean follow-up is 10,5 +/- 7 months. Twelve patients (57%) had an aneurysmal shrinkage bigger than 5 mm during follow-up. Conclusion - The embolization of the false lumen of chronic aortic dissections is technically feasible and is easily obtained in the majority of cases. It allows efficient endovascular repair of aortic dissections. The result on aortic remodeling requires longer follow-up. This technique may therefore improve the results of thoracic aortic endovascular repair in chronic aortic dissections.

Volume-Outcome Relationships in Surgical and Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection

As surgical mortality decreases and endovascular utilization increases, it is unknown whether volume-outcome relationships exist in thoracic aortic dissection repair. We characterized volume-outcome relationships for surgical and endovascular management of thoracic aortic dissection. Patients aged more than 18 years undergoing repair of thoracic aortic dissection in the United States between 2010 and 2014 were identified in seven all-payer state inpatient administrative databases. Patients were divided into groups based on type of repair: surgical repair of type A dissection (TAAD), surgical repair of type B dissection (TBAD), and endovascular repair (TEVAR). Hierarchical logistic regression models evaluated the association between hospital volume and in-hospital mortality. Overall in-hospital mortality rate was 13.4% (890 of 6650), highest after TAAD (463 of 2918, 15.9%), followed by TBAD (270 of 1934, 14.0%) and TEVAR (157 of 1798, 8.7%). Volume-outcome relationships for adjusted in-hospital mortality were demonstrated for TAAD and TBAD (P-trend < .001), but not TEVAR (P-trend= .11). Adjusted in-hospital mortality differed most for TAAD (fewer than 3 cases per year: 21%, 95% confidence interval, 18% to 24%; vs 11 or more cases per year: 12%, 95% confidence interval, 8% to 16%; P < .001) and TBAD (fewer than 2 cases per year: 18%, 95% confidence interval, 15% to 22%; vs 11 or more cases per year: 9%, 95% confidence interval, 5% to 12%; P < .001), whereas TEVAR did not differ between quartiles. Adjusted mortality was lower at centers with 26 or more overall annual thoracic dissection repairs, compared with any of the three lower-volume quartiles (P < .001). This study demonstrated lower mortality at high-volume hospitals for overall repair of aortic dissection, persisting separately for surgical repair of TAAD and TBAD, but not TEVAR. As endovascular technology advances and practice patterns consequently change, analyses should focus on understanding the balance between procedural volume, mortality, and access to care for thoracic aortic dissection.

Outcomes of the Chimney Technique for Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection Involving the Arch Branches

The results of different chimney techniques in different zones of aortic arch were analyzed, so as to provide clues to decrease the complications of chimney thoracic endovascular repair (cTEVAR). Between April 2012 and April 2017, 234 patients with aortic dissection involving arch branches received cTEVAR. Among these patients, 156 (66.7%) received single chimney (SC), 48 (20.5%) received double chimneys (DCs), and 30 (12.8%) received triple chimneys (TCs). A total of 342 chimney grafts (CGs) were used. All chimney grafts were successfully implanted, and no migration or occlusion was observed during follow-up. Mortality of this cohort was 1.7% (4/234). Three (3/234, 1.3%) patients suffered from cerebral vascular events. Seventy-five (75/234, 32.1%) had intraoperative type I endoleak. Twenty-seven (27/75, 36.0%) of them were found to have automatically disappeared in the follow-up period. The false lumens of 33 (33/75, 44.0%) were found to be stable, and 15 (15/75, 20%) were found to have expanded and were successfully retreated by endoleak embolization. The proximal tear located in zone 0 had higher instant endoleak rate than zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3 (P=0.041; P=0.042; P=0.009). TC were found to have more instant endoleak than SC (P<0.001) and DC (P=0.012). But in the follow-up period, there was no significant difference. TCs and the proximal tear locating in zone 0 were found to be with higher instant endoleak rate, and it may need more rigorous follow-up. Some of the endoleak after cTEVAR could automatically disappear and some could be completely re-treated by gutter embolization procedure.

Unexpected renal hemorrhage after endovascular repair of complicated type B aortic dissection: two cases report

BackgroundThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the therapeutic choice for type B aortic dissection. One of the most unfavored complications of this procedure is hemorrhage, which has a low incidence but high mortality. Renal hemorrhage (RH) after endovascular aortic repair has been rarely reported. We presented two cases of unexpected RH after TEVAR for complicated type B aortic dissection, and the potential causes, diagnosis and therapeutic management were discussed.Case presentationA 67-year-old female developed hypotension and progressively decrease of hemoglobin within 5 h after TEVAR for acute complicated type B dissection. Bedside ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography angiography revealed a massive right perinephric hematoma. The right renal angiography detected multiple tortuous vascular branches with diffuse perinephric bleeding. The main trunk of right renal artery was embolized. The patient recovered uneventfully and presented with normal renal function 6 months later. Another patient was a 69-year-old male who was admitted for endovascular repair of a chronic complicated type B aortic dissection. The patient presented with hemodynamic instability early after TEVAR. Bedside ultrasonography showed a giant left retroperitoneal hematoma. The abdominal angiography revealed two active bleeding sits located in the distal branches of left renal artery. A super-selective embolization of the two arteries was performed, however the patient developed abdominal compartment syndrome and died of multiple organ failure.ConclusionsUnexpected RH after endovascular repair of aortic dissection might be associated with iatrogenic and idiopathic factors. Close surveillance and clinician’s awareness of this rare complication is crucial for accurate and prompt diagnosis. Renal angiography and subsequent selective embolization of bleeding vessels are effective interventions for treating this fatal condition.

Neglected event in endovascular repair of aortic dissection

[Purpose]To investigate acute blood pressure change during aortic angiography in aortic dissection endovascular repair, and analyse the potential risk of this incident.[Method]24 patients with aortic dissection underwent endovascular repair in department of vascular surgery of Changhai hospital between May 2016 and July 2016 were enrolled in this research. Patients were divided into two groups: patients underwent general anesthesia and patients underwent lumbar anesthesia. Blood pressure was monitored by intro-artery catheter. Blood pressure readings were recorded every 10 seconds during the procedure of angiography. Outcome of these patients were observed in hospital. [Result] All patients received endovascular aortic repair, with 19 underwent lumbar anesthesia and 5 underwent general anesthesia. Patients underwent lumbar anesthesia presented temporary blood pressure decrease with average of -11.2±13.4mmHg, while patients underwent general anesthesia presented temporary blood pressure elevation with average of 4.2±6.3mmHg. The Maximum time interval were 26.7±12.7s vs25.8±15.8s, and difference in blood pressure between pre- and post-angiography were 1.53±4.4mmHg vs. 4.6±3.4mmHg, both without significance (P&gt;0.05).[Conclusion] Angiography is an effective factor influencing blood pressure during TEVAR, it’s a potential “trigger” of intra-operative cardiovascular events. Blood pressure should be kept on proper level to avoid cardiovascular events induced by blood pressure variability with angiography. Angiography with General anesthesia has less influence on blood pressure than with lumbar anesthesia.

Distal landing zone optimization before endovascular repair of aortic dissection

BackgroundThe general goals of endovascular management in chronic distal thoracic aortic dissection are optimizing the true lumen, maintaining branch patency, and promoting false lumen (FL) thrombosis. Distal seal can be challenging in chronic distal thoracic aortic dissection due to the well-established secondary fenestrations and fibrotic septum. We describe our approach of distal landing zone optimization (DLZO) to enable full-diameter contact of the distal endoprosthesis. Materials and MethodsOur experience includes 19 procedures in 16 patients (12 male, age 68 ± 8 years) between May 2014 and November 2017. A history of previous ascending repair for type A dissection was present in 8 patients. Treatment indication was enlarging aneurysm in all subjects, and 4 patients had associated chronic visceral or distal ischemia. Point septal fenestrations were expanded by serial balloon dilation and/or wire-pull approaches. Balloon molding was used to ensure complete endograft apposition and FL collapse. ResultsOne death occurred due to aortic perforation during wire-pull fenestration in a patient with heavily calcified and angulated aorta. The remaining procedures were accomplished safely and successfully. Balloon fenestration was used in 16 procedures, alone or in combination with a limited wire pull component. Adjunct procedures for distal seal included surgeon-modified fenestrated stent graft (3), iliac branch device (3), parallel superior mesenteric artery stent-graft (1), renal artery or superior mesenteric artery stent-graft (4), iliac stent (3), and plug obliteration of FL (5). Reintervention was required in 3 patients due to delayed loss of seal after the initial procedure (3, 8, and 12 months). Two were managed by repeat DLZO and distal extension. The third had distal extension via a surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-graft component. Follow-up imaging was available in 14 patients (16.0 ± 12.5 months, range: 1-33), with stable or regressed sac diameter with complete or near-complete thrombosis of the FL in all patients. ConclusionsDLZO enabled creation of a distal seal zone in all patients. Residual retrograde filling of the FL is a marker of procedure failure, especially when seal segment length or feasible endoprosthesis oversizing are marginal. Insufficient landing segment can be circumvented with the use of a fenestrated or branched device to accomplish seal in the visceral aorta or iliac bifurcation. Adjunct FL ablation is also a valuable technique to promote FL thrombosis.

In-Situ Laser Fenestration of a PTFE Thoracic Aortic Stent Graft for Delayed Left Subclavian Artery Revascularization Following Frozen Elephant Trunk Repair of Type an Aortic Dissection

Left subclavian artery revascularization during endovascular repair of aortic dissection is often accomplished by left carotid-subclavian artery bypass or transposition. In-situ fenestration of thoracic stent grafts provides an alternative method of revascularization without manipulation of the left carotid artery. We describe a novel technique of delayed in-situ laser fenestration, combined with catheter-directed thrombectomy to revascularize a thrombosed left subclavian artery in a patient with frozen elephant trunk repair of type A aortic dissection.

Reintervention after endovascular repair for aortic dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThoracic endovascular aortic repair has been chosen as a less-invasive alternative to open surgery for the treatment of aortic dissections; however, the advantages have been challenged by the postoperative reintervention during the follow-up period. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence, reasons, and potential risk factors for reintervention. MethodsStudies reporting reintervention after endovascular repair were identified by searching PubMed and Embase in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, and by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved articles. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were performed to determine the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to determine the publication bias. ResultsA total of 27 studies encompassing 2403 patients with aortic dissection were identified. The pooled incidence of reintervention after endovascular repair was 15% (95% confidence interval, 12-19) during 33.7 months of follow-up. The 3 most common reasons for reintervention were endoleak (33.2%), false lumen perfusion and aortic dilation (19.8%), and new dissection (6.9%). The potential factors for reintervention were the mean age of onset and diabetes mellitus determined by performing a single meta-regression analysis (P < .001 and .044, respectively). ConclusionsCurrent data suggest that the incidence of reintervention after endovascular therapy is relatively high during midterm follow-up. Advanced age of onset is a risk factor and diabetes mellitus is a protective factor of reintervention after endovascular therapy. The possible mechanism that diabetes mellitus protects patients from reintervention should be explored further.