False Lumen Embolization Research Articles

Pre-emptive False Lumen Embolization to Prevent Persistent Type II Endoleak in Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Repair of Post-Dissection Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

The purpose was to describe a technique to promote false lumen (FL) thrombosis in post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAAs) managed by fenestrated/branched endografting (F/B-EVAR). A 5/6Fr-90 cm length sheath is advanced from the true lumen (TL) to FL through the most distal entry tear of the infrarenal aorta or iliac arteries. It is parked in the most cranial portion of the FL in the thoracic aorta. Aortic endografts are deployed in the TL excluding all the para-visceral/distal entry tears and target visceral vessels bridging stenting is performed. A selective FL angiography is performed through the 5/6Fr sheath to detect the origin of all segmentary arteries. Embolization of FL is performed from above to below by M-reye pushable coils, obtaining the packaging of FL. After completion angiography, the 5/6Fr sheath is retrieved in external iliac artery and molding ballooning of the distal segment of the aortic/iliac endograft is performed. Between 2019 and 2023, this technique was applied in 11cases with a median number of 73 (interquartile range [IQR=12) coils. Out of 8 (72%) patients with available radiological follow-up at 1 year, 7 exhibited complete FL thrombosis. The FL coiling in PD-TAAAs managed by F/B-EVAR is feasible, safe, and effective to promote the complete FL thrombosis. Preemptive false lumen embolization is a feasible, safe, and effective technique for preventing persistent type II endoleaks after fenestrated-branched endovascular repair of post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. This technique may be routinely recommended to promote FL thrombosis and aortic remodeling after FB-EVAR in PD-TAAAs, thereby reducing the incidence of reinterventions during follow-up.

Plug-Based Embolization Techniques of Aortic Side Branches during Standard and Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair.

Vascular plugs are an evolving family of vessel occluders providing a single-device embolization system for large, high-flow arteries. Nitinol mesh plugs and polytetrafluoroethylene membrane plugs are available in different configurations and sizes to occlude arteries from 3 to 20 mm in diameter. Possible applications during complex endovascular aortic procedures are aortic branch embolization to prevent endoleak or to gain an adequate landing zone, directional branch occlusion, and false lumen embolization in aortic dissection. Plugs are delivered through catheters or introducers, and their technical and clinical results are comparable to those of coil embolization. Plugs are more accurate than coils as repositionable devices, less prone to migration, and have fewer blooming artifacts on postoperative computed tomography imaging. Their main drawback is the need for larger delivery systems. This narrative review describes up-to-date techniques and technology for plug embolization in complex aortic repair.

Open and endovascular reinterventions after Candy Plug false lumen embolization of type B aortic dissection

ObjectiveIn the majority of patients with chronic type B aortic dissection, there is persistent retrograde flow in the false lumen (FL) through distal re-entry tears. Among several endovascular techniques proposed for FL management, the “Candy Plug” (CP) technique has gained acceptance with good early results. The aim of this study is to report the types and outcomes of open and endovascular reinterventions and identify mechanisms of procedure failure as well as other causes for reinterventions. MethodsAll patients with type B aortic dissection submitted to thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair and CP implantation for FL embolization from January 2016 to December 2022 at our institution were included in this study. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of the primary intervention and secondary reinterventions, when performed, were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography angiography were also analyzed. ResultsDuring the study period, 33 patients were submitted to thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair and CP implantation. Twenty-three patients (69.7%) showed thoracic FL complete thrombosis with aortic stability or positive remodeling at a mean follow-up of 45 ± 23.1 months. Ten patients (30.3%) underwent aortic reinterventions (male, n = 9; mean age, 60.5 ± 7.6 years). Of these 10 patients, in four patients, complete thrombosis of the FL was never achieved, leading to ongoing perfusion of the FL, defined as “primary failure.” The other six patients underwent reinterventions for different causes: two patients, after initial sealing, showed a progressive enlargement of the abdominal FL leading to distal degeneration. One patient showed proximal degeneration, two patients showed a type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and CP implantation was used as a planned procedure to reduce the extent of the surgical procedure, and one patient had recurrent, intractable back pain despite complete thrombosis of the FL. Reinterventions were open in five cases and endovascular in five. One in-hospital death (postoperative day 27) after a type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm open repair was recorded. In addition, two cases of delayed spinal cord ischemia after open reintervention were recorded: one resulting in permanent paraplegia and one transitory with complete recovery. ConclusionsThe CP technique was safe and effective; however, a significant rate of aortic-related reintervention was observed. Several mechanisms led to reinterventions either in terms of “primary failure” of the CP or subsequent aneurysmal degeneration. Complex reinterventions were often necessary, with a high rate of major complications in case of open repair. Life-long and closer surveillance might be required in these patients.

Initial experience with a modified "candy-plug" technique for false lumen embolization in chronic type B aortic dissection.

Persistent distal false lumen (FL) perfusion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can lead to aneurysmal degeneration and an increased risk of rupture. We have presented our initial experience using a modified "candy-plug" (CP) technique for FL embolization. From February 2021 to July 2022, we treated six patients using the modified CP technique. All the patients had undergone prior or simultaneous TEVAR for chronic TBAD with persistent FL perfusion and aneurysm expansion. Bilateral common femoral artery access was obtained, and intravascular ultrasound was used to confirm wire access in the true lumen (TL) and FL. A conformable TAG device (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) was used in four cases and an Excluder aortic cuff (W.L. Gore & Associates) in two cases. The device was modified by placing a constraining "napkin-ring" suture through the middle segment of the device. Femoral sheaths were placed in the TL and FL. A standard TL TEVAR extension was performed at the level of the celiac artery (zone 5). Next, the CP device was advanced and deployed in the FL, distally aligning it with the TL device. An appropriately sized Amplatzer II plug (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) was then deployed in the constrained segment of the modified stent graft. Completion angiography was performed to confirm successful FL embolization. Technical success was defined as successful deployment of the CP device in the FL. The technical success rate was 100% (six of six patients). Clinical success was defined as the cessation of aneurysm growth on follow-up computed tomography angiography. No 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, spinal cord ischemia, access site complications, or aortic-related reinterventions occurred. Surveillance imaging at a mean follow-up of 10months confirmed clinical success (stable aneurysm size or shrinkage) for all five patients with follow-up data available. The modified CP embolization technique is a promising solution for persistent distal FL perfusion after TEVAR for TBAD. Further investigation is required to determine the long-term durability of this technique as an adjunct to TEVAR to promote aortic remodeling.

Candy-plug: Failure to launch.

Dr. Miles and colleagues describe an initial series of 6 cases using the “candy plug” technique to induce false lumen thrombosis after TEVAR for TBAD.1Dr. Daniel Miles et al. Initial Experience with a Modified “Candy-Plug” Technique for False Lumen Embolization in Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 20XX, 1(1), XX-XX. doi: XXXX.Google Scholar They report good initial technical success with very limited follow up, in accordance with other similar case series. While this initial result appears promising, the safety and effectiveness of this technique remain poorly understood. My reservations about the technique are founded on the following:1.Failure to launch. The technique was first described 10 years ago yet there remain no larger published series demonstrating safety or effectiveness.2Kolbel T. Lohrenz C. Kieback A. Diener H. Debus E.S. Larena-Avellaneda A. Distal false lumen occlusion in aortic dissection with a homemade extra-large vascular plug: the candy-plug technique.J Endovasc Ther. 2013; 30: 484-489Crossref Scopus (117) Google Scholar This technique is readily available to any provider in a contemporary aortic practice. Why has no one published follow up data beyond 1 year?2.Publication bias. In personal communications, I have heard of several “candy plug” procedures resulting in early aortic rupture. Surgeons rarely share such experiences in a public forum and even more rarely publish them. This publication bias skews the publicly available data to over-report positive results. The lack of larger series or longer-term outcomes suggest this bias is occurring with this specific technique. Furthermore, efforts to overcome the limitations of single center reports, such as meta-analysis will also fail to overcome publication bias and may, in fact, enhance it.3.Natural history of TBAD after TEVAR. It remains very unclear to me that “candy plug” changes the natural history in comparison with TEVAR alone. In one retrospective review from our own institution, 80% of patients undergoing TEVAR for TBAD were free from revision aortic surgery by 3-year follow up.3Nathan DP, Shalhub S, Tang GL, Sweet MP, Verrier ED, Tran NT, Aldea GS, Starnes BW. Outcomes after stent graft therapy for dissection-related aneurysmal degeneration in the descending thoracic aorta. J Vasc Surg 2-5;61:1200-1207.Google Scholar This real-world cohort shows that TEVAR alone is safe and reasonably effective in the short to medium term, an experience shared by innumerable other aortic specialists throughout the world.4.Lack of standardization. There are no clear and specific sizing guidelines to optimize how best to do this procedure. Like parallel grafting, this technique creates gutters and has competing stents within an aneurysmal aorta. This begs several important technical questions. Without standardization in case planning, the variability in how the operation is conducted renders quantitative assessment of the outcomes difficult and reproducibility impossible. In order to support the increased use of this and other “false lumen management” techniques, we must first demonstrate that they are safe and then demonstrate that they are effective. Safety is demonstrated when larger cohorts of consecutive cases are reported along with procedural complications and short-term data on aortic expansion or rupture. Effectiveness, on the other hand, will only be clear when medium to longer term (e.g. 3-5 year) data demonstrate reduced incidence of aortic expansion and need for aortic reintervention in comparison to patients treated with TEVAR alone. Clear and specific technical guidance about the sizing strategies are required both to ensure consistency in procedural conduct as well as to facilitate broader utilization that might expect similar results. The SVS reporting standards specifically request reporting of these strategies in future publications.4Lomardi J.V. et al.Society for Vascular Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons reporting standards for type B aortic dissections.J Vasc Surg. 2020; 71: 723-747Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (176) Google Scholar Until such data are available, these efforts remain nice demonstrations of technical capability, but they cannot be confused with meaningful improvement in the care of patients with TBAD and should be used with caution. Initial Experience with a Modified “Candy-Plug” Technique for False Lumen Embolization in Chronic Type B Aortic DissectionJournal of Vascular Surgery Cases, Innovations and TechniquesPreviewPersistent distal false lumen (FL) perfusion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can lead to aneurysmal degeneration and increased risk of rupture. We present our initial experience using a modified “Candy-Plug” (CP) technique for FL embolization. Full-Text PDF Open Access

Outcomes of abdominal false lumen embolization for chronic aortic dissection after prior proximal repair with stent-graft.

Persistent false lumen (FL) perfusion with aneurysmal formation is common after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for typical extended aortic dissection and is associated with poor outcomes. Endovascular FL embolization (FLE) has recently been tried for treatment of postdissection aortic aneurysm (PDAA). However, most reports address thoracic rather than abdominal FLE. In this study, we present the results of abdominal FLE in patients with residual patent abdominal FL following stent-graft repair for aortic dissection. Between 2015 and 2019, 24 patients (mean age: 56.7 ± 11.8 years, range: 40-84 years, 18 male) received endovascular abdominal FLE using vascular plugs, coils, or candy plugs as the main surgery (5 patients) or auxiliary procedure (19 patients) after earlier stent-graft repair for aortic dissection (Type A: 9, Type B: 15). The medical records were reviewed and aortic remodeling was examined comparing the preembolization computed tomography (CT) and the most recent CT before reintervention. Technical success was achieved without any intraoperative complications, early morbidity, or mortality. Median follow-up was 34.4 months (range: 12-71). Regarding thoracic FL, 15 patients exhibited complete thrombosis before the procedure and did not change status thereafter except for 1 patient with distal stent-graft-induced new entry. In the other 9 patients, 6 exhibited increased thrombosis. With regard to the abdominal aorta, increased FL thrombosis only occurred in 8 patients with 3 (12.5%) achieving complete thrombosis. The maximal thoracic aortic diameter did not change (1.4 ± 5.6 mm) statistically, but the abdominal diameter increased significantly (4.3 ± 3.7 mm, p < 0.005). From our results, abdominal FLE is a safe procedure. However, covering all the re-entry tears is complex and the possibility of complete FL thrombosis is low. The abdominal aortic diameter appears to become enlarged in these patients. Continuous follow-up is necessary after FLE.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection: Pre- and Postprocedural Imaging.

Aortic dissection is a chronic disease that requires lifelong clinical and imaging surveillance, long after the acute event. Imaging has an important role in prognosis, timing of repair, device sizing, and monitoring for complications, especially in the endovascular therapy era. Important anatomic features at preprocedural imaging include the location of the primary intimal tear and aortic zonal and branch vessel involvement, which influence the treatment strategy. Challenges of repair in the chronic phase include a small true lumen in conjunction with a stiff intimal flap, complex anatomy, and retrograde perfusion from distal reentry tears. The role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains controversial for treatment of chronic aortic dissection. Standard TEVAR is aimed at excluding the primary intimal tear to decrease false lumen perfusion, induce false lumen thrombosis, promote aortic remodeling, and prevent aortic growth. In addition to covering the primary intimal tear with an endograft, several adjunctive techniques have been developed to mitigate retrograde false lumen perfusion. These techniques are broadly categorized into false lumen obliteration and landing zone optimization strategies, such as the provisional extension to induce complete attachment (PETTICOAT), false lumen embolization, cheese-wire fenestration, and knickerbocker techniques. Familiarity with these techniques is important to recognize expected changes and complications at postintervention imaging. The authors detail imaging options, provide examples of simple and complex endovascular repairs of aortic dissections, and highlight complications that can be associated with various techniques. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

Physician-modified fenestrated endograft for postdissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm following provisional extension to induce complete attachment and renal artery stenting.

We have described a patient with a history of type A-11 dissection repair, who subsequently underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair with distal bare metal dissection stents (provisional extension to induce complete attachment) and renal artery stenting for malperfusion. During the next 3 years, the thoracoabdominal aorta had continued to enlarge to 6.9 cm, despite false lumen embolization and thoracic endovascular aortic repair extension. Given the continued aortic enlargement, physician-modified fenestrated endovascular aortic repair was performed within the prior aortic and renal stents with successful aneurysm sealing. The results from the present case have illustrated that continued aneurysmal degeneration can occur after provisional extension to induce complete attachment and that subsequent physician-modified fenestrated endovascular aortic repair is feasible.

Abstract No. 500 Evolution of the endovascular management of chronic type B aortic dissection: 20-year retrospective review

Chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) is frequently complicated by aneurysmal degeneration and has been treated with TEVAR in high risk-patients. However, there are reports of high reintervention rates secondary to persistent false lumen perfusion from Type R re-entry flow.1 Two strategies to address this issue include false lumen embolization, commonly by custom made candy-plug devices (CP), and disruption of the thickened intimal flap to create a common aortic channel for stent-graft landing, commonly by laser-assisted septotomy (LAS).

The Knickerbocker Technique: Technical Aspects and Single-Center Results of a New Endovascular Method for False Lumen Occlusion in Chronic Aortic Dissection

Purpose: To describe the technical aspects and early results of a new endovascular fenestration method for false lumen occlusion in chronic aortic dissection: the Knickerbocker Technique. Methods: A retrospective observational study including all consecutively treated patients between November 1, 2012, through May 31, 2016, who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair with false lumen occlusion using the Knickerbocker Technique for thoracic false lumen aneurysm in chronic aortic dissection in a tertiary care center. Primary endpoints consisted of technical (correct deployment of the stent-graft) and clinical (false lumen occlusion) success. Secondary endpoints included overall survival and morbidity after 30 days. In 12 patients, follow-up computed tomography angiogram (CTA) was available and aortic remodeling was evaluated. Results: We identified 16 eligible patients (75% men, mean age: 69 years, range: 52–80 years). Technical success was 94%. Overall survival after 30 days was 100%; there was 1 aortic reintervention (additional false lumen embolization due to endoleak type 1a in 1 patient). Median total follow-up was 31.5 months (range: 3–66 months). Four (25%) of 16 patients died during follow-up, in 3 of those patients the cause of death is unknown, and 1 patient developed cardiac tamponade after being treated by fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Imaging follow-up with CTA was available in 12 patients (median imaging follow-up: 27.5 months, range: 1–57 months). Nine (75%) of 12 patients showed thoracic aortic remodeling, and in 3 patients aneurysm size was stable. No patient showed aneurysm growth. Conclusion: The Knickerbocker Technique is a feasible endovascular fenestration method to achieve false lumen occlusion and aortic remodeling in chronic aortic dissection with low invasiveness.

New endovascular techniques for false lumen thrombosis in aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Over the past decades, both open surgery and endovascular treatment of aortic dissection have made great progress with good clinical outcomes. However, despite this progress, the presence of distal re-entry tears can sustain perfusion of false lumen (FL) and induce aneurysm formation or growth. In particular, about 20% of patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic dissection require reintervention because of incomplete FL thrombosis promoting aortic wall degeneration, post-dissection aortic aneurysm, and rupture. Endovascular techniques to promote FL thrombosis after TEVAR show good early results together with minimal invasiveness, offering different alternatives depending on the case and the level of urgency. Endovascular techniques include FL embolization (with coils, vascular plugs, etc.), candy-plug techniques, parallel stent graft, and branched and fenestrated aortic endoprosthesis. Each of these solutions has advantages and disadvantages. We herein describe the available endovascular options.

Chronic thoracoabdominal aortic dissection: endovascular options to obliterate the false lumen.

Persistent false lumen patency in chronic thoracoabdominal aortic dissections after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) contributes to negative aortic remodeling. We have previously described the evolution of various endovascular techniques to treat persistent false lumen perfusion including false lumen embolization. Objectives of this study are to describe endovascular techniques to obliterate the false lumen and present updated outcomes in a recent series of patients undergoing false lumen embolization for chronic aortic dissection. From January 2018 to May 2021, 17 patients with chronic dissection underwent false lumen embolization with coils, iliac plugs, and nitinol plugs. This was often in conjunction with or following TEVAR and balloon fracture fenestration. Mean follow-up 354±324 days. After false lumen embolization there was no mortality, stroke, spinal cord ischemia, or visceral and limb ischemia. No patients required dialysis, though 1 (5.9%) did experience acute kidney injury. There was 1 (5.9%) patient that required endovascular re-intervention on the thoracoabdominal aorta. No patients underwent subsequent open surgical repair. TEVAR with adjunctive false lumen embolization and balloon fracture fenestration are techniques to obliterate retrograde flow into the false lumen of chronic thoracoabdominal aortic dissections in appropriately selected patients.

Endovascular treatment strategies for distal entry tear of Stanford type B aortic dissection

Currently, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the first-line treatment for patients with complicated Stanford type B aortic dissections. However, TEVAR does not occlude the distal entry tear of dissections, and blood flow persists in the false lumen. Dissections might progress in some patients. Studies showed that distal entry tear increased the possibility of late aortic events during follow-up. Thus, treatment of distal entry tear is necessary in some high-risk patients after TEVAR. In this article, the current treatment strategies of distal entry tear are summarized, which include PETTICOAT, STABILISE, covered stent, fenestrated and branched stent-grafts, false lumen embolization, vascular occluder, and Knickerbocker. However, the number of the cases of most approaches is so limited that the indications and effectiveness need to be further studied. Selecting the right treatment for the right patient is of great importance.

Adjunctive false lumen intervention for chronic aortic dissections is safe but offers unclear benefit

Objective: Adjunctive false lumen embolization (FLE) with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with chronic aortic dissection is thought to induce FL thrombosis and favorable aortic remodeling. However, these data are derived from small single-institution experiences and the potential benefit of FLE remains unproven. In this study, we examined perioperative and midterm outcomes of patients with aortic dissection undergoing concomitant TEVAR and FLE.*⁎Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), false lumen embolization (FLE), false lumen (FL), vascular quality initiative (VQI), coronary artery disease (CAD), length of stay (LOS), Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Methods: Patients 18 or older who underwent TEVAR for chronic aortic dissection with known FLE status in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database between January 2010 and February 2020 were included. Ruptured patients and emergent procedures were excluded. Patient characteristics, operative details and outcomes were analyzed by group: TEVAR with or without FLE. Primary outcomes were in-hospital post-operative complications and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included follow-up mean maximum aortic diameter change, rates of false lumen thrombosis, re-intervention rates, and mortality. Results884 patients were included: 46 had TEVAR/FLE and 838 had TEVAR alone. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age, gender, comorbidities, prior aortic interventions, mean maximum pre-operative aortic diameter (5.1cm vs. 5.0cm, P=0.43), presentation symptomatology, or intervention indication. FLE was associated with significantly longer procedural times (178min vs. 146min, P=0.0002), increased contrast use (134mL vs. 113mL, P=0.02), and prolonged fluoroscopy time (34min vs. 21min, P<0.0001). However, FLE was not associated with a significant difference in post-operative complications (17.4% vs. 13.8%, P=0.51), length of stay (6.5 vs. 5.7 days, P=0.18), or in-hospital all-cause mortality (0% vs. 1.3%, P=1). In mid-term follow-up (median 15.5months, IQR 2.2-36.2 months), all-cause mortalitytrended lower, but was not significant (2.2% vs. 7.8%); and Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated no difference in overall survival between groups (P=0.23). By Cox regression analysis, post-operative complications had the strongest independent association with all-cause mortality (HR 2.65, 95% CI 1.56-4.5, P<0.001). In patients with available follow-up imaging and re-intervention status, mean aortic diameter change (n=337, -0.71cm vs. -0.69cm, P=0.64) and re-intervention rates (n=487, 10% vs. 11.4%, P=1) were similar. ConclusionsAdjunctive FLE, despite increased procedural times, can be performed safely for patients with chronic dissection without significantly higher overall perioperative morbidity or mortality. TEVAR/FLE demonstrates trends for improved survival and increased rates of FL thrombosis in the treated thoracic segment; however, given the lack of evidence to suggest a significant reduction in re-intervention rates or induction of more favorable aortic remodeling compared to TEVAR alone, the overall utility of this technique in practice remains unclear. Further investigation is needed to determine the most appropriate role for FLE in managing chronic aortic dissections.

Staged hybrid repair of type II thoracoabdominal aneurysms

BackgroundOpen repair of type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) remains a challenging procedure. Staged procedures could decrease the incidence and severity of complications after complex aortic repair. In the present report, we have described a strategy using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for proximal repair, followed by distal open repair. MethodsFrom 2014 to 2018, 14 patients had undergone TEVAR, followed by distal open repair, for type II TAAAs. All patients should have a suitable proximal landing zone according to the current guidelines. In cases of chronic dissection, false lumen embolization was performed to achieve total exclusion. ResultsThe mean patient age was 48 ± 15 years. Of the 14 patients, 5 had had Marfan syndrome (36%) and 6 had undergone previous aortic arch repair (43%). Ten patients had had a chronic dissection. The maximal aortic diameter was 73 ± 12 mm. The TEVAR technical success rate was 100%. The aortic length coverage was 211 ± 63 mm. The number of covered segmental arteries was 6 (range, 4-13). Two endoleaks were observed, one type Ib and one type II. The delay between TEVAR and open repair was 12 ± 8 weeks. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage was used in 13 patients. Six patients had undergone segmental artery reattachment during surgery. No spinal cord ischemic event was observed. One patient had died 5 weeks after open repair of multiple organ failure. During the 32 months of follow-up, no aortic-related deaths had occurred. No new aortic procedure was needed. The type Ib endoleak had resolved during open repair, and the type II TAAA had resolved spontaneously. The mean maximal thoracic aortic diameter had significantly decreased to 49 ± 8 mm (P < .0001). Aneurysmal shrinkage of ≥5 mm was observed in 13 patients (93%). ConclusionsStaged hybrid repair of type II TAAAs appears to be efficient, with low morbidity and mortality rates. This technique could improve postoperative outcomes after open repair, and TEVAR might have a role in ischemic preconditioning to protect against spinal cord ischemia.

Impact of Endovascular False Lumen Embolization on Thoracic Aortic Remodeling in Chronic Dissection

Retrograde false lumen (FL) perfusion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for chronic dissection is a mode of treatment failure. Thrombosis of the FL is associated with favorable reverse remodeling. Objectives are to describe FL embolization (FLE) strategy and assess aortic remodeling and survival. From January 2009 to December 2017, 51 patients with chronic dissection underwent FLE, most after previous TEVAR. Devices included a combination of iliac plug (29 patients), coils (19 patients), or nitinol plug (3 patients). Computed tomography was performed before discharge, at 3 months, and annually (median follow-up 2 years [range, 1 month to 7 years]). After FLE, mean maximum aortic diameter decreased (64.2 ± 12 mm to 61.0 ± 13 mm; P= .03), true lumen diameter increased (24.7 ± 10 mm to 33.7 ± 8 mm; P < .001), and FL diameter decreased (36.7 ± 12 mm to 25.6 ± 15 mm, P < .001). For reverse remodeling, FL thrombosis with ≥10% decrease in diameter and ≥10% increase in true lumen diameter was achieved in 20 (39.2%; 16 primarily, 4 secondarily). Nine patients progressed after the first FLE: persistent FL flow with increase in aortic diameter and underwent repeat FLE with complete thrombosis (n= 4) or open thoracoabdominal completion (n= 5). A total of 26 patients had indeterminate response (FL thrombosis without change in maximum diameter), and none have required reoperation. Six patients had complete obliteration of the entire FL. At last follow-up, 42 (82%) patients were alive. Three deaths were related to aortic pathology. FLE is an important endovascular adjunct to TEVAR promoting reverse aortic remodeling in select patients with chronic aortic dissection and persistent retrograde FL perfusion.

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.

Candy-Plug Generation II for False Lumen Occlusion in Chronic Aortic Dissection: Feasibility and Early Results

Purpose: To present the early results of false lumen (FL) occlusion in chronic aortic dissection using the Candy-Plug generation II (CP II), which has a self-closing fabric channel that obviates the need for separate occlusion of its center. Materials and Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients (mean age 60±11 years; 10 men) with persistent FL backflow and aneurysm formation at the thoracic segment in chronic aortic dissection underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with FL occlusion using the refined CP II. Primary endpoints were technical success (successful deployment) and clinical success (no FL backflow at the CP II level). Secondary endpoints included 30-day mortality and morbidity and aortic remodeling during follow-up. Results: Technical success was 100%. One patient required additional intraprocedural FL embolization at the CP II level due to persistent FL backflow on final angiography (clinical success 93%), though there was no flow through the CP II center. There were no intraprocedural complications. Immediate complete FL occlusion was achieved in 12 patients; the other 2 required reintervention. One had contrast enhancement in the distal FL proximal to the CP II and was treated with coil embolization. The other patient had persistent type I endoleak at the level of the left subclavian artery (LSA) and underwent left carotid–LSA bypass and proximal stent-graft extension. One patient died due to retrograde type A aortic dissection that was not related to CP II placement. Over a mean 8-month follow-up (range 3–12), 9 patients had computed tomography angiography; 8 patients had evidence of aortic remodeling, while 1 aneurysm sac was stable. Conclusion: The CP II reduces the number of procedural steps and offers good seal, with minimal morbidity and mortality and a high rate of aortic remodeling.

False Lumen Embolization as a Rescue Technique in the Setting of Acute and Chronic Dissecting Aneurysms as Adjunct to Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

False Lumen Embolization as a Rescue Technique in the Setting of Acute and Chronic Dissecting Aneurysms as Adjunct to Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

False lumen embolization in chronic aortic dissection promotes thoracic aortic remodeling at midterm follow-up

ObjectiveFailure of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in chronic aortic dissections can be partially explained by retrograde false lumen (FL) flow through distal re-entry tears. After implantation of a thoracic stent graft, FL thrombosis occurs in less than 50% of the cases. The objectives of this study were to describe the feasibility and outcomes of FL embolization in patients with chronic aortic dissections. MethodsBetween June 2015 and January 2018, 27 patients (mean age, 61 ± 14 years) with chronic aortic dissection underwent FL embolization as an adjunct during or after TEVAR placement procedure. Indications for embolization were (1) symptomatic chronic aortic dissections with pain or rapid growth of aortic diameter (≥5 mm/y) requiring rapid exclusion of the aneurysm, (2) aneurysmal dilatation with persistent FL retrograde flow after TEVAR, and (3) large FL aneurysms (≥55 mm) that might lead to persistent retrograde flow. Twenty patients presented with type B chronic aortic dissections (74.1%) and seven presented a residual type A chronic aortic dissections (25.9%). Eight patients had a previous aortic arch replacement (29.6%). Six patients had previous repair with TEVAR (22.2%). The delay between the onset of dissection and the first endovascular repair was 47 months (range, 3-144). Spinal fluid drainage was used in 74.1% of cases (20/27 patients). Embolization devices included coils and vascular plugs. ResultsThe technical success rate was 100% (27/27). Complete spinal cord ischemia was observed in one patient (3.7%). There was one hospital death from pneumonia after zone 1 supra-aortic trunk debranching with TEVAR and embolization. After the index procedure, FL thrombosis was observed in 81.5% of patients (22/27) on late phase computed tomography angiography. Five patients required two or more embolization procedures, leading to a high rate of complete FL thrombosis (92.6%). One patient presented a type IB endoleak and one patient presented a type II endoleak. Radiologic follow-up was 20 ± 10 months. The maximum thoracic aortic diameter significantly decreased from 63 mm to 54 ± 10 mm (P < .001). ConclusionsEmbolization of the FL of chronic aortic dissections is technically feasible with a low morbidity rate. The FL thrombosis is observed in the majority of case and promotes favorable thoracic aortic remodeling. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm these good results on the thoracic aorta and this technique may, therefore, improve the results of TEVAR in chronic aortic dissections.