Left Subclavian Artery Revascularization Research Articles

Progress on coverage and reconstruction of left subclavian artery in thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Coverage of the left subclavian artery is often necessary to establish an adequate landing zone in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair, which can avoids endoleaks that contribute the important aspect of technical success of thoracic endovascular aortic repair. However, there have been controversial whether the routine revascularization of left subclavian artery benefits in preventing the complications in perioperative, like cerebrovascular accident, and which approach of revascularization should be taken for more advantages. In this review, the disputes have been discussed between the routine revascularization and selective revascularization of left subclavian artery based on clinic research published in recent years, and also introduce the progress in open surgery and endovascular technique of left subclavian artery revascularization. Key words: Aortic aneurysm, thoracic; Left subclavian artery; Endovascular repair; Postoperative complication; Review

Outcomes of Left Subclavian Artery Transposition for Hybrid Aortic Arch Debranching

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization for hybrid aortic arch debranching. Between 1998 and 2015, 68 patients (41 men; mean age, 67 ± 16years) underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with LSA coverage, 19.2% (n=13) were never revascularized, and the remaining patients underwent LSA revascularization (n=55; 80.8%). Revascularization was achieved by LSA-carotid transposition via a medial approach in 81.8% (n=45) and a lateral approach in 18.2% (n=10). The indication for TEVAR was aneurysmal disease in 30.9% (n=17), dissection in 29% (n=16; acute, n=5), traumatic aortic injury in 21.8% (n=12), pseudoaneurysm in 10.9% (n=6), aortobronchial fistula in 5.5% (n=3), and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer in 1.9% (n=1). Elective cases accounted for 52.7% (n=29). Follow-up computed tomography scans were performed at 1week, 3 and 6months, and annually thereafter. LSA revascularization was achieved in all the cases. Thirty-day mortality rate was 12.7%. Thirty-day mortality related to LSA revascularization was 0%. No patient suffered a stroke. Vocal cord paralysis was detected in 7.2% of patients (n=4). Hematoma requiring surgical drainage was observed in 3.6% of patients (n=2). Lymph leak requiring revision surgery was observed in 1.8% of patients (n=1). Phrenic nerve palsy was not observed. The local complication rate was significantly higher (P=0.03) in patients with LSA transposition via a lateral approach (20%; n=2) when compared to patients with LSA revascularization via a medial approach (11.1%; n=5). After a mean follow-up of 31.5months (range, 2-171months), the patency of the LSA revascularization was maintained in all patients. During TEVAR, when LSA coverage is required, LSA revascularization is a durable procedure associated with a low morbidity rate. LSA transposition via a medial approach would appear to be associated with significantly fewer complications.

Increased Mortality Associated With Subclavian to Carotid Artery Transposition for Left Subclavian Artery Revascularization During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Increased Mortality Associated With Subclavian to Carotid Artery Transposition for Left Subclavian Artery Revascularization During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

The Sandwich Technique with Body Flossing Wire to Revascularize Left Subclavian Artery in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the sandwich technique with the body flossing wire to revascularize the left subclavian artery (LSA) in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). From April 2014 to April 2015, 20 consecutive patients with a variety of thoracic aortic pathologies who underwent LSA revascularization with the sandwich technique and body flossing wire during TEVAR were included. Outcomes including technical success, endoleaks, perioperative mortality and morbidity, and graft patency were analyzed. There were 13 patients (65.0%) who presented with aortic dissection, 3 (15.0%) with thoracic aortic aneurysm, 3 (15.0%) with penetrating aortic ulcer, and 1 (5.0%) with traumatic aortic disruption. Technical success rate was 100%. But one type Ia endoleak (5.0%) was noted and treated with extended endografting. One sandwiched gutter leak (5.0%) resolved spontaneously at 6months. One sandwiched graft (5.0%) was occluded but not treated because no related complications were found. At a mean follow-up of 9.7months (range 4-17), all the patients with aortic aneurysm, penetrating aortic ulcer, or traumatic aortic disruption had complete thrombosis of the aortic pathologies. Patients with aortic dissection had thrombosed false lumen down to the distal aortic endograft edge (12/13, 92.3%) or the celiac artery level (8/13, 61.5%). There was no neurological deficit but 2 non-procedure-related late deaths during the study period. Our early experience showed that the sandwich technique with the body flossing wire to maintain blood flow to the LSA is a safe and effective method. This technique can be applied in various clinical situations with a high technique success rate. However, outcomes are preliminary and larger studies are required.

Early outcomes after left subclavian artery revascularisation in association with thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Approximately 40-50% of patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair require left subclavian artery coverage for adequate proximal landing zone. Many of these patients undergo left subclavian artery revascularisation. However, outcomes data for left subclavian artery revascularisation in the context of thoracic endovascular aortic repair remain limited. In this study, 70 left subclavian artery revascularisation procedures, performed on thoracic endovascular aortic repair patients at a tertiary hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. Particular emphasis was placed on revascularisation-related outcomes during staging interval between revascularisation and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Forty-six (66%) carotid-subclavian bypass, 17 (24%) carotid-carotid-subclavian bypass and 7 (10%) aorto-inominate-carotid-subclavian bypass procedures were performed. There were no strokes or mortalities following left subclavian artery revascularisation procedures alone. Three (10%) minor complications occurred including a seroma, a haematoma and a temporary neuropraxia. Separation of complications following left subclavian artery revascularisation from those of the associated thoracic endovascular aortic repair can be difficult. Early outcomes data from patients who underwent left subclavian artery revascularisation in isolation indicate that the procedure is safe with low complication rates.

Meta-analysis of Left Subclavian Artery Coverage With and Without Revascularization in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Purpose: To examine the role of left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with LSA coverage. Methods: A systematic search was conducted to identify all studies providing comparative outcomes with or without LSA revascularization for LSA occlusion during TEVAR. The search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov , ISRCTN Register, and bibliographic reference lists. The primary outcome parameters were perioperative stroke, spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and mortality. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using fixed effect or random effects models; results are reported as the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Five observational studies reporting a total of 1161 patients were identified; 444 patients underwent LSA revascularization and the remaining 717 patients did not. LSA revascularization was associated with a similar risk of stroke (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.14, p=0.15), SCI (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.10, p=0.09), and mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.39, p=0.56) compared with no LSA revascularization. Conclusion: LSA revascularization was not found to significantly reduce neurologic complications or mortality in patients undergoing TEVAR with coverage of the LSA origin. Randomized clinical trials are required to elucidate the role of routine or selective LSA revascularization in these cases.

Clinical amalysis of left subclavian artery revascularization by stented trunk fenestration for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection

To summarize the results and methods of left subclavian artery revascularization by stented trunk fenestration for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. Clinical data of 67 patients (54 male and 13 female, mean age of (50±10) years) underwent surgical treatment of left subclavian artery fenestration for acute Stanford A aortic dissection in Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical College between September 2008 and December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. The origin of the left subclavian artery was in the true lumen and no dissection existed near the artery's starting. There were 18 cases of Marfan's syndrome. Preoperative echocardiography showed moderate to severe aortic regurgitation in 10 cases, and mitral regurgitation in 3 cases. Electrocardiogram showed myocardial ischemia in 5 cases. Three patients had acute impaired renal function. All the patients received total arch replacement combined with stented elephant trunk implantation. Left subclavian artery revascularization was performed by stented trunk fenestration as follows: firstly, stented elephant trunk was implanted to completely cover the left subclavian artery, then part of stented trunk's polyester lining was removed which is located at the origin of left subclavian artery. Aortic root procedures included aortic valve replacement in 2 cases, Bentall procedure in 21 cases and aortic valve sparing in 44 cases. Three patients received mitral valve repair and 6 patients received coronary artery bypass grafting. The cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross-clamp time, and circulatory arrest time were (179±32) minutes, (112±25) minutes, and (26±10) minutes, respectively. The in-hospital mortality was 7.5% (5/67): 2 patients died of multiple organ failure, 1 patient died of acute renal failure and another 2 patients died of severe infection shock. Two patients required reexploration for root bleeding. Transient neurology dysfunction developed in 6 patients. Six patients received tracheotomy and prolonged ventilation due to pulmonary infection. All patients discharged from the hospital were followed up for 1 to 5 years. During long-term follow-up, the survival rate was 100% and 89.8% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. CT angiography was performed once per year after discharged. The left subclavian artery perfusion was good. No dissection or anastomosis leakage was identified in any case. Stroke and left limb ischemia did not develope. For acute Stanford type A aortic dissection whose origin of the left subclavian artery is in the true lumen and no dissection existed near the artery's starting, the left subclavian artery revascularization by stented trunk fenestration technique during total arch replacement combined with stented elephant trunk implantation is reliable and effective.

Homemade proximal scalloped stent graft for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of zone 2 acute aortic syndrome

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of homemade proximal scalloped stent grafts for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of zone 2 acute aortic syndrome. MethodsBetween May 2015 and December 2015, 10 patients with unremitting symptoms or rupture secondary to an acute aortic syndrome involving zone 2 underwent urgent or emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Among them, 8 were treated using homemade proximal scalloped stent grafts to preserve the patency of the left subclavian artery. Indications included traumatic transection (n = 3) and acute (n = 4) and subacute (n = 1) complicated type B aortic dissection. Follow-up computed tomography scans were performed at 1 week and 3 and 6 months. ResultsThe median duration for stent graft modification was 15 minutes (range, 14-17 minutes). The technical success rate was 100%; sealing was achieved in all cases with no type I endoleaks. All left subclavian arteries were patent, although 1 case was associated with a 50% stenosis. No deaths occurred as a consequence of the aortic repair, but 1 patient died of a traumatic renal hematoma on postoperative day 5. During a mean follow-up of 7.2 ± 2 months, there were no conversions to open surgical repair, aortic ruptures, paraplegia, retrograde dissection, or other aortic complications. ConclusionsThe use of the homemade proximal scalloped stent graft is both feasible and effective for left subclavian artery revascularization during thoracic endovascular aortic repair involving a spectrum of acute thoracic aortic pathology. This approach provides a rapid, reproducible method of scalloping the endograft. Durability concerns will need to be assessed in additional studies with long-term follow-up.

Revascularisation of the left subclavian artery for thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Controversy exists as to whether revascularisation of the left subclavian artery (LSA) confers improved outcomes in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Even though preemptive revascularisation of the LSA has theoretical advantages, including a reduced risk of ischaemic damage to vital organs, such as the brain and the spinal cord, it is not without risks. Current practice guidelines recommend routine revascularisation of the LSA in patients undergoing elective TEVAR where achievement of a proximal seal necessitates coverage of the LSA, and in patients who have an anatomy that compromises perfusion to critical organs. However, this recommendation was based on very low-quality evidence. To assess the comparative efficacy of routine LSA revascularisation versus either selective or no revascularisation in patients with descending thoracic aortic disease undergoing TEVAR with coverage of the LSA origin. The Cochrane Vascular Trials Search Co-ordinator (TSC) searched the Specialised Register (June 2015). In addition, the TSC searched the Cochrane Register of Studies (CENTRAL (2015, Issue 5)).Trials databases were also searched (June 2015). We had planned to consider all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared routine revascularisation of the LSA with selective or no revascularisation, in patients undergoing TEVAR. Two review authors independently assessed the title and abstract of articles identified through literature searches. An independent third review author was consulted in the event of disagreement. We had planned for two review authors to independently extract data and assess the risk of bias of identified trials using the criteria recommended in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We did not identify any RCTs relevant to our review topic. Therefore, no quantitative analysis was conducted. High quality RCT evidence for or against routine or selective revascularisation of the LSA in TEVAR is not currently available. It is not possible to draw conclusions with regard to the optimal management of LSA coverage in TEVAR, and whether routine revascularisation, which was defined as the intervention of interest in our review, confers beneficial effects, as indicated by reduced mortality, cerebrovascular events, and spinal cord ischaemia. This review highlights the need for continued research to provide RCT evidence and define the role of LSA revascularisation in the context of TEVAR with coverage of the LSA.

Editor's Choice – Subsequent Results for Arch Aneurysm Repair with Inner Branched Endografts,

The aim was to evaluate the current results of aortic arch aneurysm repair using inner branched endografts performed in three high volume aortic endovascular centers and to compare them to the pioneering global experience with this technology. Included patients underwent repair of aortic arch aneurysms >55 mm in diameter using inner branched endograft technology between April 2013 and November 2014. All patients were deemed unfit for open surgery. Inner branches were designed to perfuse the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery in all cases. A left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization was performed prior to the arch endovascular repair. Data were collected retrospectively in an electronic database. Parameters included length of procedure, fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, technical success, presence of endoleaks, early and late complications, and mortality. Twenty-seven patients were included in the study. Technical success was achieved in all cases. No patients died during the 30 day post-operative period. Early neurologic events included two major strokes (7.4%) and one minor stroke (3.7%). Transient spinal cord ischemia with full recovery was observed in two patients (7.4%). Four patients (14.8%) underwent early (<30 day) re-interventions; these were for an access complication, an ischemic limb and exploration of the left ventricle through a sternotomy in two patients. During follow up (median 12 months), one patient (3.7%) died from a remote thoraco-abdominal aneurysm rupture. There were three Type 2 endoleaks (11.1%). Two re-interventions (7.4%) were performed, one to treat a Type 2 endoleak and one to treat a septic false aneurysm. A significant decrease in overall mortality was observed when comparing patients from the early experience with patients from the current report. The early outcomes associated with this technology are favorable. Branched endografting of aortic arch aneurysms should be considered in patients unfit for open surgery.

Coronary artery steal syndrome in patient after coronary arteries by-pass surgery and left subclavian artery stenting-is the maintenance of a patent internal mammary artery still necessary?

The use of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is preferred for the revascularization of a stenosed or occluded left anterior descending artery (LAD). Occlusion or stenosis of proximal part of the left subclavian artery (LSA) could induce reverse blood flow in LIMA called coronary subclavian steal syndrome (CSSS) and should be revascularized before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with LIMA. If restenosis of previously stented LSA occurs after CABG surgery with LIMA another revascularization is inevitable. However, the revascularization of LSA could reveal that increased blood pressure in LAD persistent through years due to present CSSS could substantially influence blood pressure change in coronary arteries and LIMA graft. This phenomenon can raise the question if it is necessary to maintain patent LIMA-LAD graft.

Laser Generated In situ Fenestrations in Dacron Stent Grafts

To evaluate if the creation of laser generated in situ fenestrations in polyester/Dacron stent grafts causes embolization. In seven pigs, Dacron stent grafts were implanted from the infrarenal aorta to the right iliac artery. Prior to placing the stent graft, a carotid artery protection filter, with a pore size of 70-200 μm, was placed in the proximal left common iliac artery. An excimer laser catheter was then advanced antegradely through the stent graft and positioned at the level of origin of the left iliac artery. A fenestration was then created with the laser probe. The carotid filter was retrieved and inspected macroscopically with magnifying glasses, for emboli and clot. Seven pigs with a median weight of 90 kg (range 78-98 kg) were tested. The median operating time was 170 minutes. All laser fenestrations were successfully completed. No emboli or clot could be detected in the protection filters. Creation of laser generated, in situ fenestrations do not produce macroscopically visible emboli/clot. This might indicate safe usage of laser created fenestrations for endovascular arch repair and left subclavian artery revascularization.

Early Experience of Endovascular Repair of Post-dissection Aneurysms Involving the Thoraco-abdominal Aorta and the Arch

Outcomes are reported in management of post-dissection aneurysms involving the aortic arch and/or thoraco-abdominal segment (TAAA) treated with fenestrated and branched (complex) endografts. This report includes all patients with chronic post-dissection aneurysms >55 mm in diameter, deemed unfit for open surgery, treated using complex endografts between October 2011 and March 2015. When appropriate, staged management strategies including left subclavian artery revascularization, thoracic endografting, dissection flap fenestration or tear enlargement, and other endovascular procedures were performed at least 3 weeks prior to definitive complex endovascular repair. The following outcome data were collected prospectively at discharge, 12 months and annually thereafter: technical success, endoleaks, target vessel patency, false lumen patency, aneurysm diameter, major and minor complications, re-interventions, and mortality. The cohort comprised 23 patients with a median age of 65 years. Staged procedures were performed in 14 patients (61%). Seven patients with dissections involving the arch were treated with inner branched endografts, and 16 TAAA patients were treated with fenestrated or branched endografts. The technical success rate was 71% following arch repair and 100% following TAAA repair. During early follow up, one of the arch group patients died and one in the TAAA group suffered spinal cord ischemia. The median follow up was 12 months (range 3-48), during which time one patient died of causes unrelated to aneurysm or treatment. Two early re-interventions were performed in the arch group to correct access vessel complications and there were a further two late re-interventions in the TAAA group to treat endoleaks. All target vessels (n = 72) remained patent. This experience indicates that complex endovascular repair of post-dissection aneurysms is a viable alternative to open repair in patients deemed unfit for open surgery. There are insufficient data to allow comparison with the outcome of open surgery in anatomically similar, but fit, patients.

Results of the Valiant Mona LSA early feasibility study for descending thoracic aneurysms

Stent graft coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) may be required to achieve an adequate landing zone in up to 40% of descending thoracic aneurysms (DTAs). The Valiant Mona LSA Thoracic Stent Graft System (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, Calif) consists of a main stent graft and a branch stent graft designed to maintain LSA patency while diverting circulation through the encroaching aneurysm. Participating in the United States Food and Drug Administration's new Innovation Pathway, this first-in-human, early feasibility study evaluates early clinical experience of the Valiant Mona LSA Stent Graft System in patients with DTAs where the proximal landing zone necessitates LSA coverage. This premarket, nonrandomized, single-arm prospective study recruited nine patients (age 72.9 ± 7.6 years). Primary end points were aneurysm-related mortality, stroke, paraplegia, left arm/hand ischemia, and treatment success. Neurologic events were assessed by imaging and by independent neurologists. Inclusion criteria required patients with a DTA or penetrating aortic ulcer to have a distance of ≥10 mm between the left common carotid artery and the LSA. Mean aneurysm diameter was 53.7 ± 10.0 mm. The indication for repair was for saccular DTA in five patients or fusiform DTA in four. Seven patients were at American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification III/IV. All nine patients received one main stent graft (diameter 28 to 42 mm) and one branch stent graft (diameter 10 to 14 mm). To extend device coverage distally, a commercial Valiant Captivia device was implanted in seven patients. No uncorrected endoleaks were observed at the end of the implant procedure. Four endoleaks developed before discharge in four of eight evaluable patients. Two were identified as type II and two were of undetermined type. No endoleak resulted in a secondary intervention. Technical success, defined by the clinical investigational plan, was achieved in all nine patients intraoperatively, and treatment success was achieved in all eight evaluable patients at 1 month. There were no major, disabling strokes. Four minor nondisabling strokes were reported in three patients ≤30 days (days 1, 1, 5, and 24). To date, there have been no reports of death, left arm ischemia, paraplegia, rupture, conversion to open surgery, or secondary endovascular procedure. No patients required surgical LSA revascularization. The Valiant Mona LSA system demonstrates technical and treatment success, relative safety, and early durability in its initial use in DTA patients. Midterm results are expected as patients are monitored at regular intervals to 5 years.

Budget Impact of Percutaneous Endovascular Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Repair (PEVAR) Compared to Standard Endovascular Repair in Canadian Hospitals

Budget Impact of Percutaneous Endovascular Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Repair (PEVAR) Compared to Standard Endovascular Repair in Canadian Hospitals

Left Subclavian Artery Fenestration: A Novel Treatment Strategy for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

The optimal surgical strategy for the left subclavian artery (LSA) during total arch replacement combined with stented elephant trunk implantation for acute type A aortic dissection remains a challenge. The objective of the study is to report a novel surgical technique aiming to simplify the revascularization procedure of total aortic arch replacement combined with stented elephant trunk implantation. We retrospectively reviewed the result of 167 patients who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with stented elephant trunk implantation between January 2000 and December 2012. Of the 167 patients, 51 were selected to undergo the simplified revascularization, which is to fenestrate a stent graft of the descending aorta instead of performing reconstruction of the LSA. Before performing the new LSA revascularization, we had performed the elephant trunk procedure whereby the tubular material completely covered the LSA. The ensuing revascularization was modified by removing a patch of the polyester fabric of the elephant trunk that was located at the origin of the LSA. Both perioperative variables and postoperative outcome of the surgery were assessed. The indication for adopting the LSA fenestration was under the circumstance of absence of dissection at the origin of the LSA. The nosocomial mortality of the 51 patients was 7.8% (multiorgan failure 2, renal failure 1, infection 1). During a mean follow-up period of 51.3 ± 27.6 months, the survival rate of the 47 patients was 100%, 90.8%, and 70.2% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. No stroke and left limb ischemia were observed. No patients required reintervention because of anastomotic leak between the LSA and the descending aorta during follow-up. The LSA fenestration technique during total arch replacement combined with stented elephant trunk implantation for acute type A aortic dissection is reliable and effective for patients who have no dissection at the LSA. Furthermore, because the simplified surgical procedure largely shortens the time of operation, it effectively improves the patient's prognosis.

Outcomes of Coverage of the Left Subclavian Artery during Endovascular Repair of the Thoracic Aorta

PurposeTo report outcomes of coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSCA) during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Materials and MethodsA retrospective review was performed of 285 patients (160 male) with a mean age of 62 years (range, 13–91 y) who underwent TEVAR at a single institution between March 2005 and May 2013. The LSCA was covered to obtain an adequate proximal landing zone, and a selective LSCA revascularization and embolization strategy was employed. All patient outcomes were recorded including neurologic complications, left arm claudication, endoleak rates, and repeat procedures. ResultsThe origin of the LSCA was covered in 98/285 (34%) patients. Median follow-up was 533 days (range, 2–2,895 d). Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) rates for covered LSCA and noncovered groups were 11/98 (11%) and 5/188 (3%), respectively (P = .005). LSCA was revascularized at time of initial TEVAR in 44/98 (45%) patients. Of the remaining 54 patients, 10 (19%) required subsequent revascularization for claudication. LSCA embolization was done to prevent or treat endoleak in 41/98 (42%) patients, with 33/98 (34%) patients undergoing LSCA embolization at the time of LSCA coverage and 8 of the remaining 65 (12%) patients requiring subsequent embolization for persistent endoleak. ConclusionsCoverage of the LSCA during TEVAR is feasible with low complication rates, although it carries an increased risk of CVA. The selective LSCA revascularization and embolization strategy was well tolerated. A more liberal strategy may be required to decrease the rate of delayed revascularization and embolization procedures to treat arm claudication and endoleaks, respectively.

Clinical Outcomes of Left Subclavian Artery Coverage on Morbidity and Mortality During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Distal Arch Aneurysms.

This single-center study assessed left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization management and morbidity and mortality of LSA coverage outcomes during elective thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for distal arch aneurysms. Between July 2006 and June 2014, 178 patients underwent TEVAR (zone 2 + 3) for distal arch aneurysms. TEVAR with LSA coverage (zone 2) was performed in 121 patients (68.0 %). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with perioperative cerebral infarction (CI) and postoperative endoleak (EL). Technical success was achieved in 96.7 %. LSA coil embolization was performed in 72.7 %. Subclavian artery crossover bypass was required in 9.1 %. Perioperative complications were CI (6.6 %) and paraplegia (1.7 %). The 30-day mortality rate was 2.5 % (n = 3). There were significant differences by CI univariate analysis in coverage range (≥300 mm) (P = 0.003) and shaggy aorta (P = 0.044). Primary EL occurred in 14.0 % (n = 17). We found statistically significant difference of primary EL in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.016), preoperative aneurysm diameter (P = 0.041), and proximal stent graft diameter (P = 0.029). Left upper extremity symptoms developed in 5.8 % (n = 7); vertebrobasilar insufficiency occurred in 4.1 % (n = 5). Freedom from secondary intervention rates after 1, 3, and 5 years were 96.1, 78.3, and 63.4 %, respectively. Our mid- to long-term results of TEVAR with LSA coverage were generally acceptable. Routine revascularization was not necessary in majority of zone 2 TEVAR. CI occurred in approximately 6 % of the cases, secondary interventions were performed more often for ELs.

Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair and Subclavian Revascularization Techniques

Practice guidelines for management of the left subclavian artery (LSA) during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are based on low-quality evidence, and there is limited literature that addresses optimal revascularization techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of LSA coverage during TEVAR and revascularization techniques. We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study from 2001 to 2013. Patients were categorized by LSA revascularization and by revascularization technique, carotid-subclavian bypass (CSB), or subclavian-carotid transposition (SCT). Thirty-day and mid-term stroke, spinal cord ischemia, vocal cord paralysis, upper extremity ischemia, primary patency of revascularization, and mortality were compared. Eighty patients underwent TEVAR with LSA coverage, 25% (n = 20) were unrevascularized and the remaining patients underwent CSB (n = 22 [27.5%]) or SCT (n = 38 [47.5%]). Mean follow-up time was 24.9 months. Comparisons between unrevascularized and revascularized patients were significant for a higher rate of 30-day stroke (25% vs 2%; p = 0.003) and upper extremity ischemia (15% vs 0%; p = 0.014). However, there was no difference in 30-day or mid-term rates of spinal cord ischemia, vocal cord paralysis, or mortality. There were no statistically significant differences in 30-day or midterm outcomes for CSB vs SCT. Primary patency of revascularizations was 100%. Survival analysis comparing unrevascularized vs revascularized LSA was statistically significant for freedom from stroke and upper extremity ischemia (p = 0.02 and p = 0.003, respectively). After adjustment for advanced age, urgency, and coronary artery disease, LSA revascularization was associated with lower rates of perioperative adverse events (odds ratio = 0.23; p = 0.034). During TEVAR, LSA coverage without revascularization is associated with an increased risk of stroke and upper extremity ischemia. When LSA coverage is required during TEVAR, CSB and SCT are equally acceptable options.

Management of the left subclavian artery and neurologic complications after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of various pathologies has been associated with peri-interventional neurologic complication rates of up to 15%. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the management of the left subclavian artery (LSA) on neurologic complications and to define subgroups that might benefit from LSA revascularization. The Medtronic Thoracic Endovascular Registry (MOTHER; Medtronic, Santa Rosa, Calif), consists of data from five sponsored trials and one institutional series incorporating 1010 patients undergoing TEVAR from 2002 to 2010. Perioperative stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI) rates were described according to the management of the LSA and presenting pathology. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with perioperative neurologic complications. Of 1002 patients included in the analysis, stroke occurred in 48 (4.8%), and SCI developed in 42 (4.2%) ≤ 30 days of surgery. The stroke rate was 2.2% in patients with no coverage of the LSA vs 9.1% with coverage alone and 5.1% in patients who underwent LSA revascularization before coverage (P < .001). This relationship was strongest in the aneurysm group. Coverage of the LSA without revascularization was independently associated with stroke (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-7.1), specifically in the posterior territory (OR, 11.7; 95% CI, 2.5-54.6), as was previous cerebrovascular accident (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 2.2-23.1; P = .001), whereas a covered LSA was not associated with an increased risk of SCI. Coverage of the LSA without revascularization is an important modifiable risk factor for stroke in patients undergoing TEVAR for a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Prior revascularization appears to protect against posterior circulation territory stroke.