Endovascular thoracic aortic aneurysm repair with concomitant myocardial and carotid revascularization

A 73-year-old woman presented with a large saccular aneurysm involving the distal aortic arch. Preoperative aortography and cardiac catheterization revealed left main coronary artery and left common carotid artery stenoses. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting to the left anterior descending and first diagonal arteries, ascending aorta-to-left common carotid artery bypass grafting, and endovascular thoracic aortic aneurysm repair with antegrade stent-graft deployment and intentional left subclavian artery coverage were performed.     

经颈动脉腔内技术重建主动脉弓治疗Stanford A型夹层动脉瘤(附1例报告)

目的探讨血管腔内技术重建主动脉弓治疗升主动脉、主动脉弓病变的可行性。方法2005年,对1例StanfordA型夹层动脉瘤,腔内修复主动脉病变之前做右颈总动脉-左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉的旁路术;经右颈总动脉将修改的分叉支架型血管主体放入升主动脉,长臂位于无名动脉。短臂应用延长支架型血管延伸至降主动脉。通过腔内技术重建主动脉弓实现累及升主动脉和主动脉弓主动脉病变的微创治疗。结果腔内修复术后移植物形态良好,血流通畅,病变被隔绝,脑、躯干、四肢循环稳定。无严重并发症。结论该手术方案设计合理、技术可行。可能成为复杂胸主动脉病变新的腔内治疗模式。     

Endovascular repair of a right-sided descending thoracic aortic aneurysm with a right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery

Aneurysms involving a right-sided aortic arch and a right-sided descending thoracic aorta with an aberrant origin of the left subclavian artery are rare. We describe the successful surgical repair of this vascular anomaly by the combined use of a left carotid to subclavian artery bypass followed by endovascular stent-graft placement to exclude the aortic aneurysm. We also review the literature associated with this particular anatomic presentation.     

Endovascular repair of a ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm in a patient with an ascending aortic aneurysm: hybrid open arch reconstruction with simultaneous thoracic stent-graft deployment within elephant trunk

Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta is now widely practiced. The extension of this technique to emergent settings is in evolution. Pathology of the ascending and transverse aortic arch may preclude thoracic aortic stent grafting due to the lack of a proximal seal zone. Several hybrid open/endovascular approaches have been described. We recently encountered the difficult case of a contained rupture of a 6.8 cm descending thoracic aortic aneurysm in a 60-year-old patient with aneurysmal degeneration of the ascending and transverse aortic arch. This patient was treated with a hybrid approach of open ascending and transverse arch reconstruction along with simultaneous stent-graft repair of the descending thoracic aorta. The open repair established an excellent proximal landing zone by use of the "elephant trunk" technique. This technique also allowed direct suture fixation of the stent graft to the arch graft to prevent stent-graft migration. This hybrid surgical approach was successful and avoided the cumulative morbidity that a left thoracoabdominal approach would have added to the sternotomy. Further creative uses of these hybrid techniques will undoubtedly serve a larger role in the treatment of thoracic aortic pathology.     

Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm associated with right-sided aortic arch: report of two cases

Right-sided aortic arch (RAA) is a rare congenital disorder. We describe herein two cases of thoracic aortic aneurysm with a right aortic arch and right-sided descending aorta treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). In one case, a 70-year-old man with Edwards type 1 RAA underwent TEVAR using a Relay stent-graft (Bolton Medical, Barcelona, Spain). In another case, a 72-year-old woman with Edwards type 3 RAA underwent TEVAR using a Kawasumi Najuta stent-graft (Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc., Tokyo, Japan) with the “buffalo horn chimney technique”, our original method for left subclavian artery flow preservation. The postoperative courses were uneventful. Postoperative computed tomography showed complete exclusion of the aneurysm without endoleakage. Compared to conventional open surgical repair, TEVAR is challenging in patients with a RAA and right-sided descending aorta. However, our results showed that TEVAR might be feasible and a treatment option even in a patient with a RAA and right-sided descending aorta.     

Implantation of an endovascular covered stent-graft for distal aortic arch aneurysm via midsternotomy under pigtail catheter guidance.

We implanted an endovascular covered stent-graft for distal aortic arch aneurysm involving the left subclavian artery in 12 cases. A stent-graft was delivered just below the aneurysm via aortotomy with direct vision using a 12 F delivery sheath under guidance of a pigtail catheter placed via the groin artery. The proximal anastomosis of the stent-graft was performed with inclusion technique, and the aortotomy was then closed with it. This technique reduces operative damage by eliminating distal anastomosis and should reduce operative mortality and morbidity.     

A case of coexisting descending thoracic aortic aneurysm and atypical aortic coarctation treated successfully by surgery using the thromboexclusion method

The thromboexclusion method was successfully applied to a 43-year-old male with aortitis syndrome. Preoperative aortogram showed a fusiform aneurysm of the descending aorta just below the left subclavian artery and atypical coarctation of the descending aorta distal to this aneurysm. Pressure gradient across the stenosis was about 70 mmHg. The technique of flow reversal and thromboexclusion was performed in this patient because of severe calcification in the aortic arch and the entire descending aorta. A long extra-anatomical bypass between the ascending aorta and the infrarenal abdominal aorta was made, and a permanent aortic clamp was placed across the aorta at the left subclavian artery. Hypertension in the arm disappeared immediately after the operation, and postoperative catheterization revealed no pressure gradient between the ascending and the abdominal aorta. Computed tomogram performed 18 days after the operation and aortogram done 44 days postoperatively disclosed thrombi formation in the aneurysm.     

Early and mid-term results of endovascular treatment of thoracic aorta diseases: a single-center experience

We conducted an analysis to assess early and mid-term outcomes of patients after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B thoracic aorta dissection, descending thoracic aneurysm, or traumatic aortic transection. From January 2016 through December 2018, twenty-seven patients (23 male, 4 female, mean age of 57 years) affected by type B dissection (n = 13 [48.2%]), thoracic aneurysm (n = 9 [33.3%]), and post-traumatic aortic isthmus rupture (n = 5 [18.5%]) were treated using TEVAR with and without left subclavian artery revascularization. All procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room using general (n = 12) or regional (n = 15) anesthesia. A combined brachial artery and bilateral femoral artery access was used in all patients. To achieve adequate proximal thoracic aorta landing zone length, coverage of the left subclavian artery with proximal endovascular plug occlusion was performed in 17 patients (62.9%); including 4 patients undergoing carotid–subclavian artery bypass before TEVAR stent-graft deployment. Primary procedural success rate was 96.3%; 1 patient had a Type Ib endoleak that was treated by distal stent graft extension. Four adverse outcomes occurred in the immediate postoperative period, including 2 cases of left upper arm acute ischemia (7.4%), ischemic stroke (3.7%), and asymptomatic iliac artery dissection (3.7%). During a mean follow-up of 18 months, no graft-related deaths or endoleak occurred. One patient developed symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome 1 month after operation and underwent a left carotid–subclavian artery bypass with symptom resolution. One patient died 6 months after TEVAR due to neoplasm. Our experience indicates TEVAR is a safe and less invasive alternative to open surgery for a spectrum of thoracic aorta diseases, especially for urgent conditions and in patients with high-risk surgical comorbidities.     

Surgical treatment for cervical aortic arch with aneurysm formation

Cervical aortic arch is an unusual malformation. Cervical aortic arch with aneurysm formation is very rare. We report a case of cervical aortic arch associated with a saccular aneurysm in a 59-year-old Japanese man. The aneurysm protruded caudally and was located between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries. Cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was applied as adjunct methods. A Dacron graft was sutured just distal to the left common carotid artery, with the patient in the Trendelenburg position. The proximal site was left open while oxygen-saturated venous blood was supplied in a retrograde manner to perfuse the lower body during occlusion of the descending aorta. Distal anastomosis to the descending aorta was performed during rewarming. The left subclavian artery was reconstructed by using a branch of the graft. This procedure is simple and useful for distal arch operations, especially in patients with Haughton D type aneurysms.     

Surgical treatment for cervical aortic arch with aneurysm formation

Cervical aortic arch is an unusual malformation. Cervical aortic arch with aneurysm formation is very rare. We report a case of cervical aortic arch associated with a saccular aneurysm in a 59-year-old Japanese man. The aneurysm protruded caudally and was located between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries. Cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was applied as adjunct methods. A Dacron graft was sutured just distal to the left common carotid artery, with the patient in the Trendelenburg position. The proximal site was left open while oxygen-saturated venous blood was supplied in a retrograde manner to perfuse the lower body during occlusion of the descending aorta. Distal anastomosis to the descending aorta was performed during rewarming. The left subclavian artery was reconstructed by using a branch of the graft. This procedure is simple and useful for distal arch operations, especially in patients with Haughton D type aneurysms.     

Acute intraoperative aortic dissection following axillary artery cannulation

We describe a 75-year-old woman who underwent right axillary artery cannulation in preparation for reconstruction of the aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta for athesosclerotic aortic aneurysm via a 'clamshell' incision. As soon as cardiopulmonary bypass was established, the ascending aorta and the aortic arch was dissected. The innominate artery was dissected including one-third of its circumferance anteriorly. Arterial perfusion was stopped immediately and the left femoral artery was cannulated to resume CPB. We proceeded with replacement of the ascending aorta, the aortic arch and the proximal descending thoracic aorta with a Dacron branched aortic graft. The patient recovered uneventfully. Arterial blood pressure was equal bilaterally.     

Combined fenestrated/chimney thoracic endovascular repair for the treatment of blunt traumatic aortic injury: A case report

Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is an extremely serious medical condition with a high rate of associated mortality. Recent advances in techniques such as thoracic endovascular repair offer new opportunities to manage the critical BTAI patients in an efficacious yet less invasive manner. A 65 yearold-male suffered from multiple injuries after a fall, including BTAI in the aortic arch, which resulted in dissection of the descending thoracic-abdominal aorta and iliac artery, development of an intimal flap in the left common carotid artery, and dissection of the left subclavian artery. Based on the imaging information of this patient and our clinical experience, the combined treatment of fenestrated thoracic endovascular repair and a chimney technique was immediately planned to fully repair these dissections and moreover prevent further dissection of the branching vessels, additionally to ensure sufficient blood flow in the left subclavian artery and left common carotid artery. The intervention yielded satisfactory early outcomes. Follow-up assessment at six months reported no symptoms or complications associated with the stent-graft. Computed tomography angiography further confirmed adequate stent-graft coverage of the aortic injury.     

模块分叉支架型血管重建犬主动脉弓的可行性研究

目的设计制作腔内重建犬主动脉弓的模块分叉支架型血管,研究其腔内重建主动脉弓的可行性。方法全组10例动物,主动脉造影测量升主动脉、主动脉弓及其分支血管的相关数据,设计并制作适合于重建犬主动脉弓的模块分叉支架型血管;在X线透视引导下,依次自右锁骨下动脉、左锁骨下动脉及股动脉植入支架型血管的三个模块,并在体内对接,完成主动脉弓的重建;观察移植物形态结构、主动脉血流动力学变化及内漏发生状况。结果8例成功完成各模块的植入,另2例分别于术中死于冠状动脉被封堵和左锁骨下动脉破裂。成功完成介入操作的8例动物术中造影结果显示移植物位置及形态良好,冠状动脉及颈总动脉血流通畅,其中2例发现近端I型内漏。结论应用模块分叉支架型血管腔内重建犬主动脉弓在技术方案上是可行的;对腔内重建人体主动脉弓的研究具有指导意义。     

Overdrive pacing for endovascular repair of an aortic arch aneurysm

The endovascular treatment of aortic arch aneurysms is a relatively new technique and is associated with significant surgical and anesthetic challenges. We report a case of a 77-year-old patient with an aortic arch aneurysm at the level of the isthmus, measuring 4.9 × 6.5 cm. The aneurysm involved the origin of the left subclavian and vertebral arteries. The arch was of the bovine type and the left vertebral artery came directly off the aorta. The patient underwent an uneventful open left carotid-to-subclavian bypass several days before the aortic repair. During the endovascular surgery, a stent-graft was deployed just distal to the innominate trunk. Endoleak was noted at the inferior aspect of the stent-graft, which failed to seal with placement of an extension stent-graft. The surgeon then chose to employ a Palmaz stent, to seal the endoleak. Balloon expansion in the ascending aorta was required in order to properly seat the Palmaz stent. Overdrive pacing at a rate of 220 beats·min^?1, which lowered the systolic blood pressure (SBP) to 40s mmHg was used during this process after connecting the patient to a Zoll defibrillator with external pads. The Palmaz stent was successfully deployed at the proximal end of the previously deployed stent-graft, using a Tyshak balloon. The patient reverted to normal sinus rhythm with no evidence of ischemia at the conclusion of the overdrive pacing. No endoleak was appreciated after the Palmaz stent was placed.     

巨大和长段胸主动脉瘤的血管腔内修复术治疗

目的探讨巨大和长段胸主动脉瘤行带膜支架主动脉腔内修复治疗的可行性。方法对3例10．6～28．0cm长真性胸主动脉瘤的男性患者,采用多个带膜支架相连接成一条长段支架型人工血管,行主动脉腔内修复治疗。对瘤体全长28．0cm、最大直径7．3cm的病例,采用4个长度为130mm的不同直径的带膜支架相连接覆盖胸主动脉;另2例分别用2枚、3枚带膜支架治疗。2例术中先行颈总动脉-颈总动脉和颈总动脉-锁骨下动脉旁路术。结果3例手术过程顺利,术后恢复良好。2例术后无内漏,分别随访1,2个月,瘤腔内血栓形成;1例在支架连接处有少量内漏,术后1年消失,瘤腔内血栓形成。1例术后出现短暂脑缺血表现,1个月后消失。结论采用多个带膜支架相连接对巨大和长段胸主动脉瘤行主动脉腔内修复治疗,安全、微创,疗效良好,远期效果有待观察。     

Stent-graft repair of traumatic thoracic aortic disruptions

OBJECTIVE: Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic disruption results in pre-hospital death in 80% to 90% of patients. Because of the significant surgical morbidity and mortality associated with open operative repair, endovascular stent-graft repair has been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of thoracic aortic disruptions treated with commercially available proximal aortic extension cuffs. METHODS: Nine patients with multiple system trauma (age range, 16-42 years) were seen after motor vehicle accidents between January 1, 2003, and April 1, 2004. Chest x-ray findings warranted thoracic computed tomography scans, which revealed disruptions of the thoracic aorta. Aortograms delineated the extent of the aortic injuries and identified a "landing zone" (neck length range, 1.5-2.0 cm) distal to the subclavian artery but proximal to the tear. The repairs were performed with AneuRx (n= 8) and Excluder (n = 1) proximal aortic extension cuffs. A left femoral artery approach was used in 6 patients, a suprainguinal retroperitoneal approach with an iliac conduit in 2 patients, and direct tunnel in 1 patient. An Amplatz super-stiff wire was placed in the right axillary artery to enable easy tracking of the endografts, and left brachial artery access was used for arch arteriography. RESULTS: In each patient the stent-graft cuff was deployed adjacent to the left subclavian artery, with successful exclusion of traumatic disruptions verified at intraoperative arteriography and on computed tomographic scans obtained within 48 hours of initial repair. One patient required a second cuff for exclusion of a type I endoleak at the distal attachment site 1 month after the initial endograft repair. There were no procedure-related deaths; 1 patient, however, died of other injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-graft repair of traumatic thoracic aortic disruptions is technically feasible. Placement of a stiff wire in the right axillary artery and percutaneous left brachial artery access for arteriography are useful adjuncts during endograft deployment. Endovascular stent grafts may enable definitive repair or serve as a bridge until the patient is stable enough to undergo an operation, if necessary. This technique warrants further investigation.     

Endovascular repair of cervical aortic arch aneurysm

Cervical aortic arch (CAA) is a rare congenital anomaly of the aortic arch. Rarely, CAA is associated with aneurysm of the arch and great vessels. A 32-year-old male patient, previously in good health, presented with 2 weeks of severe chest pain. Radiographic evaluation revealed a CAA with aneurysmal dilation of the distal aortic arch. The aneurysm extended into the left subclavian artery. There was also marked angulation just distal to the aneurysmal portion. The aneurysmal arch and subclavian artery were repaired using a thoracic aortic endograft. An open axillary-to-axillary bypass was performed, and the left axillary artery was ligated proximally. This restored perfusion to the left upper extremity and effectively excluded the aneurysm sac. Immediately postoperatively, the patient's chest pain resolved, and he has remained symptom free. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported repair of a cervical arch aneurysm by endovascular technique.     

Bailed out by TEVAR in a horrendous bleeding aortic arch cannulation site

BackgroundThoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair [TEVAR] is used as a gold standard treatment for aortic disease such as Type B dissection, proximal descending thoracic aortic disruption and descending thoracic aortic fistulas. There was never a report, before this one, of TEVAR utilization for uncontrolled bleeding on the aortic arch cannulation site.Case presentationThis case report is of a 72-year-old female patient who presented to our facility with a day history of anterior sharp pain and dyspnea. Clinical examination revealed a frail patient in distress with tachycardia, tachypnea and elevated blood pressure. The patient had an early diastolic murmur of aortic valve insufficiency. Blood investigations were all normal. Radiological investigations (chest X-ray and Computed Tomography scan) showed prominent ascending aorta, widening mediastinum and dissection affecting the ascending aorta and the root. The patient was optimized in ICU and underwent composite ascending aortic replacement with a stentless composite valve and Dacron graft. The aortic arch cannula site bled uncontrollably and was controlled with a TEVAR stent bypass, as a staged hybrid procedure.DiscussionThe patient had a bovine arch type B configuration, which ensured that the left common carotid artery was not occluded, when deploying the TEVAR stent. However, due to inadequate landing zone three, the left subclavian artery was over-stented and further intentionally occluded with an endovascular occluder to prevent steal phenomenon.ConclusionTEVAR was a real bailout procedure in such situation. Its indication, as in this case report was never reported before; hence, it was an interesting case to write-on.     

Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch after aortosubclavian bypass treated with endoluminal stent grafting--a case report

This paper describes a case of aortic arch pseudoaneurysm treated with stent graft 2 years after aortosubclavian bypass repair of a subclavian artery aneurysm. An 84-year-old man presented with back pain. Two years before, he had had a left subclavian artery aneurysm repaired with aortosubclavian bypass. Upon examination by computed tomography (CT) scan and angiography he was found to have a bovine arch configuration, a 7-centimeter pseudoaneurysm arising from the stump f the native subclavian artery, a patent aortosubclavian bypass, and a left hemothorax. A 37 mm by 10 mm Gore Excluder thoracic graft was introduced into the right femoral artery cutdown and deployed across the arch, excluding the pseudoaneurysm and preserving the brachiocephalic vessels. Follow up CT scan at 1 year shows exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm. The patient continues to do well 1 year after implantation without evidence of endoleak. In the presence of unusual anatomical characteristics, endoluminal stent graft repair can be successfully performed across the aortic arch.