Surgical repair of ruptured thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

BACKGROUND: Rupture is the single most common cause of death in patients with thoracic aortic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAA/TAAA) and is almost uniformly fatal. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients admitted to a single practice with rupture of a TAA/TAAA between 1993 and 2000. RESULTS: Twenty-two consecutive patients with a leaking TAA/TAAA were identified. The aetiology of rupture was either secondary to a degenerative TAAA or a type B dissection. Seventeen patients underwent surgery; one had a Crawford extent I, seven an extent II, one an extent III and two an extent IV TAAA. Six patients had an acute type B dissection with rupture in the upper descending thoracic aorta. The 30-day survival rate was 88 per cent (15 of 17 patients). Actuarial survival at 1 year in patients who had surgery was 65 per cent. Survival at 1 year for all presenting patients who consented to surgery was 40 per cent. Median survival was greater than 36 months. CONCLUSION: As a result of improving medical care, more patients with a contained rupture of a TAA/TAAA may present for treatment. Surgery is complex and requires specialist teams for optimal care.     

Open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Despite much advancement in preoperative evaluation and perioperative care of patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA), open surgical repair of TAAAs remains a formidable challenge for the vascular surgeon. It requires extensive dissection and mobilization of the aorta and its branches, as well as cross-clamping of the aorta above intercostal and visceral arteries. Over the past decade, the mortality and morbidity associated with open TAAA repair have improved significantly. However, it remains one of the most complex, extensive surgical procedures performed in the field of vascular surgery. Recently, there has been much attention directed at less invasive methods such as the so-called "hybrid" or "debranching" procedure, or complete endovascular repair with fenestrated and branched endografts for repairing TAAAs. However, the gold standard for repair of TAAA remains open surgery, and this article summarizes the clinical outcomes of open surgical repair of TAAAs during the past decade (2000-2010) to provide a benchmark for comparison with results from previous decades and also with which to compare the results of modern-day hybrid and/or complete endovascular techniques.     

Total endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

BackgroundEndovascular graft designs incorporating sidebranches, fenestrations and scallops offer a minimally-invasive alternative to open surgery and hybrid approaches for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Our unit has offered total endovascular TAAA repair to selected higher-risk patients since 2008. We report the largest UK series to date of total endovascular TAAA repair.MethodsRetrospective analysis of a prospectively-maintained operative database.Results31 patients (21 male, 10 female) median age 71 years (range 58–84), with TAAA (12 Crawford type I, 13 type III, 6 type IV), median diameter 6.4 (4.3 (mycotic)- 9.9) underwent endovascular TAAA repair (total 48 sidebranches, 26 fenestrations, 13 scallops) between July 2008 and January 2011. Median operating time 225 min (65–540 min), X-ray screening time 58 min (4–212 min), contrast dose 175 ml (70–500 ml), blood loss 325 ml (100–400 ml). Median post-operative length of hospital stay 6 days (2–22 days). Three patients (3/31, 9.7%) died within 30 days of operation: multisystem organ failure (1) acute renal failure and paraplegia (1) and paraplegia (1). There were no other cases of in-hospital organ failure, paraplegia or major complications. The median change in pre-discharge from pre-operative renal function was 3.4% deterioration in eGFR (range: 32.7% deterioration to 73.0% improvement) One patient presented with late-onset paraparesis, a second developed acute renal failure 8 months after repair. One early high-pressure endoleak (type 3) required correction. Three patients had died by median follow-up 12 months (1–36), 2 from heart disease and one from haemopericardium secondary to acute dissection of the ascending aorta (the dissection did not involve, nor extend close to, the endovascular graft).ConclusionsTotal endovascular repair of TAAA offers patients a minimally-invasive alternative to open surgery with early results at least comparable to those seen with open or hybrid surgical approaches.     

Anaesthesia for surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms are one of the most challenging surgeries for the anaesthetists. They account for 10% of aneurysms of the aorta. A thorough understanding of pathophysiology, anatomy, and surgical interventions including extracorporeal circulation are essential to achieve a good outcome. Crawford classified them accorting to their their extent and location in 4 types. Patients with Crawford type II aneurysms are at greatest risk for paraplegia and renal failure from ischemia to the spinal cord and kidneys during cross-clamp. Neurologic and renal complications are significant for the most extensive forms of aneurysms. Mortality has improved over time as a consequence of either increased surgical experience, the adoption of a protocolized strategy for repair, or secular improvements in anaesthetic and intensive care treatment. Long-term survival after elective TAAA repair is excellent.     

Emergency repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with immediate presentation

Objective: The objective of this report was the study of the clinical outcome of emergently repaired thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with TAAA repairs from 1990 to 1998. During this interval, 110 TAAA procedures were performed, 33 (30%) of which were for immediate presentations. The χ² test and regression analysis were used for the analysis of mortality, paraplegia, and renal failure (hemodialysis) rates and of factors that predict these complications, respectively. Results: There were no significant differences between the elective and immediate presentations with respect to the use of adjunctive procedures (lumbar drain, hypothermia, and bypass grafting). The overall mortality rate was 13%. There were no statistically significant differences between the 30-day mortality rates or the complication rates in elective versus immediate presentations. Subgroup analysis results showed a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate in type II TAAA with immediate presentation and free rupture presentation as compared with the overall mortality rate (50% vs 13%, P < .05, and 67% vs 13%, P < .01, respectively). Multiple regression analysis results identified the use of bypass grafting (atrial-femoral or cardiopulmonary) and lumbar drain and shorter bypass grafting time as significant predictors of decreased overall mortality (P < .05). The mortality rates were not significantly different among aneurysm types and were not significantly decreased with the use of hypothermia. Paraplegia (5%) and renal failure (9%) rates were not predicted with aneurysm type, immediate versus elective presentation, or the adjunctive use of hypothermia, lumbar drain, or bypass grafting. Conclusion: The emergency repair of TAAA with immediate presentation can be performed with mortality and morbidity rates that approach those of elective presentations, except in the setting of free rupture or symptomatic type II TAAA. Adjunctive circulatory management techniques and lumbar drains may reduce mortality in TAAA repair. (J Vasc Surg 1999;30:996-1003.)     

Surgical treatment of the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with Marfan's syndrome

We experienced two cases of the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with Marfan's syndrome. Case 1; The 31 year-old-woman was operated upon by Crawford's procedure, which includes reconstruction of renal arteries, superior mesenteric artery, and celiac artery using temporary shunt. Although she had been well for three years after the operation before she developed acute aortic dissection, she could not tolerate the Bentall's procedure on it. Case 2; The 37 year-old woman was operated upon for dissecting aneurysm (DeBakey IIIb). The procedure included replacement of the descending and abdominal aorta by Dacron graft. Four years after the operation, enlargement of residual false lumen had been observed, which caused its dehiscence just proximal to the abdominal aortic anastomosis. The Crawford's procedure, which includes reconstruction of renal arteries, superior mesenteric artery, and celiac artery using temporary shunt was employed for repair of the remaining thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. She is well now 5 months after surgery. We conclude that cardiovascular changes in patients with Marfan's syndrome must be observed carefully because of its high recurrent rate after initial surgery. The operation at proper time and a careful observation of cardiovascular changes will improve the prognosis.     

Early results after staged hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

BACKGROUND: The morbidity and mortality rates associated with open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair are substantial. This study was designed to review our early experience with the hybrid endovascular and, or open approach for TAAA repair. STUDY DESIGN: Patients undergoing elective hybrid repair of their TAAAs were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (mean age 69+/-15 years, male, 76%) underwent visceral and renal revascularization as the first stage of their hybrid repair. The Crawford extent included: II, 2; III, 8; and IV, 7. Perioperative mortality and complication rates after the first stage were 24% and 25%, respectively; the mean intensive care unit stay and total length of stay were 7+/-12 days (range 1 to 45 days) and 22+/-33 days (range 3 to 100 days), respectively. The endovascular aneurysm repair or second stage procedure was performed in 12 of 13 (92%) of the surviving patients, with a mean of 27+/-27 days (range 6 to 99 days) between the procedures. Two patients experienced intraoperative complications during the second stage, but there were no deaths or additional postoperative complications. Patients did not require the intensive care unit, and the overall mean length of stay after the second stage was 2+/-2 days (range 1 to 5 days). The mean postoperative followup among the 11 patients completing both stages was 8+/-12 months (range 1 to 15 months). The primary patency rate for the visceral and renal bypasses was 96% (54 of 56). CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid approach for patients with TAAAs may reduce complications in the average, low-risk patient and may extend the indications for repair to patients considered higher risk based on age, comorbidities, or anatomic considerations.     

Branch graft patency after open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Objectives

The long-term function of branch grafts to the visceral and renal arteries during open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair is unknown. We assessed the patency of single and multiple branch grafts with postoperative imaging studies in patients followed for up to 13 years.

Surgery of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Arteriosclerotic aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal aorta, involving one or more visceral branches, was successfully operated on in eight patients. Two of the aneurysms had ruptured. The left diaphragm-splitting thoracoabdominal incision through the 8th intercostal space, using a retroperitoneal route, gave unrestricted exposure. A temporary aortofemoral shunt effectively protected abdominal organs and spinal cord from perioperative ischemic damage. The step-by-step reattachment technique into ready-made side limbs in the woven Dacron graft ensured that visceral and renal ischemic times remained within acceptable limits. Perfusion cooling of the abdominal organs was done in one patient in whom shunt could not be used. A standby autotransfusion device was life-saving in another case. All the patients recovered without major complications. Moderate elevation was found as regards serum creatinine levels in seven patients and liver enzymes in four patients, but the values normalized within a month. No paraplegic complications occurred, although all bleeding intercostal and lumbar arteries were ligated intra-aneurysmatically in seven of the eight patients. Seven patients are well 20 to 60 months postoperatively, with patent and well functioning grafts. One patient died of lung cancer after 7 months. Four of the 18 revascularized arteries in three patients were shown by control angiography to be occluded, but without serious sequelae. Our experience suggests that most thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms are suitable for surgical correction, with acceptable risk. Elective surgery is therefore recommended.     

Improvement in results of repair of type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Purpose: Although management of extensive type I and II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAA) remains a formidable challenge, results of repair of TAA originating in the distal thoracic aorta (type IV) appear to have improved significantly. To quantitate this perceived improvement, the following retrospective study was undertaken to examine the results of type IV TAA repair at the Brigham & Women's Hospital over the past 18-year period.Methods: From July 1977 to September 1994, nonruptured atherosclerotic type IV TAAs were repaired in 58 patients. The mean age was 70 years, and associated risk factors included smoking (91%), hypertension (86%), coronary artery disease (52%), and previous aortic surgery (38%). Mean follow-up was 2.4 years (median 2 years).Results: Overall 30-day mortality was 5.3% (two deaths). Morbidity included stroke (3.5%), paraplegia (1.8%), permanent paraparesis (1.8%), myocardial infarction (7%), pneumonia (8.8%), gastrointestinal bleeding (11%), intestinal ischemia (5.3%), wound infection (7.0%), peripheral ischemia (5.3%), in-hospital dialysis (8.8%), and permanent dialysis (1.9%). Overall 5-year survival was 50%. With univariate analysis, survival was positively correlated with more recent year of operation (p = 0.002), smaller volume of intraoperative blood transfusion ( p = 0.02), decreased supraceliac ischemia time ( p = 0.04), and the use of the retroperitoneal approach ( p = 0.09). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the year of operation was the only independent predictor of survival ( p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis of patients who underwent operation between 1977 and 1987 (n = 13) and 1988 and 1994 (n = 45) revealed statistically significant improvements in length of hospital stay (46 + 12 vs 21 + 4 days, p = 0.02), postoperative dysrhythmia (50% vs 16%, p = 0.03), pstoperative maximum serum glutamic oxaloacetic-transaminase (516 + 234 vs 319 + 139 mg%, p = 0.04), incidence of hemorrhage requiring reexploration (33% vs 0%, p = 0.002), 30-day mortality (23% vs 0%, p = 0.009), and in-hospital mortality (39% vs 2.2%, p = 0.002).Conclusions: The modern mortality, morbidity, and survival of surgical repair of type IV TAA in our institution approaches that of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. (J Vasc Surg 1996;24:74-81.)     

Epidemiology of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, although rare, continue to be associated with high morbidity and mortality in the modern era of vascular surgery, and knowledge of this disease is essential for those in clinical practice. Given the clinically silent nature of the disease, it is difficult to determine disease incidence, with most epidemiologic recommendations not made based on evidence regarding those diagnosed with the disease, but extrapolated from data on surgical outcomes. It appears that although men are more likely to develop thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, the distribution is not as skewed as in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Current evidence suggests that Black and Hispanic patients continue to have disproportionately poor disease outcomes, mostly attributed to later presentation and undergoing interventions at lower-volume centers. Although select patients meet criteria for disease screening based on personal or family history of aneurysmal disease, general population screening has not been recommended by any professional organization to date. Vascular surgeons need to continue to be at the forefront of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm management, especially as care becomes centered around comprehensive “aortic care centers” and as more endovascular therapies become available.