The hybrid total arch repair: brachiocephalic bypass and concomitant endovascular aortic arch stent graft placement

BACKGROUND: Repair of aortic arch aneurysm is technically demanding, requiring complex circulatory management. Very large atherosclerotic saccular aneurysms of the arch are grave markers of extensive arch and brachiocephalic atheromatous disease and represent high surgical risks for perioperative neurologic complications. Operative morbidity and mortality may be prohibitive with traditional surgical intervention. We described our experience with a hybrid procedure for total arch repair with a brachiocephalic bypass with a trifurcated graft followed by concomitant placement of a stent graft in the arch. METHODS: Since June 2005, we have performed the hybrid total arch repair in eight patients. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the new technique. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 67 years with a mean aneurysm size of 8 cm (range, 4.4 to 10 cm). Significant comorbidities included carotid stenosis, chronic renal insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Two patients had previous Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs. Three patients had previous sternotomy for type A dissection, ascending aortic aneurysm repair, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated grade IV or V atheromatous disease in the arch and ascending aorta. Stent grafts were deployed antegrade directly into the ascending aorta in three patients and retrograde from the femoral artery in five patients. Technical success with complete aneurysmal exclusion was achieved in all patients (100%). At a mean follow-up period of 11.7 months, there was no incidence of endoleak. There was one death resulting from a perioperative myocardial infarction (first patient). Documented perioperative neurologic events (stroke) occurred in two patients, with both patients demonstrating no residual deficit at the time of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Saccular arch aneurysms can be technically treated by total arch repair with brachiocephalic bypass and concomitant aortic arch stent graft placement. Hybrid arch repair provides an alternative to patients otherwise considered prohibitively high risk for traditional open arch repair.     

Staged hybrid repair using telescoped stent graft fixation for aortic arch and descending aortic aneurysms

Staged repair of extensive thoracic aortic aneurysms is complicated, with a high incidence of interval rupture between stages. We describe the systematic staged hybrid procedure of a previous endovascular repair of a descending aortic aneurysm and open surgical repair of an aortic arch aneurysm. In the second-stage arch repair, the stent graft was easily retracted and fixed, without dissection, around the aortic arch aneurysm distal side. Extensive thoracic aortic aneurysms were managed without interim rupture or neurologic deficits. This approach avoided the potential for interim rupture because recovery from the first-stage endovascular repair was shorter than that from open repair.     

Partial debranching hybrid stent graft for distal aortic arch aneurysms

Purpose

To evaluate the early outcomes of treating distal aortic arch aneurysms (DAAAs) with a partial debranching hybrid stent graft, and to analyze the morphology of distances among the supra-aortic branches.

Methods

We used this stent graft to treat DAAA in 12 patients, by debranching the left common carotid artery (LCCA) and the left subclavian artery (LSA). With computed tomography (CT) data on the collective total 28 thoracic aortic aneurysms, the distances from the LSA to the LCCA and those from the LSA to the brachiocephalic artery (BA) were measured using multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and centerline of flow (CLF) methods.

Results

All procedures were done in two stages and all stent grafts were deployed in zone-1. The devices used were the TALENT in seven patients and the TAG in five patients. There were no operative deaths, paraplegia, or type-1 or -3 endoleaks. One patient suffered minor cerebral infarction. The distance from the LSA to the BA was longer than that from the LSA to the LCCA by10?mm in the CLF method and by 13?mm in the MPR method.

Conclusions

It was possible to achieve a longer proximal landing zone by debranching two supra-aortic branches, the LCCA and the LSA. The partial debranching hybrid stent graft was less invasive and more effective for DAAAs.     

Elephant trunk technique for hybrid aortic arch repair

The original elephant trunk technique was developed by Borst in 1983 for the treatment of aortic arch aneurysms. This technique reduced operative risks, but was associated with cumulative mortality rates of 6.9 % for the first stage and 7.5 % for the second stage. Patients also waited a long time between two major surgical procedures. Only 50.4 % of patients underwent the second-stage surgery, and there was a significant interval mortality rate of 10.7 %. With the advent of stent-graft techniques, two different hybrid elephant trunk techniques were developed. One technique is first-stage elephant trunk graft placement followed by second-stage endovascular completion. The conventional elephant trunk graft provides a good landing zone for the stent-graft, and endovascular completion is a useful alternative to conventional second-stage surgery. This method has few major complications, and a postoperative paraplegia rate of 1.1 %. The other technique is the frozen elephant trunk technique. This technique eliminates the need for subsequent endovascular completion, and is particularly useful for the treatment of acute type A dissection because it can achieve a secure seal. However, it is associated with a higher rate of spinal cord ischemia than other methods such as the original elephant trunk technique. The left subclavian artery (LSA) is often lost when performing a hybrid elephant trunk procedure. Revascularization of the LSA should be performed to prevent arm ischemia and neurological complications such as paraplegia or stroke, although the level of evidence for this recommendation is low.     

Simultaneous repair of arch and abdominal aortic aneurysms. A simple new technique using a temporary bypass graft.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerotic aneurysms in the aortic arch are associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms in up to 37% of cases. We have developed a single-stage approach to the repair of both aneurysms using a temporary bypass. SUBJECTS: Since November 1996, 5 patients underwent simultaneous repair of aneurysms in the aortic arch and in the infrarenal abdominal aorta, using a new temporary bypass graft technique. Entire arch replacement with simultaneous abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy was performed in one patient. The other 4 patients underwent distal hemi-arch replacement distal from the orifice of the brachiocephalic artery with simultaneous repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHOD: For the entire arch replacement procedure, blood flow to all major branches of the aortic arch was established using a bifurcated graft. This graft anastomosed to the ascending aorta was used as the proximal inflow of the temporary bypass graft. For the hemi-arch replacement procedure, the proximal inflow segment of the temporary bypass graft was anastomosed to the brachiocephalic artery. In both cases, the distal outflow segment of the temporary bypass graft was the graft used for repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. In order to prevent any clamp injury, Teflon felt was tightly wrapped around the aorta before the clamp was applied. RESULTS: Evaluation of the hemodynamic parameters measured during cross-clamping of the aortic arch revealed stable distal perfusion to the visceral organs and no excessive increase in cardiac afterload. All patients had an uneventful postoperative course and were discharged within 1 month of surgery. CONCLUSION: Our temporary bypass method is recommended for simultaneous replacement of aneurysms in the aortic arch and the abdominal aorta.     

Total aortic arch aneurysm repair using a stent graft without cardiac or cerebral ischemia

A 74-year-old man with an aortic arch aneurysm and a chronic type IIIb aortic dissection underwent total aortic arch repair without cerebral or cardiac ischemia. After confirming no atheromatous change in the ascending aortic wall, a custom-designed 4-limbed graft, prepared for both arterial return of cardiopulmonary bypass and reconstruction of the arch vessels, was anastomosed onto the right side of the ascending aorta. The 3 arch vessels were then bypassed sequentially during systemic cooling and monitoring cerebral perfusion with near-infrared oxymetry. After aortic cross-clamping, a stent graft was inserted into the distal arch from the distal ascending aorta, maintaining cerebral and cardiac perfusion. This procedure is indicated especially in a high-risk patient who has an aortic arch aneurysm without severe atheromatous change in the ascending aorta and the arch vessels.     

Successful endovascular repair with chimney graft technique and carotid artery bypass for ruptured aortic arch aneurysm

An 83-year-old man with a decreasing level of consciousness was carried to the emergency room. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a ruptured aortic arch aneurysm. He was deemed a high risk candidate for conventional surgical repair. The case was treated by a hybrid approach. Endo-exclusion of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) was obtained by implanting stentgrafts from the ascending to descending aorta. The brain circulation was maintained by right to left carotid and to left subcravian artery bypasses combined with" chimney endo-debranching graft" of the innominate artery. This could be a method of choice for the acute patients under similar circumstances.     

Single-stage repair of interrupted aortic arch with simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass in an adult

Interrupted aortic arch is a rare congenital cardiac defect. There are extremely few cases in adults that are reported in the pertinent medical literature. However, single-stage repair of interrupted aortic arch combined with coronary artery disease has been rarely reported. We describe the management of interrupted aortic arch associated with coronary artery disease through single-stage surgical procedure without cardiopulmonary bypass in a 56-year-old woman. The vascular prosthesis was anastomosed between the aortic arch just distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery and the descending thoracic aorta. Then a venous bypass was subsequently formed between the left anterior descending coronary artery, the circumflex artery, and the descending aorta.     

Modular branched stent graft for endovascular repair of aortic arch aneurysm and dissection

PURPOSE: We describe a modular stent graft for use in endovascular repair of aneurysms of the aortic arch. METHOD: Carotid-carotid and left carotid-subclavian bypass grafts are created surgically. Two large, fully stented grafts are inserted endoluminally. The proximal component is bifurcated, with a wide proximal trunk and two distal limbs, one long and narrow, the other short and wide. This component is inserted through the carotid artery and deployed with the trunk and short wide limb in the ascending thoracic aorta; the long narrow limb opens into the innominate artery. After delivery system removal and carotid artery repair, a distal component is inserted through a femoral approach to bridge the gap between the short, wide distal limb of the proximal component and the nondilated descending thoracic aorta. The result is a branched stent graft, implanted proximally into the ascending aorta and distally into the innominate artery and descending thoracic aorta. CONCLUSION: The system has been used successfully to treat a large wide-necked pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch.     

非体外循环下全主动脉弓替换术治疗主动脉弓降部动脉瘤的早、中期结果

目的 评价采用常温、非体外循环下全主动脉弓替换手术治疗主动脉弓、降部动脉瘤的术后早、中期结果.方法 2004年4月至11月,对连续7例主动脉弓降部动脉瘤病人实施常温、非体外循环下全主动脉弓替换手术.术后对所有病人进行长期随访,随访截止日期为2011年3月.7例均为男性,年龄23～75岁,中位年龄57岁.真性动脉瘤3例,假性动脉瘤4例,其中1例为弓降部巨大假性动脉瘤覆膜支架置入术失败者.采用胸部正中与左胸前外侧联合切口,全身肝素化后,依次在升主动脉前外侧壁安放主动脉侧壁钳,降主动脉与头臂动脉分别放置主动脉阻断钳,将带四分支人工血管依次与升主动脉行端-侧吻合、与降主动脉及3支头臂动脉行端-端吻合,最后闭合升主动脉残端,切除弓降部主动脉瘤壁.结果 平均胸降主动脉阻断(13.6±5.6)min,左颈总动脉阻断(5.7±0.8)min,无名动脉阻断(7.8±2.5)min,左锁骨下动脉阻断(11.2±1.5)min.术后使用呼吸机平均(12.3±4.1)h.病人全部生存.与同期常温体外循环下主动脉弓替换手术组相比,本组机械通气时间显著减少.无神经系统并发症.术后CT扫描结果显示,主动脉弓降部人工血管形态佳,吻合口周围无渗漏或假性动脉瘤形成.全组平均随访(79.7±2.1)个月,病人生活质量良好,复查CT结果均未见异常.无远期死亡.结论 在常温、非体外循环状态下实施全主动脉弓替换手术,是一种治疗主动脉弓、降部真性或假性动脉瘤的安全、有效的方法,严格把握手术适应证是手术成功的关键.

Abstract：

Objective Study the early and midterm results of a technique-total aortic arch replacement without using extracorporeal circulation or aortic bypass for the treatment of aortic aneurismal disease involving the transverse aortic arch and proximal descending aorta. Methods Between April and November 2004, 7 consecutive patients with true (n = 3) or false (n =4) aortic aneurysm underwent this procedure. The mean follow-up was 6. 6 years. The median age at operation was 57years ( range 23 to 75 years). Normothermia general anesthesia and median sternotomy combined with left anterior thoracotomy were administered. A partially occluding clamp was placed on ascending aorta and a longitude aortic incision was made. Anastomosis of a branched graft to ascending aorta in an end-to-side fashion was commenced. The descending aorta distal to the aneurysm was occluded and transected, and anastomosed to the distal end of the branched graft in an end-to-end fashion. Finally,the arch vessels were divided and anastomosed to the branches of the graft and the aneurysm excised. Results The average cross-clamp time of descending aorta, left common carotid artery, and innominate artery was (13.6 ±5.6)min, (5.7 ±0.8)min, and (7.8±2.5) min respectively. The mean intubation time was (12.3 ±4.1) hours. There were no adverse outcomes or neurologic complications in this series. All patients survived and recovered completely. The mean follow-up time was (79.7 ±2.1) months. All patients lead a normal life. There was no late death. CT follow-up study 6 years after surgery reveals no abnormal image. Conclusion Total aortic arch replacement without cardiopulmonary and aortic bypass is a feasible and effective method for the aortic aneurismal disease involving the transverse aortic arch and proximal descending aorta in selected patients.     

Extrathoracic repair of branch occlusions of the aortic arch.

Thirty extrathoracic operations in twenty-six patients with occlusive disease involving the primary branches of the aortic arch were reviewed. Spanning a fourteen year experience, these operations included carotid-subclavian artery bypass, retrograde common carotid artery thrombectomy, carotid-carotid artery bypass, and femoral-axillary artery bypass. Dacron bypass grafts were used primarily for reconstruction, but saphenous vein bypass and endarterectomy were also employed. Indications for operation, the presence of concomitant cardiovascular disease, surgical technics, patient survival, and late patency of the reconstructions were reviewed. One patient died postoperatively (3.85 per cent). All Dacron grafts were patent on late follow-up examinations. Low mortality and excellent late functional results make extrathoracic repair the approach of choice in the management of occlusive disease of the branches of the aortic arch.     

Subclavian-to-carotid transposition and supracarotid endovascular stent graft placement for traumatic aortic disruption

Technologic advances in delivery systems and imaging have allowed expansion of endovascular surgery indications to include the treatment of thoracic aortic disease. Delayed exclusion of traumatic proximal aortic disruption has been shown to be technically feasible, with a low risk of false aneurysm rupture. Long-term endovascular exclusion of these lesions may be precluded by the short or poor quality neck available below the origin of the left subclavian artery for graft fixation. A case report of a traumatic aortic disruption treated with staged subclavian-to-carotid transposition and subsequent endograft fixation is presented. The uncovered bare wire portion of the stent was placed across the left carotid artery. One-year follow-up demonstrated complete exclusion of the false aneurysm, with stable graft fixation, and no neurologic deficits. This technique may provide a means whereby proximal aortic pathology is safely excluded without regard to the length or quality of juxtasubclavian neck available for fixation.     

A technique for performing antegrade selective cerebral perfusion without interruption of forward flow or cannula relocation for pediatric aortic arch reconstruction

New technology and advances in extracorporeal bypass circuitry and surgical techniques have drastically improved outcomes in infants with congenital heart defects. Hypothermia with circulatory arrest has fallen out of favor in many institutions over the last decade in part from data implicating even short circulatory arrest times to long-term neurologic sequelae. Implementing continuous cerebral perfusion techniques for aortic arch reconstruction is desirable in ameliorating neurologic complications because long-term survival of complex defects can be more routinely achieved. Many centers have implemented alternative means of alleviating cerebral ischemic periods by incorporating selective antegrade or retrograde cerebral perfusion techniques. The incidence of post-operative neurologic events is low when alternative cerebral perfusion techniques are used. Many techniques used to perform continuous cerebral perfusion involve brief periods of circulatory arrest, usually for perfusion cannula repositioning. Herein we describe a technique for performing continuous antegrade cerebral perfusion without a need to interrupt forward flow.