Endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic disease: mid-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term follow-up in a cohort of patients with acute or chronic descending aortic disease treated by stent-graft repair. BACKGROUND: Since 1999, endovascular stent-graft placement has been reported as an alternative treatment to surgical approach for a variety of thoracic aortic diseases; however, results beyond initial short-term follow-up are not widely available for the broad range of applications. METHODS: From March 2001, 43 consecutive patients with traumatic aortic transection (group A = 16) and complicated type B aortic dissection or aneurysm (group B = 27) underwent stent-graft implantation. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan as preoperative assessment and in 26 a transesophageal echo (TEE) exam was performed. RESULTS: Technically successful stent-graft deployment was achieved in all patients. No patient required surgical conversion and no cases of paraplegia occurred. The overall in-hospital mortality was 9.3%. A residual endoleak (type II) was detected in one group B patient who was managed conservatively. The mean follow-up was 29 +/- 8 months (range 10-48 months). No patient died during late follow-up after hospital discharge. At 12 months, one patient (2.5%) who had stent graft repair of an aortic dissection developed an asymptomatic type I endoleak. Three asymptomatic patients with chronic dissection had a persistent retrograde perfusion of the thoracic false lumen via a distal tear(s) in the dissection septum. CONCLUSION: Our results of stent-graft treatment of complicated and uncomplicated diseases of the descending aorta confirms that this alternative to open repair is a safe, less invasive, and relatively low risk approach. Medium-term follow-up results suggest that it is effective and durable therapy with low associated mortality and morbidity rates.     

In situ bending of a thoracic stent-graft: a proposed novel technique to improve thoracic endograft seal.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel technique that modifies the configuration of a thoracic stent-graft after deployment to comply with the arch curvature. TECHNIQUE: The principle of a Bowden cable has been applied to direct a conventional thoracic stent-graft in situ after deployment. A suture placed at the proximal inner curve of a conventional thoracic stent-graft is fitted with a sliding, self-locking knot attached to a line that runs inside a catheter through the central rod of the stent-graft. Traction applied to this line directs the endograft post deployment, which allows for better apposition to the aortic wall. Shortening the inner curve makes the stent-graft bend. The extent of bending is fully controlled by the surgeon and held in place with the sliding knot. A release mechanism allows removal of all luminal components of the mechanism. CONCLUSION: The described technique of directing a thoracic stent-graft in situ seems feasible and enables better apposition of the stent-graft in a glass model. It may improve the durability of thoracic stent-grafts in the aortic arch.     

A simple technique to facilitate antegrade thoracic endograft deployment using a hybrid elephant trunk procedure under hypothermic circulatory arrest.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique to facilitate antegrade thoracic endograft deployment using a hybrid elephant trunk operation under hypothermic circulatory arrest. TECHNIQUE: When using a nitinol-based endograft in a hybrid endovascular aortic arch repair performed in a hypothermic patient, the endograft does not expand fully when the body temperature is typically maintained below 20 degrees C. Immersing the nitinol-based thoracic endograft in a sterile hot saline bath (48 degrees C) for 1 to 2 minutes prior to deployment warms the stent-graft to a physiological temperature of 38 degrees C, which it maintains for several minutes while being deployed. CONCLUSION: Although the described technique represents an off-label approach to the use of a TAG device, we believe warming a nitinol-based endograft may potentially improve the technical success of this hybrid operation when the patient is under hypothermic circulatory arrest.     

覆膜支架腔内治疗急性胸主动脉综合征

目的 评价覆膜支架腔内治疗急性胸主动脉综合征的有效性和安全性。方法 2001年5月至2005年12月应用覆膜支架治疗57例急性胸主动脉综合征患者,其中急性主动脉B型夹层45例,穿透性粥样硬化性溃疡（PAU）或假性动脉瘤9例,创伤性胸主动脉瘤3例。建立数据库,分析其临床特点、疗效及随访结果。结果 57例患者覆膜支架置入技术成功率100％。5例有近端内漏,1例术中出现升主动脉夹层,未予特殊处理,随访结果良好;1例术后7天出现升主动脉夹层并发心包填塞死亡。5例PAU或主动脉夹层合并冠心病患者,在应用覆膜支架成功完全封闭破口后立即行冠状动脉介入治疗成功。1例出现术后一过性双下肢无力,经静脉滴注山莨菪碱和甘露醇2天后痊愈。1例支架覆盖左锁骨下动脉开口导致左椎动脉缺血,嗜睡2天后自行好转。术后重症监护病房时间1～8（平均3．5）天,术后平均住院10天。术后30天内死亡2例,1例死于升主动脉夹层破裂,1例死于急性肾衰竭。术后30天内死亡率3．5％。术后平均随访（25．3±13．1）（13—55）个月。1例于术后3个月死于大咯血,1例死因不明。1例因近端内漏行二次腔内修复术。5例患者因降主动脉覆膜支架远端再发现破口,行二次腔内修复术。术后截瘫发生率为0,无支架移位、狭窄等并发症。术后住院及随访期内总死亡率为7．0％。与传统手术相比,腔内治疗急性胸主动脉综合征具有创伤小、严重并发症少、住院时间较短的优势。结论 覆膜支架是治疗急性胸主动脉综合征优良且有效的方法,也可用于外科手术高风险患者,近中期随访结果良好,远期结果有待于进一步随访。     

Late complications and shape changes of the endografts after gigantic thoracic aortic aneurysm repair over a 7-year follow-up

This report details a 7 years follow up observations in a 71-year-old patient treated with custom made endograft for gigantic thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Progressive changes of the thoracic aorta and aneurysm after endograft placement led to two late complications including proximal stent graft prolapse into the aneurysm and extreme kinking of the endograft and aorta 28 and 51 months after treatment, respectively. Both complications were successfully treated with new endografts placement. Percutaneous endovascular repair is a promising, minimally invasive alternative to exclude TAA. This technique allows long-term treatment of patients who are unsuitable for conventional surgical procedures.     

Usefulness of transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring in transluminal endovascular stent-graft repair for thoracic aortic aneurysm

The endovascular stent-graft has been devised for the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) to reduce complications associated with conventional surgical repair. The present study assessed the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for intra- and post-operative examinations in patients treated with transluminal endovascular stent-graft repair for TAA. Nine patients with TAA and 2 with chronic type B aortic dissection were studied. Immediately after stent-graft deployment, perigraft leakage was evaluated with both intraoperative TEE and aortography. In 9 of 11 patients, TEE and aortography immediately after stent-graft deployment revealed the same perigraft leakage results. TEE might therefore be useful for evaluating perigraft leakage and thrombus formation after stent-graft repair for TAA and could be an alternative to aortography, especially for patients with renal dysfunction who have the possibility of contrast agent-induced complications.     

Three-dimensional visualization of suprarenal aortic stent-grafts: evaluation of migration in midterm follow-up.

PURPOSE: To investigate the midterm results of transrenal fixation of abdominal aortic stent-grafts with regard to device migration and encroachment of stent wires on the renal and visceral branches. METHODS: Imaging data from 18 patients (15 men; mean age 75 years, range 63-84) undergoing transrenal stent-graft fixation for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were included in the study. Computed tomographic angiographic data acquired within 1 week of stent-graft implantation were compared to the latest follow-up images. Postprocessing methods generated 3-dimensional (3D) maximum intensity projections (MIP) and virtual intravascular endoscopy (VIE) for evaluation of the relationship between suprarenal stents and aortic branches. Aortic neck angulation was measured in each patient for correlation with the incidence of stent migration. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 40 months. 3D image visualizations showed that the stent-graft moved caudally in all patients (range 2.6-14.2 mm), with migration (>10 mm) observed in 4 (22%) patients. Corresponding VIE images documented changes in stent wire encroachment on the aortic branch ostia in 11 patients, including the number and position of crossing stent wires. There was no close relationship between aortic neck angulation and stent migration. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that migration occurs at midterm follow-up in transrenally deployed stent-grafts. 3D images were valuable for the assessment of stent migration, as well as its relationship with aortic branch ostia. Long-term follow-up of transrenal fixation deserves to be investigated, especially after observing stent migration relative to aortic ostial encroachment.     

An IVUS-based approach to traumatic aortic rupture, with a look at the lesion from inside.

PURPOSE: To review a single-institution experience with endovascular repair of acute traumatic aortic rupture (ATAR) performed on an emergency basis using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) exclusively as the navigation tool for stent-graft implantation (no arteriography). METHODS: Between September 1998 and November 2006, 26 consecutive patients (19 men; mean age 38+/-19 years, range 15 to 83) underwent endovascular repair of ATAR performed by a surgical team using IVUS and fluoroscopy for lesion characterization and stent-graft deployment guidance. Transesophageal echocardiography was routinely used in all patients to visualize the aortic lesion and rule out residual flow after device deployment. Sealing of the aortic tear was evaluated by postoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography. RESULTS: IVUS revealed an extensive disruption of the tunica intima and media (>180 degrees ) in 46% (12/26) of patients; the disruption was circumferential in 3 cases, with pseudocoarctation. The aortic diameter at the site of rupture measured 24+/-4 mm. Primary technical success was 92% (24/26); 1 persistent but small proximal endoleak and an intraoperative death (4% in-hospital mortality) from abdominal bleeding in an octogenarian accounted for the failures. Procedure-related complications (2, 8%) included the aforementioned endoleak and a minor stroke secondary to cerebral embolization. There was no paraplegia associated with the repairs. CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair of acute traumatic aortic disruption yields promising results, with high technical success and minimal procedure-related morbidity. IVUS as the primary navigation tool for device implantation allows prompt endovascular setup, instant aortic measurements, and precise visualization of the aortic disruption.     

Usefulness of transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring to improve the outcome of stent-graft treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms

The stent-graft procedure is becoming an alternative to surgery for treatment of many diseases of the descending thoracic aorta. This study evaluated the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), used in combination with fluoroscopy and angiography, in monitoring the outcome of stent-graft placement. Twenty-two consecutive patients were submitted to stent-graft positioning in the descending aorta for various pathologies (7 patients had type B aortic dissections, 6 had thoracic aneurysms, 2 had thoraco-abdominal aneurysms, and 7 had post-traumatic aortic aneurysms). Before stent-graft deployment, TEE changed the proximal site of stent positioning initially identified by angiography in 33% of patients (5 of 15) with aortic aneurysms because of calcifications or atheromas that could interfere with stent adhesion to the aortic wall and that were not seen on angiography. In 28% of patients (2 of 7) with aortic dissection, TEE showed the guidewire in the false lumen, allowing an immediate repositioning. After stent-graft deployment, color Doppler TEE showed a perigraft leak in 7 patients, whereas angiography detected a perigraft leak in only 2 patients (p = 0.02). In 4 of these patients, further balloon expansions resulted in resolution of the leak. In the remaining 3 patients, additional stent-graft positioning was necessary. Considering the total patient cohort, TEE yielded relevant information, resulting in procedure changes in 59% (13 of 22). In conclusion, TEE provided additional information with respect to angiography in all phases of stent-graft treatment, improving immediate outcome and reducing complications.     

Single-branch endograft for treating stanford type B aortic dissections with entry tears in proximity to the left subclavian artery.

PURPOSE: To present a preliminary experience with a single-branch endograft for excluding Stanford type B aortic dissections with entry tears adjacent to the left subclavian artery (LSA). METHODS: From February to August 2004, 16 symptomatic patients (15 men; mean age 57.8 years, range 41-73) having a Stanford B aortic dissection with a proximal tear <15 mm from the LSA orifice were treated with a single-branch thoracic endograft constructed of Z-shaped nitinol stents to which a Dacron graft had been sutured. The tubular main stent-graft had a branched segment connected to it for implantation in the LSA. The deployment method is the same as for a straight endograft except that the branch is deployed first in the LSA to stabilize the entire device. The main body of endograft is then deployed into the descending aorta to seal the tear, block flow from entering the false lumen, and enlarge the true lumen. RESULTS: Sixteen branched endografts were deployed to seal the entry tears, with a technical success rate of 94% (15/16). One case was converted to surgery when the branch became trapped in the LSA at the left thoracic outlet. Two proximal endoleaks were treated with additional tubular endografts. All the proximal tears were sealed by the stent-grafts, and the compressed true lumens were widened. No paraplegia or distal organ or limb ischemia was noted, nor was there any mortality or complications. By 3 months post treatment, symptoms had abated, thrombosis had formed in the false lumen, and the true lumen had resumed its normal diameter in 15 of the 16 stent-graft patients. One patient has a distal re-entry at the level of the visceral arteries that is being observed. CONCLUSIONS: The single-branch thoracic aortic endograft provides a simpler, safer, and more effective means of treating aortic dissections with entry tears in proximity to the LSA.     

Feasibility of real-time magnetic resonance-guided stent-graft placement in a swine model of descending aortic dissection.

AIMS: To evaluate the pre-clinical feasibility of real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI) to guide stent-graft placement for experimental aortic dissection (AD) and to alleviate disadvantages of ionising radiation and nephrotoxic contrast media. Endovascular stent-graft placement for thoracic aortic disease is usually performed under X-ray guidance. The feasibility of rtMRI-guided stent-graft placement is currently not known. METHODS AND RESULTS: By using a catheter-based technique, dissections of the descending thoracic aorta were successfully created in eight domestic pigs. Subsequent implantation of commercially available, nitinol-based stent-grafts was performed entirely under rtMRI guidance. By pre-interventional MRI, the mean minimal true-lumen diameter was 0.9 (0.825-0.975) cm. rtMRI permitted not only the successful and safe device navigation within the true lumen from the iliac arteries to the thoracic aorta, but also the precise positioning and deployment of the stent-graft and safe withdrawal of the delivery catheter in seven of eight pigs. This was achieved without any other complications. After the stent-graft placement, MRI demonstrated complete obliteration of the false lumen, which was confirmed at autopsy. All stent-grafts were well expanded resulting in an increase in the size of the true-lumen diameter to 2.05 (1.925-2.1) cm (P=0.066 vs. baseline). CONCLUSION: In experimental AD, rtMRI-guided endovascular stent-graft placement is feasible and safe and has the potential for mitigating radiation and contrast-related side effects. Additionally, it allows not only pre-interventional diagnosis and detailed anatomic diagnosis, but also permits immediate post-interventional, anatomical, and functional delineation of procedure success that may serve as a baseline for future comparison during follow-up.     

A percutaneous technique for preservation of arch branch patency during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR): retrograde catheterization and stenting.

PURPOSE: To report a percutaneous endovascular technique to deal with stent-graft encroachment and coverage (partial or total) of the origin of the left common carotid artery (CCA) or the left subclavian artery during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. TECHNIQUE: Percutaneous retrograde puncture of the left CCA was accomplished with guidewire advancement into the ascending aorta and insertion of a 6-F sheath. Balloon angioplasty and deployment of a stent across the origin of the left CCA successfully recanalized the vessel and restored normal antegrade flow and pressure. It was reasoned that the stent would maintain vessel patency by focally displacing the endograft device, preventing partial or total coverage (and obstruction) of the arch branch origin. This technique has been used successfully in 8 patients, 6 involving the left CCA and 2 the left subclavian artery. Two of the patients were lost to follow-up after 6 and 12 months. The other 6 patients have been followed from 10 to 32 months; the stented vessels have remained patent in all. CONCLUSION: While the "interposition" of a bare metal stent between a thoracic endograft and the aortic wall is theoretically unappealing and potentially detrimental, as the direct interaction between the devices might undermine the integrity of one or both, we have not seen such problems in this limited clinical experience.     

Initial and midterm results for repair of aortic diseases with handmade stent grafts.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the initial and midterm results for repair of thoracic and abdominal aortic diseases using handmade stent-grafts (SGs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2004, 41 consecutive patients (31 patients with thoracic and 10 patients with abdominal aortic disease) underwent endovascular stent-graft repair using handmade SGs. The follow-up averaged 24.8+/-17.6 months. The technical and initial clinical success rates were 82.9% (34/41) and 80.5% (33/41), respectively. Primary type I or III endoleaks occurred in 12.2% (5/41) of the patients. The hospital mortality rate was 4.9% (2/41). Persistent type I or III endoleaks occurred in 9.8% (4/41) and SG migrations occurred in 4.9% (2/41) of the patients. Open surgical conversion was undertaken in 12.2% (5/41) of the patients because of an endoleak and/or migration. The mean change observed in the aneurysm diameter was -6.2+/-10.5 mm, and shrinkage in the diameter occurred in 51.4% (18/35) of the cases. There was 1 patient death because of aneurysm rupture. Neither stent fracture nor graft hole was observed. The overall clinical success rate during follow-up was 78.0% (32/41). CONCLUSION: The initial and midterm results obtained after repair of the aortic diseases using handmade SGs were considered to be satisfactory. More surgical experience and long-term patient follow-up are both required to further reassess the effect of this treatment.     

Endoluminal stent-graft stabilization for thoracic aortic dissection.

PURPOSE: To review our experience with thoracic endografting for type B aortic dissection using the TAG Endoprosthesis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of data collected prospectively from March 2000 to July 2004 under an investigational device exemption protocol for the TAG thoracic endograft. In this time period, 40 patients (29 women; mean age 67 years, range 39-91) were treated with this endograft for type B aortic dissection. RESULTS: Technical success was 95%. There was 1 (2.5%) perioperative death, and 1 (3%) endoleak was treated with an additional graft on postoperative day 2. Fifteen (38%) patients experienced postoperative complications, mainly renal or pulmonary, and 1 (3%) patient developed postoperative paraplegia that did not resolve. The 1-year survival was 85%. Follow-up computed tomography was available for 31 patients with an average 15-month follow-up. There was no significant change in size of the thoracic aorta in 22 patients; 8 aneurysmal segments were significantly reduced in size and 1 thoracic aortic aneurysm expanded. No thoracic aortic ruptures were seen in this series. CONCLUSIONS: These early results indicate type B thoracic aortic dissections can be treated with acceptable morbidity and mortality using endografts. Stent-graft repair of the thoracic aorta may decrease the incidence of thoracic aortic expansion and rupture.     

Type A dissection following endovascular thoracic aortic stent-graft repair.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with endovascular stent-graft repairs in the thoracic aorta focusing on the secondary complication of type A dissection. METHODS: Between January 1996 and April 2004, 73 patients were treated for traumatic thoracic aortic rupture (n=15), type B dissection (n=22), or atherosclerotic descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA, n=36). A retrospective review of the records found 5 (6.8%) patients (3 men; median age 64 years, range 43-87) who experienced a type A dissection at a median 20 days (range 2-124) after thoracic stent-graft repair for 3 type B dissections, 1 TAA, and a late type I endoleak that appeared 28 months after initial stent-graft repair of a traumatic dissection. RESULTS: In 3 patients (2 dissections, 1 endoleak), a tear in the aortic wall at the proximal stent-graft was responsible for a retrograde type A dissection. Underlying disease was the cause of the type A dissection in the 2 other patients (1 dissection, 1 TAA) and was unrelated to the stent-grafts. Three patients underwent open surgery at 3, 26, and 124 days after stent-graft placement; 2 procedures were successful, but the third patient died 3 months later due to multiorgan failure. Two type A dissections were untreated: one patient died from cardiac tamponade 14 days after successful stent-graft exclusion of the type I endoleak; the other patient refused further treatment and survived. The procedure-related mortality following acute retrograde type A dissection was 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular stent-graft repair of the thoracic aorta is associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates than surgical repair, although potentially lethal complications, acute or delayed, may occur.     

Stent-grafts in patients with marfan syndrome.

PURPOSE: To explore the safety and feasibility of stent-graft placement in the dissected descending thoracic aorta of patients with Marfan syndrome. METHODS: Six consecutive patients (4 men; mean age 33+/-15 years, range 24-61) with Marfan syndrome were offered endovascular repair for dissection after previous aortic root repair in 5 and solitary type B dissection in 1. RESULTS: Transluminal placement of customized Talent stent-grafts was technically successful in all patients, with no 30-day or 1-year intervention-related mortality. Complete abolition of the dissection and reconstruction of the entire dissected aorta was documented in 2 patients. Over a mean 51+/-22-month follow-up (range 12-74), elective conversion to surgical repair was necessary in 2 patients at 22 and 43 months after stent-graft implantation. In a third patient, conversion to surgery is being considered at 74 months after stent-grafting. One patient died suddenly 12 months after endovascular repair. CONCLUSIONS: Nonsurgical reconstruction of postsurgical distal aortic dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome is feasible and technically successful. Stent-graft placement may either avoid or bridge to repeat surgery of distal aortic dissections after previous aortic root repair. Technical expertise and close postinterventional surveillance appear mandatory and may limit the procedure to centers of competence for aortic diseases.     

Endovascular stent-graft repair of acute thoracic aortic dissection--early clinical experiences

BACKGROUND: Standard treatment of acute thoracic aortic dissection type B is the medical therapy used for most patients, according to Stanford. Surgical therapy involves a high mortality rate and is reserved for patients with complicated dissections. We report from four patients with acute thoracic aortic dissection, treated endoluminally by stent-graft implantation. METHODS: Four patients with complicated acute thoracic aortic dissections type B were treated endoluminally by transfemoral stent-graft implantation. Preoperative evaluation was performed with spiral-computed tomography and calibrated aortography. The Talent stent-graft system (Metronic) was used in all patients. RESULTS: The primary entry tear could be sealed successfully and complete thrombosis of the false thoracic aortic lumen was obtained in all cases. In one patient, transposition of the left subclavian artery was performed, in two patients the stent-grafts had to be placed across the origin of the left subclavian artery. No severe intra- or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Endoluminal treatment of acute thoracic aortic dissection seems to be a less invasive and effective therapy. Long-term results for this method are necessary.     

Provisional extension to induce complete attachment after stent-graft placement in type B aortic dissection: the PETTICOAT concept.

PURPOSE: To report the use of a technique (PETTICOAT: provisional extension to induce complete attachment) to obliterate sustained abdominal false lumen flow and pressurization despite successful stent-graft sealing of the thoracic entry tear in patients with complicated type B aortic dissection. METHODS: Of 100 initial patients subjected to stent-graft repair for complex type B aortic dissection with thoracoabdominal extension, 12 patients (10 men; mean age 58.7 years, range 44-76) demonstrated distal true lumen collapse and a perfused abdominal false lumen despite successful sealing of the proximal tears. As an adjunctive or staged procedure, a scaffolding stent was placed for distal extension of the previously implanted stent-graft. In each case, a Sinus aortic stent, Fortress stent, or a Z-stent system was customized with maximum 2-mm oversizing versus the original stent-graft diameter. Magnetic resonance or computed tomographic angiography was performed at discharge, at 3 months, and then annually to determine false channel thrombosis, true and false lumen dimensions, and re-entry flow. RESULTS: Delivery was successful in all cases (100%). The compressed distal true lumen (mean 4+/-3 mm) was reconstructed to a mean width of 21+/-3 mm, and malperfusion was abolished without any obstruction of the abdominal side branches. At up to 1-year follow-up, there were no signs of expansion or distal progression of the scaffolded dissected aorta. All patients with complete thoracic thrombosis showed evidence of improved aortic remodeling; 1 patient with no false lumen thrombosis died at 11 months from thoracoabdominal aortic rupture. CONCLUSION: The PETTICOAT technique may offer a safe and promising adjunctive endovascular maneuver for patients with distal malapposition of the dissecting membrane and false lumen flow. The technique can both abolish distal true lumen collapse and enhance the remodeling process of the entire dissected aorta.     

Intentional occlusion of the left subclavian artery during stent-graft implantation in the thoracic aorta: risk and relevance.

PURPOSE: To examine the clinical consequences and/or potential need for postinterventional transposition after stent-graft occlusion of the left subclavian artery (LSA). METHODS: The records of 171 consecutive patients (128 men; mean age 60.2+/-13.2 years, range 20-83) undergoing elective stent-graft repair in the thoracic aorta were reviewed to identify intentional endograft coverage of the ostial LSA, as documented by transesophageal echocardiography and/or aortography. Patients were treated for subacute type B dissection, true aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or previously operated type A dissection with persistent false lumen flow in the descending aorta. Among the 171 cases, 22 (12.9%) patients were identified with stent-graft occlusion of the LSA. RESULTS: A systolic blood pressure differential existed between the right (138.4+/-14.0 mmHg) and the left (101.8+/-21.0 mmHg; p<0.05) arms after occlusion of the LSA. No patient showed a malperfusion syndrome during postinterventional hospitalization. During a mean follow-up of 24.0+/-15.8 months, 15 (68.2%) patients remained completely asymptomatic, with no functional deficit or temperature differential between the arms, while 7 patients reported mild symptoms of a subclavian steal syndrome. However, no patient required any secondary surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-graft-induced occlusion of the ostial LSA was tolerated by all patients without chronic functional deficit. In the absence of stenotic vertebral and/or carotid arteries and with a documented intact vertebrobasilar system, prophylactic transposition of the LSA is not required prior to intentional stent-graft occlusion of the LSA.     

A novel technique of aortomonoiliac AAA repair in patients with a single patent iliac artery: a "stent-graft sandwich".

PURPOSE: To present a novel technique for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in patients with an occluded iliac artery on one side. TECHNIQUE: In patients with an occluded iliac artery, the main body of a bifurcated modular endoprosthesis is deployed in standard fashion. Another stent-graft of a similar diameter is placed inside the deployed device so that the proximal end of the second endograft is a few millimeters caudal to the leading edge of the first device, which positions the second contralateral gate caudal to the flow divider of the first device. The second stent-graft is also rotated so that its contralateral gate is 180 degrees opposite to the contralateral gate of the first device. This "stent-graft sandwich" effectively mimics an aortomonoiliac device. After deployment of the second device, the attachment sites are dilated with appropriately sized balloons according to standard practice for the particular endoprostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular AAA repair utilizing a "stent-graft sandwich" technique is an effective method of treating AAAs when one iliac artery is occluded.