Stent graft treatment for transverse arch and descending thoracic aorta aneurysms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to review the recent relevant literature on endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurismal disease. RECENT FINDINGS: The introduction of endovascular stent graft technology has ushered in a new era in therapy for diseases of the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta. The technical challenges of stent graft deployment in the descending thoracic aorta, such as proximity to the great vessels and arch tortuosity, have been and remain a device engineering focus. More recently, repair of aortic arch aneurysms has been accomplished using both 'hybrid' (open and endovascular) and totally endovascular techniques. SUMMARY: Endovascular stent grafting of aneurismal disease processes of the thoracic aorta is feasible and relatively safe. Exquisite judgment is essential for good results. These results generally rest on a broad knowledge base of thoracic aortic disease processes and experience in both open and endovascular surgery. Careful attention to patient anatomy and device specifications must be maintained. The key to the successful implementation of this technology lies in careful preoperative planning, intraoperative execution with safe device delivery, and prevention of central nervous system injury. Routine follow-up imaging is imperative to better understand the long-term results and indications for these new procedures.