Mid-term results of supraaortic transpositions for extended endovascular repair of aortic arch pathologies

Early results of total arch replacement under partial sternotomy

OBJECTIVE

Partial sternotomy with limited skin incision has been utilized for cardiac surgery. We, therefore, started to apply the partial sternotomy for total arch replacement since 2013 in selected cases. The aim of this study reported the results of our early experiences.

METHODS

Between July 2013 and December 2015, we retrospectively reviewed 15 cases (median age 72, range 67-84, 15 male) who underwent total arch replacement thorough partial sternotomy. All procedures were performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest with selective cerebral perfusion.

RESULTS

Median skin incision was 9 cm (range 7-15 cm, 5.3% of height) and partial sternotomy consisted of 14 upper and 1 lower partial sternotomy (L shape 8 and T shape 7 cases). Median operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, ischemic heart time, selective cerebral perfusion time and hypothermic circulatory arrest time were 485 [360-770], 223 [1174-270], 146 [100-163], 154 [116-189], and 69 [45-90] minutes, respectively. Median duration of mechanical ventilator dependent time was 12 h [5-38]. Median length of ICU stay and hospital stay were 3 [1-7], and 18 [13-76] days, respectively. Thirty days and in-hospital mortality were 0% without any neurological complications. There are two aorta-related reoperation due to graft inducing hemolytic anemia and no aorta-related death during follow-up (median 954, range 702-1462 days).

CONCLUSION

The early results of total arch replacement through partial sternotomy were satisfactory. The partial sternotomy could be a good option for total arch replacement in selected patients.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection

Aortic dissection is the most devastating complication of thoracic aortic disease. In the more than 250 years since thoracic aortic dissection was first described, much has been learned about diseases of the thoracic aorta. In this review, we describe normal thoracic aortic size; risk factors for dissection, including genetic and inflammatory conditions; the underpinnings of genetic diseases associated with aneurysm and dissection, including Marfan syndrome and the role of transforming growth factor beta signaling; data on the role for medical therapies in aneurysmal disease, including beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; prophylactic surgery for aneurysm; surgical techniques for the aortic root; and surgical and endovascular management of aneurysm and dissection for different aortic segments.

Acute thrombotic occlusion of left internal jugular vein compressed by bypass graft for thoracic endovascular aortic repair debranching procedure

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has become a widespread alternative treatment option for thoracic aortic aneurysm. The debranching of arch vessels may be required to provide an acceptable landing zone for an endovascular stent graft. We report a case where the bypass graft used in the thoracic endovascular aortic repair procedure compressed the left internal jugular vein, causing acute thrombotic occlusion.

[Aneurysms of the ascending aorta and aortic arch]

BACKGROUND

The treatment of patients with aneurysms of the ascending aorta and aortic arch often represents a challenge due to their complexity. The clinical picture is characterized by further progression of the disease and severe complications, such as acute aortic dissection or even aortic rupture are not uncommon.

OBJECTIVES

This article gives a review of definitions, etiology and indications for operative treatment of patients with aneurysms of the ascending aorta and aortic arch.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

An aortic aneurysm of the ascending aorta is defined as a dilatation of all wall layers of the aorta of more than 50 % in comparison to the normal diameter. This is dependent on age, sex, body surface area and the underlying diseases. In most cases the cause is the presence of atherosclerosis. Connective tissue diseases, bicuspid or monocuspid aortic valves and aortitis represent additional risk factors. Surgical treatment of the ascending aorta, aortic root and aortic arch is carried out in patients without connective tissue diseases and a diameter of ≥ 55 mm and for patients with Marfan syndrome and bicuspid aortic valves with a diameter of ≥ 50 mm. Earlier indications for surgery are present with an aortic diameter of ≥ 45 mm in patients with the following risk factors: familial disposition for aortic dissection (often unrecognized as sudden cardiac death), annual growth rate of the aortic diameter of > 2 mm, comorbid severe aortic valve or mitral valve insufficiency and female patients with a desire to have children. The standard surgical procedures include aortic root replacement, aortic valve reconstruction with aortic root or ascending aorta replacement and partial or total aortic arch replacement depending on the extent of the aneurysm. The so-called hybrid procedures for aortic arch surgery include frozen elephant trunk (ET) techniques and debranching procedures. Good perioperative and postoperative results can be achieved by early diagnostics and an assessment of the indications depending on the individual etiology. Individual and valve-preserving treatment strategies have a favorable influence on the operative outcome.

Total arch repair for acute type A aortic dissection with open placement of a modified triple-branched stent graft and the arch open technique

Background

In total arch repair with open placement of a triple-branched stent graft for acute type A aortic dissection, the diameters of the native arch vessels and the distances between 2 neighboring arch vessels did not always match the available sizes of the triple-branched stent grafts, and insertion of the triple-branched stent graft through the distal ascending aortic incision was not easy in some cases. To reduce those two problems, we modified the triple-branched stent graft and developed the arch open technique.

Methods and results

Total arch repair with open placement of a modified triple-branched stent graft and the arch open technique was performed in 25 consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection. There was 1 surgical death. Most survivors had an uneventful postoperative course. All implanted stents were in a good position and wide expansion, there was no space or blood flow surrounding the stent graft. Complete thrombus obliteration of the false lumen was found around the modified triple-branched stent graft in all survivors and at the diaphragmatic level in 20 of 24 patients.

Conclusions

The modified triple-branched stent graft could provide a good match with the different diameters of the native arch vessels and the various distances between 2 neighboring arch vessels, and it’s placement could become much easier by the arch open technique. Consequently, placement of a modified triple-branched stent graft could be easily used in most patients with acute type A aortic dissection for effective total arch repair.

Hybrid repair of aortic arch pathology

The objective was to evaluate a 13-year single-centre experience of arch endovascular aortic repair using the hybrid approach. Between 1999 and 2013, 491 patients were treated with endografts for thoracic aortic pathologies. The aortic arch was involved in 179 (36.5%) patients (128 men; mean age 70.2 ± 10.8 years, range 27-84). A hybrid approach was performed for all Zone 0 and 1 procedures and in nearly half of Zone 2 procedures. Early and mid-term outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Overall primary technical success (24 h) was achieved in 162 (90.5%) of the 179 cases; 2 deaths and 15 Type 1 endoleaks were observed. Clinical success at 30 days was achieved in 161 (89.9%) of the 179 patients, with a mortality rate of 4.5% (8/179). Short-term clinical success at 6 months was achieved in 169 (94.4%) of the 179 patients; the rates for the different landing zones did not differ significantly. At a mean follow-up of 27.3 ± 15.7 months (range 1-94), the mid-term clinical success was 165 (92.2%) of the 179 patients; the rates among the different proximal zones did not differ significantly. In selected patients, early and mid-term outcomes of arch endovascular aortic repair using the hybrid approach are promising; however, mortality and morbidity are not negligible. Our results may have practical implications for the ongoing evaluation of the hybrid procedure in the aortic arch, as well as for patients fit for traditional surgery.

Hybrid approach in an acute type B aortic dissection in a female patient after having a renal transplant

This study describes our experiences with a 44-year-old woman who developed acute type B aortic dissection and elected emergency surgery 3 years after a renal transplant. This led to acute ischemia in the right lower extremity. The first stage of surgery was to implant an extra-anatomic (pretracheal) bypass with a GORE-TEX prosthesis from the brachiocephalic trunk to the left common carotid artery. The second stage was implanting a stent graft into the aortic arch that covered the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. The third stage was to insert a stent graft that involved the entire thoracic aorta and proximal segment of the abdominal aorta to the celiac trunk, with the right axillary and left femoral approach. The fourth stage was an extra-anatomic (suprapubic) bypass with the GORE-TEX prosthesis from the left femoral artery to the right femoral artery. Surgery resulted in normal blood supply to the organs and restored renal function.

Deployment of proximal thoracic endograft in zone 0 of the ascending aorta: treatment options and early outcomes for aortic arch aneurysms in a high-risk population

OBJECTIVES

Open repair of aortic arch aneurysms can be technically challenging. Hybrid approaches have been developed to facilitate arch repairs and improve their clinical outcomes in high-risk patients. We examined treatment options and early outcomes in patients whose thoracic endografts were deployed to include Zone 0.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2011, a hybrid approach in which the endograft was deployed in the ascending aorta was used in 29 patients (median age 67 years, range 32-85 years). The indication for surgery was saccular arch aneurysm in 11 patients (37.9%), fusiform arch aneurysm with or without involvement of the proximal descending aorta in 10 (34.5%), proximal Type I endoleak after endovascular repair of the descending aorta in 5 (17.2%), chronic Type III (Type B) aortic dissection with aneurysmal arch formation in 2 (6.9%) and acute Type I (Type A) dissection with prior repair of an extent I thoracoabdominal aneurysm in 1 (3.4%). Six patients (20.7%) had previously undergone a sternotomy. One-, two- or three-branch aortobrachiocephalic de-branching, with or without concomitant heart surgery, was performed in 28 patients and extra-anatomic bypass in 1.

RESULTS

Two patients (6.9%) died during postoperative hospitalization. Overall survival during the follow-up period (median 411 days) was 79.3%. Five neurological events occurred: one extensive stroke, two minor strokes (10.3%) and two episodes of paraparesis (6.9%), one with partial recovery and one with full recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The hybrid approach enables the treatment of aortic arch disease in high-risk individuals. Long-term follow-up data are needed.

Triple-barrel graft as a novel strategy to preserve supra-aortic branches in arch-TEVAR procedures: clinical study and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To report our early experience with total endovascular repair of aortic-arch aneurysm using double chimney-grafts and present a literature overview.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The double chimney-graft technique was performed in six male patients with contained ruptured aneurysm, dissecting aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, penetrating aortic ulcer and proximal endoleak after TEVAR. Furthermore, a systematic electronic health database search of available articles was conducted according to PRISMA Guidelines.

RESULTS

In all cases, all supra-aortic vessels had to be covered with aortic stent-graft to receive a sufficient landing and sealing zone. Chimney-grafts were introduced to the ascending aorta slightly deeper than the thoracic stent-grafts through the cut-down exposure of the common carotid arteries. We deployed aortic stent-grafts and self-expandable chimney-grafts simultaneously and successfully. The patient with contained ruptured aneurysm died due to cardiopulmonary failure on day 19, the others survived. We detected two 'gutter' endoleaks. As a result of literature search, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. Two articles described the double-chimney technique.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of double chimney-grafts is possible in high-risk patients where the proximal landing zone of endograft would be in zone 0. The available data is still limited. The long-term follow-up remains to be evaluated with the increased number of patients treated.

Failed surgical ligation of the proximal left subclavian artery during hybrid thoracic endovascular aortic repair successfully managed by percutaneous plug or coil occlusion: a report of 3 cases

Open surgical rerouting and proximal ligation of one or more supra-aortic vessels prior to endovascular stent-graft placement has become an alternative to major open thoracic surgery in the treatment of complex thoracic aortic disease. Complications owing to failed surgical ligation of the left subclavian artery are rare. In this report, 3 cases of failed ligation are presented. Diagnosis was made by CT-scan and treatment was performed by transcatheter coil and plug embolization, avoiding redo neck surgery.

Hybrid endovascular repair in aortic arch pathologies: a retrospective study

The aortic arch presents specific challenges to endovascular repair. Hybrid repair is increasingly evolving as an alternative option for selected patients, and promising initial results have been reported. The aim of this study was to introduce our experiences and evaluate mid-term results of supra aortic transpositions for extended endovascular repair of aortic arch pathologies. From December 2002 to January 2008, 25 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections involving the aortic arch were treated with hybrid endovascular treatment in our center. Of the 25 cases, 14 were atherosclerotic thoracic aortic aneurysms and 11 were thoracic aortic dissection. The hybrid repair method included total-arch transpositions (15 cases) or hemi-arch transpositions (10 cases), and endovascular procedures. All hybrid endovascular procedures were completed successfully. Three early residual type-I endoleaks and one type-II endoleak were observed. Stroke occurred in three patients (8%) during the in-hospital stage. The perioperative mortality rate was 4%; one patients died post-operatively from catheter related complications. The average follow-up period was 15 ± 5.8 months (range, 1–41 months). The overall crude survival rate at 15 months was 92% (23/25). During follow-up, new late endoleaks and stent-raft related complications were not observed. One case (4%) developed a unilateral lower limb deficit at 17 days and was readmitted to hospital. In conclusion, the results are encouraging for endovascular aortic arch repair in combination with supra-aortic transposition in high risk cases. Aortic endografting offers good mid-term results. Mid-term results of the hybrid approach in elderly patients with aortic arch pathologies are satisfying.

Endografting in the aortic arch - does the proximal landing zone influence outcome?

OBJECTIVES

To analyse early and midterm results of thoracic aortic endografting (TEVAR) in the aortic arch.

METHODS

Between January 1997 and February 2009 178 patients received TEVAR in the aortic arch at our institution. This population was subdivided into four groups according to the proximal landing zone (LZ) classification in the aortic arch by Ishimaru et al. and a retrospective analysis regarding perioperative mortality, morbidity and endoleak formation was performed.

RESULTS

The overall 30-day mortality rate was 14% with no statistical significant difference between LZ's 0-3 (p=0.274). Renal insufficiency (hazard ratio (HR) 2.5; p=0.0119), age >75 years (HR 3.1; p=0.0019) and emergency procedures (HR 8.9; p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of death. There was no significant difference regarding type I (p=0.07) or type III (p=0.49) endoleaks between the proximal LZs, but a significant difference regarding the development of type II endoleaks (p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed no influence of the proximal LZ on perioperative mortality and morbidity rate. Furthermore it did not influence relevant (type I/III) endoleak formation.

Translocation of the supra-aortic vessels and stent grafting of the aortic arch

This is a report on the combined surgical and endovascular treatment of a very large aortic arch aneurysm. In the first step, total arch rerouting was performed with an inversed bifurcated Dacron prosthesis. Brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery were inserted into the two branches of the prosthesis via an end-to-end anastomosis and left common carotid was reinserted into the branch to the left subclavian. In the second step, thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed. By this combined concept a stable and durable result could be achieved.

Hybrid procedures for complex aortic pathology: initial experience at a single center

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To review experience at our center with the use of hybrid techniques for treating complex aneurysms of the thoracic aorta.

METHODS

The medical records of 41 patients (40 male) with complex aortic aneurysms affecting supra-aortic or visceral vessels who underwent hybrid procedures between 1998 and 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were in American Society of Anesthesiologists category IV. They were divided in two groups: group A comprised 32 patients with aneurysms involving the aortic arch and its branches (2 ascending aorta replacements, 1 arch repair, 13 carotid-carotid bypasses, 12 carotid-subclavian bypasses, and 4 with total arch debranching); and group B comprised 9 patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms and visceral vessel transpositions (4 partial and 5 total debranching). The mean age in group A was 69.3+/-1.3 (range, 62-73) years and in group B, 71.5+/-5.0 (range, 68-74) years.

RESULTS

The mean hospital stay was 18+/-7.1 days (range, 5-35) and 12+/-8.2 days (range, 2-15) in groups A and B, respectively. Overall mortality was 12.2% (3.4% and 44.4% in groups A and B, respectively) and neurological morbidity was 3.4% and 11.1% in the two groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained with hybrid treatment of the aortic arch area were comparable with those of conventional surgery. However, thoracoabdominal repair with complete revascularization of the visceral branches was associated with high mortality. Consequently, hybrid treatment is a valid option for high-risk patients who do not require complete revascularization in the visceral area.

Endovascular repair of the descending aorta and the aortic arch with the Relay stent graft

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracic endovascular aortic repair with a newly designed Relay thoracic stent graft (Bolton Medical, Sunrise, FL).

DESCRIPTION

Between 2005 and 2007, 22 patients (71.8 +/- 8.5) received 24 stent grafts. Indications were aneurysms (n = 13), penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (n = 7), and dissections (n = 2). Due to the proximity of the lesions to the aortic arch, rerouting procedures (ie, subclavian transposition [n = 1], double transposition [n = 12], and total arch rerouting [n = 6] were performed pre-interventionally; three patients did not undergo rerouting). All patients were followed-up with a computed tomographic scan of the entire aorta at discharge, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter (mean follow-up, 13 months).

EVALUATION

Primary technical success was obtained in 20 of 22 patients, with one persisting type I endoleak and one asymptomatic type II endoleak. One patient died due to malignant arrhythmia 3 days after stent-graft placement. During follow-up, 1 nonaortic related death was observed. No additional endoleaks were observed. Finally, all supra-aortic rerouting procedures remained patent.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of degenerative disease of the descending aorta and the aortic arch, the Bolton Relay stent graft offers acceptable efficacy and safety in short-term follow-up.

Combined supra-aortic extra-anatomic revascularization and endovascular hybrid procedure for recurrent hemoptysis caused by a symptomatic aneurysm of the right subclavian artery

Acute hemoptysis might be caused by aneurysms of the subclavian artery. We report a 75-year-old female patient presenting with recurrent hemoptysis, dyspnea, fever, and episodes of unclear pneumonia. Further examination revealed a large intrathoracic aneurysm of the right subclavian artery. After an initial transfemoral interventional attempt to occlude the entry of the aneurysm, the patient developed persistent thoracic pain. The patient was then treated by a combined extrathoracic hybrid procedure with a left to right carotid-carotid-axillary artery bypass and an endovascular aneurysm exclusion by insertion of two iliac artery occluder stent grafts in the proximal brachiocephalic trunk and the distal right subclavian artery. After this combined intervention, hemoptysis disappeared, and the patient recovered remarkably during a follow-up of 24 months.

Hybrid Endovascular Repair of an Aneurysmal Chronic Type B Dissection in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome With an Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery

Abnormal aortic arch anatomy is relatively uncommon but most frequently involves an aberrant right subclavian artery. Rarely, it is associated with aneurysmal dilatation of a chronic type B dissection. Under such circumstances, the abnormal anatomy may complicate therapeutics options. Furthermore, controversy exists regarding the use of surgical or endovascular techniques in patients with aortic aneurysms and underlying arteriopathies. The current literature is limited with regard to reporting of the latter. We present a hybrid approach to repair such an aneurysm in a patient with Marfan syndrome. In a 2-stage procedure, involving initial supra-aortic bypass to all aortic arch branches, followed by endovascular stent graft deployment, the aneurysm was successfully excluded. There were no immediate complications and no evidence of endoleak at 3 months postoperatively, with thrombosis of the false lumen in the chest. By adapting hybrid open and endovascular techniques, complex thoracic aneurysms may be successfully treated in the short term in the presence of an underlying arteriopathy.

Transposition of the left carotid artery to the ascending aorta to repair aortic arch injury

We present a case where we repaired the aortic arch, by the transposition of the left carotid artery to the ascending aorta. A 52-year-old man presented to our department with a penetrating chest wound by a gunshot in the attempt of suicide. The aortic arch and the insertion of the left carotid artery were involved in the lesion. Through sternotomic approach, the aortic arch was repaired in extracorporeal circulation. Left carotid artery was transected to allow easier repair of the arch posterior wall involved in the lesion, and to reduce the danger of residual stenosis. Then, it was translocated to the ascending aorta by interposing a 7-mm Gore-Tex (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) conduit. The patient complicated renal failure and pneumonia in the postoperative period, but eventually he was discharged in good general conditions.