Prosthetic graft replacement of a large subclavian aneurysm in a child with Loeys-Dietz syndrome: a case report

Total arch replacement using frozen elephant trunk and repair of bilateral subclavian artery aneurysms in a patient with type 2 Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder. Vessel tortuosity and aneurysms throughout the vasculature are unique to LDS. Aortic root enlargement is ubiquitous, with most patients undergoing root replacement at some point in their lifetime. Multiple vascular procedures are required to prolong life expectancy. We describe a staged hybrid approach to a 17-year-old patient with LDS presenting with ascending aorta, arch, and bilateral subclavian artery aneurysms and prominent tortuosity. Transposition of the left vertebral and subclavian arteries onto the common carotid artery was performed. Total aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk extension into the descending thoracic aorta was performed as a second stage. Bilateral subclavian artery aneurysms were excluded with the use of a four-branched graft.

Advances in the development of tubular structures using extrusion-based 3D cell-printing technology for vascular tissue regenerative applications

Until recent, there are no ideal small diameter vascular grafts available on the market. Most of the commercialized vascular grafts are used for medium to large-sized blood vessels. As a solution, vascular tissue engineering has been introduced and shown promising outcomes. Despite these optimistic results, there are limitations to commercialization. This review will cover the need for extrusion-based 3D cell-printing technique capable of mimicking the natural structure of the blood vessel. First, we will highlight the physiological structure of the blood vessel as well as the requirements for an ideal vascular graft. Then, the essential factors of 3D cell-printing including bioink, and cell-printing system will be discussed. Afterwards, we will mention their applications in the fabrication of tissue engineered vascular grafts. Finally, conclusions and future perspectives will be discussed.

Operative repair of right intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms in patients with genetic arteriopathy

True intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms (SCAAs) are rare and have various etiologies. Right intrathoracic SCAAs pose specific anatomic challenges to repair. We present three different operative approaches, open, endovascular, and hybrid repair, for the repair of a right intrathoracic SCAA in three patients with genetic arteriopathy: Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and unspecified Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, respectively. These cases demonstrate an individualized operative approach based on the genetic diagnosis for each patient presenting with a right intrathoracic SCAA.

Complex Multi-Stage Total Aortic and Subclavian Artery Replacement in a 9-year old boy with Loeys-Dietz-Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder that is associated with arterial pathologies such as aortic dissections, tortuosity and aneurysms.We present a child with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome type 2 that received total aortic and bilateral subclavian artery replacement.

CASE REPORT

A 9-year old boy with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome type 2 and acute type B aortic dissection received an urgent complete thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic repair within three days. First, the ascending aorta and aortic root were replaced in a Tirone David and Frozen Elephant Trunk procedure. Then, the descending and supramesenteric aorta was replaced by a Dacron interposition graft with direct implantation of the celiac trunk. During the 15 months follow-up, the patient required three more surgical interventions for rapid expanding aneurysms of both subclavian arteries and the infrarenal aorta. No major adverse event nor secondary interventions occurred. Ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up is continued at 6-months intervals.

CONCLUSION

Children with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome may require extensive aortic repair for aortic dissection and show rapidly expanding aneurysms. Referral to a center with pediatric vascular expertise and long-term follow-up examinations are crucial.