[Hybrid aortic repair in patients with type III aortic dissection and concomitant proximal aortic lesion]

Incidence of Distal Stent Graft Induced New Entry vs. Aortic Remodeling Associated With Frozen Elephant Trunk

Background

The introduction of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for total arch replacement (TAR) has revolutionized the field of aortivascular surgery by allowing hybrid repair of complex aortic pathologies in a single step through combining an open surgical approach with an endovascular one. FET has been associated with favorable aortic remodeling, however, its is also associated with development of distal stent graft induced new entry (dSINE) tears postoperatively. The rate of aortic remodeling and the incidence of dSINE have been linked together, in addition, there seems to be a relationship between these two variables and FET insetion length as well as graft size.

Aims

The scope of this review is to highlight the rate of aortic remodeling as well the incidence of dSINE associated with different FET devices available commercially. This review also aimed to investigate the relationship between aortic remodeling, dSINE, FET insertion length and FET graft size.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search using multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid, Scopus and Embase in order to collate all research evidence on the above mentioned variables.

Results

Thoraflex™ Hybrid Plexus seems to yield optimum aortic remodeling by promoting maximum false thrombosis as well true lumen expansion. Thoraflex Hybrid™ is also associated with the lowest incidence of dSINE post-FET relative to the other FET devices on the market. Aortic remodeling and dSINE do influence each other and are both linked with FET graft length and size.

Conclusion

The FET technique for TAR shows excellent aortic remodeling but is associated with a considerable risk of dSINE development. However, Thoraflex™ Hybrid has demonstrated itself to be the superior FET device on the aortic arch prostheses market. Since aortic remodeling, dSINE, FET insertion length and stent graft size are all interconnect, the choice of FET device length and size must be made with great care for optimum results.

[Hybrid revascularization in a patient with Covid-19 and chronic limb ischemia stage IV]

The authors report hybrid treatment of a patient with angina pectoris class II, multiple previous reconstructive interventions on the aortofemoral segment and chronic ischemia of the left lower limb stage IV and concomitant COVID-19. Coronary angiography was performed after regression of infectious disease under antiviral therapy. Occlusion of the left anterior descending artery was observed that required LAD stenting. On the next day, hybrid revascularization of the lower extremities was implemented: thrombectomy and endarterectomy from the branch of the aorto-femoral bypass graft and deep femoral artery at the first stage, stenting of the orifice of proximal branch of aorto-femoral bypass graft at the second stage, endarterectomy from superficial femoral artery, recanalization and stenting of superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery at the third stage and prosthetic- femoral bypass with autologous vein at the fourth stage. Postoperative angiography revealed patent stents and no residual stenoses. The choice in favor of these procedures and step-by-step approach has been substantiated. The authors emphasized effectiveness and safety of this treatment strategy.