Fenestrated and branched stent-grafts to treat post-dissection chronic aortic aneurysms after initial treatment in the acute setting.

PURPOSE: To present our initial experience treating post-dissection thoracoabdominal aneurysms with fenestrated and branched grafts.

METHODS

Six patients (all men; mean age 62 years, range 44-71) with post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms were selected for treatment with fenestrated and branched grafts. All patients were initially treated with open surgery or endovascular treatment for their acute dissection. In total, 21 visceral arteries were targeted (3 celiac arteries, 6 superior mesenteric arteries, 12 renal arteries).

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all cases, with no mortality or paraplegia. At completion angiography, all target vessels were patent, and no type I endoleak was seen. A type II endoleak was present in 4 patients, with the false lumen still partially perfused. During follow-up (mean 9 months, range 3-15), no patients died. One targeted renal artery occluded at 1 month. One type Ib endoleak in a left renal artery was successfully treated with additional stenting. Five of the 6 patients had a 6-month follow-up. On abdominal ultrasound, 3 type II endoleaks were still seen. In 2 of these patients, the endoleak was resolved, the false lumen was completely thrombosed, and the maximum aortic diameter had regressed on the 1-year CTA.

CONCLUSION

Although longer follow-up results are needed, treatment with fenestrated and branched stent-grafts seems feasible and may be a promising option for the treatment of chronic post-dissection aortic aneurysms.