Endograft migration after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence, timing, and potential risk factors of late endograft migration after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 123 patients receiving TEVAR for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs), dissections, penetrating aortic ulcer, intramural hematoma, or traumatic transection between January 2005 and December 2015 with a minimum imaging-based follow-up of 6 months. Imaging analysis was performed by three independent readers. Migration was defined according to the reporting standards as a stent graft shift of >10 mm relative to a primary anatomic landmark or any displacement that led to symptoms or required therapy. A standardized measurement protocol in accordance with the reporting guidelines was used. Median follow-up was 3 years (range, 0.5-10 years).

RESULTS

Migration occurred in nine (7.3%) patients and took place at the proximal landing zone (n = 1), overlapping zone (n = 4), or distal landing zone (n = 5), resulting in type I or type III endoleaks in 44% (n = 4/9) of the cases. All cases of migration with endoleaks underwent reintervention; 75% (n = 3/4) of the migration associated with endoleaks could have been identified on previous imaging before an endoleak occurred. Freedom from migration was 99.1% after 1 year, 94.0% after 3 years, and 86.1% after 5 years. Aortic elongation and TAA were identified as predisposing factors for migration (P = .003 and P = .01, respectively). No influence of the proximal landing zone (zone 0-4), type of aortic arch (I-III), or type of endograft on the incidence of migration was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Graft migration after TEVAR occurs in a relevant proportion of patients, predominantly in patients with TAA and aortic elongation. Follow-up imaging of these patients should be specifically evaluated regarding the occurrence of migration.