Endovascular repair combined with in situ fenestration for new-onset or residual arch dissection in patients underwent aortic replacement.

INTRODUCTION

Ascending aorta or hemi-arch replacement is a frequently used treatment for patients with acute type A thoracic aortic dissection, particularly those who are elderly or have multiple comorbidities. However, in cases where there are secondary entry tears in the aortic arch or descending aorta, this procedure may not fully resolve the issue. The true lumen may remain compressed due to perfusion of the false lumen and usually require reoperation.

METHODS

Between January 2019 and July 2022, 18 patients underwent endovascular total aortic arch repair and fenestration technique without requiring median re-sternotomy. Aortic stent grafts were implanted via the femoral approach, utilizing prosthetic vessels as an appropriate proximal landing zone for aortic stent graft deployment. Based on the debranching conditions of the arch in previous surgery, single, double or triple in situ fenestrations (ISFs) were performed, respectively.

RESULTS

All 18 cases were technically successful, with a median follow-up period of 20 months (range: 18-31 months). All patients had a favourable postoperative course, with no deaths within 30 days or during their hospital stay. There were no instances of disabling stroke, paraplegia, endo-leak, stent graft migration or stent graft-induced new entry. In addition, all patients exhibited complete thrombosis of the false lumen at the level of the aortic arch.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary experience suggests that endovascular total arch repair combined with ISF technique is a viable, effective and safe option for treatment. Our mid-term results have been promising, but we acknowledge the need for further evaluation to assess long-term outcomes and durability.