Open retrograde endovascular stenting for left common carotid artery dissection secondary to surgical repair of acute aortic dissection: a case report and review of the literature.

A 30-year-old male presented with an acute aortic artery dissection (Stanford type A) and underwent total arch replacement using a stented elephant trunk technique. One month later, the patient developed dissections in the innominate and left common carotid artery (CCA). The innominate artery dissection caused occlusion in the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and a major stroke. Dissection of the left CCA progressed and extended to the bifurcation site. Antegrade access for a left carotid intervention was deemed as difficult because of the previously implanted stent and the additional risks of embolic events and dissection enlargement. Hybrid procedures combining left carotid bifurcation exposure and retrograde endovascular stenting were successfully completed. This report is a rare case of retrograde endovascular reconstruction for the left CCA dissection following surgical repair of an aortic artery dissection. Here, we also review previous cases of iatrogenic carotid dissections following surgical intervention.