Modified perfusion strategy and aortic arch debranching in complicated acute aortic dissection type A: a bridge to definitive endovascular therapy.

INTRODUCTION

Patients with acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) with aortic arch and supra-aortic vessel involvement have a higher postoperative stroke prevalence and risk of later aortic arch aneurysm development.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of AADA with involvement of supraaortic arteries, complicated by cerebral malperfusion. The ascending aorta was replaced using bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion through side-grafts attached to both carotid arteries, which were subsequently used as aorto-bi-carotid bypass. One year later, the diameter of aortic arch increased to 5 cm. The endovascular treatment of aortic arch was easily performed since debranching was already almost complete.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate bilateral carotid artery inflow and subsequent aorto-bi-carotid bypass is a safe way to prevent cerebral malperfusion in the setting of complicated AADA.A potential benefit of this technique is almost complete debranching that facilitates an endovascular arch replacement.