Midterm results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with aneurysms involving the descending aorta originating from chronic type B dissections

Background: Midterm results of TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) in patients with aneurysms involving the descending aorta originating from chronic type B dissections are not known.

Methods: Between 2004 and 2009, 14 patients with a median age of 63 years (79% male) with this pathology were treated. Seven patients underwent supraaortic transpositions in various extents prior to TEVAR in order to gain a sufficient proximal landing zone.

Results: Median time from dissection to treatment was 19 months (4 to 84 months). All patients had an uneventful in-hospital course. The median covered length of the aortic arch and descending aorta was 190 mm (100 to 250 mm). Primary success rate defined as absence of type Ia endoleakage was 86%. No patient, where visceral or renal vessels originated from the false or from both lumina sustained ischemic injury by TEVAR. The median follow-up period is 34 months to date (6 to 64 months). Aortic-related morbidity and mortality during follow-up was low (14%).

Conclusions: Midterm results of TEVAR in patients with aneurysms involving the descending aorta originating from chronic type B dissections are good. The self-expanding capability of the stent grafts is sufficient over time. However, extensive coverage of the descending aorta is warranted to achieve success. Further studies are needed to extend our knowledge in this particular subgroup of patients.