Extended aortic coverage in thoracic aortic endovascular repair is not associated with spinal cord ischemia

Objective: Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains a debilitating complication, occurring in 10% of patients. Studies have shown that extended aortic coverage is a risk factor for SCI. This study evaluates whether extended aortic length coverage is a significant risk factor for SCI.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 277 consecutive patients who underwent TEVAR successfully between 2006 and 2021 at a single institution. The patients were classified into 2 groups: ≥205 mm and <205 mm of thoracic aortic coverage. Analysis of variance was used to compare these variables and associated aortic coverage between the 2 groups. Univariable logistical regression was used to compare SCI and associated factors.

Results: Of the 269 patients who underwent successful TEVAR, 127 (47.2%) had ≥205 mm and 142 (52.8%) had <205 mm of aorta coverage. Patients with ≥205 mm of thoracic aorta coverage were more likely to be smokers (P < .01) and to have a history of previous stroke (P < .05). Patients with extended coverage were more likely to receive a preoperative lumbar drain (LD) (P < .01). Extended aortic coverage was not associated with a higher risk of SCI compared to standard aortic coverage (4.7% vs 4.2%; P = .84). Extended aortic coverage with or without a preoperative LD did not have an association with SCI (P = .91). Type II endoleaks were seen more in extended aortic coverage (P < .01).

Conclusions: Extended aortic coverage (compared with the standard approach) was not associated with a higher risk of SCI; however, this may have been mitigated by a higher prevalence of prophylactic lumbar drainage in this population.