Endovascular treatment of aortic arch aneurysms

Introduction. The aim of this study was to review our clinical experience with endovascular treatment of aortic arch aneurysms using different commercially available grafts (Gore, Talent, Endomed, Cook). Methods. From 1999 to 2004, 97 patients received endovascular treatment for diseases of the thoracic aorta. In 30 cases (26 males, 4 females) the aortic arch was involved. The left subclavian artery was overstented ( Ishimaru zone '2') in 18 cases (60%). Only in the first three cases had the subclavian artery been revascularized. The left common and subclavian arteries were covered (zone '1') in 6 (20%) cases - all hand the carotid artery reconstructed, either simultaneously (five cases) or as a stages procedure (one case). Finally, the whole aortic arch was over-stented (zone '0') in 6 (20%) cases, with simultaneous (five cases) or staged (one case) grafting of the supra-aortic vessels from the ascending aorta. Results. Perioperative mortality was 2/30 (7%), due to graft migration (zone '2') and intra-operative stroke (zone '0'), respectively. One minor stroke was observed. No cases of paraplegia were recorded. Three types I endoleaks were observed. Two resolved at 6 months follow-up; one zone '0' graft is still being followed. There was one surgical conversion for endograft failure 2 weeks after implantation. Thus, the technical success rate was 87% (26/30) cases. The mean follow-up time was 23 +/- 17 months. No new onset endoleaks or ameurysm-related deaths were recorded. Conclusions. Currently available grafts may be deployed in the aortic arch in most instances. De-branching of the aortic arch with surgical revascularization for zone '0' and '1' seems to be adequate to obtain a satisfactory proximal landing zone.