Volume Changes of the True- and False-Lumen in the Descending Aorta after Frozen Elephant Trunk Implantation

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and midterm volume changes of the true (TL) and false lumen (FL) assessed trough computed tomography (CT) scans after frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure for treatment of acute type-A aortic dissection.

Methods: A total of 20 patients (two women, 57 ± 17 years) underwent Thoraflex Hybrid implantation (Terumo Aortic by Vascutek, Scotland) between April 2015 und March 2018 at our institution. Patients were followed-up at 1 and 2 years. The length of the aorta assessed included the downstream/descending? aorta extending from subclavian artery to the celiac trunk. Aquarius software (TeraRecon, Inc.) was used to determine volumetric changes.

Results: A total of 158 volumetric measures were performed. TL volume increased from 77 ± 48 mm³ before surgery to 88 ± 34 mm³ (p = 1.0) at discharge and to 134 ± 28 mm³ after 2 years (p = 0.007). The FL volume did not significantly change over time being 158 ± 68 mm³ before surgery, 167 ± 90 mm³ at discharge (p = 1.0) and 157 ± 79 mm³ after 2 years (p = 1.0).

Conclusion: An increase in TL volume was immediately achieved with FET procedure (Thoraflex Hybrid) immediately and increased significantly in the early follow-up. Within this period, FT volumes did not alter significantly. Further studies including more observational endpoints and longer follow-up are needed to confirm our preliminary findings.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).