Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2007; 55(8): 522-524
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965646
Short Communications

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

How to Manage Aortic Arch Complications after Stenting of the Descending Aorta

B. Voss1 , R. Bauernschmitt1 , E. Hendrich1 , G. Brockmann1 , R. Lange1
  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, German Heart Center, Clinic at the Technical University, Munich, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received April 13, 2007

Publication Date:
19 November 2007 (online)

Introduction

Stent grafting of the descending thoracic aorta in patients with aneurysms or complicated type B dissection is a promising, less invasive alternative to open surgical repair. Mortality and morbidity rates have been reported to be lower compared with an open surgical approach [[1]]. Despite such encouraging reports, early and late complications do occur. In particular, erroneous stent positioning in the aortic arch area can be a disastrous complication if the aortic lumen or supra-aortic vessels are obstructed. Once the stent has been deployed, it is nearly impossible to correct the stent position by interventional methods. On the basis of three cases, we present our surgical strategy to treat different stent-related aortic arch complications.

References

  • 1 Bavaria J E, Appoo J J, Makaroun M S, Verter J, Yu Z F, Mitchell R S. Gore TAG investigators. Endovascular stent grafting versus open surgical repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms in low-risk patients: a multicenter comparative trial.  J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2007;  133 369-377
  • 2 Cherukupalli C, Dwivedi A J, Dayal R, Krishnasastry K V. Aortic debranching for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm repair by stent grafts.  Am Surg. 2007;  73 32-36
  • 3 Brandt M, Hussel K, Walluscheck K P, Boning A, Rahimi A, Cremer J. Early and long-term results of replacement of the descending aorta.  Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2005;  30 365-369

Dr. Bernhard Voss

Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery
German Heart Center

Lazarettstraße 36

80636 Munich

Germany

Fax: + 49 89 12 18 41 23

Email: voss@dhm.mhn.de