Avoidance of proximal endoleak using a hybrid stent graft in arch replacement and descending aorta stenting.

BACKGROUND: In complex thoracic aortic procedures, proximal repair and antegrade stent grafting of the descending aorta is an emerging technique to achieve one-stage treatment of the thoracic aorta. To overcome problems of proximal endoleak, a hybrid stent graft was designed and used. This study assessed technical feasibility and early results.

METHODS: From Jan 2005 to May 2008, 41 patients (age, 60 +/- 13 years) comprising 35 aortic dissections (AD) and 6 aortic aneurysms underwent arch replacement and antegrade stent grafting of the descending aorta using the hybrid stent graft. Endoleaks were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scans. In AD cases, the false lumen (FL) was evaluated with CT volume measurements.

RESULTS: Combined arch replacement and antegrade stent grafting was technically successful. One proximal endoleak was observed, which was not related to the hybrid prosthesis (40 of 41, 98%). Three patients died (7%). No paraplegia occurred. Incidence of immediate FL thrombosis was 97% at the proximal and 80% at the distal stent graft level. During follow-up (17 +/- 11 months), complete thrombosis of the perigraft space was 91%. FL volume shrinkage was documented (p < 0.01). No perfusion of the perigraft space was observed in aneurysm cases. Intermediate survival was 33 of 38 (87%).

CONCLUSIONS: One-stage repair of complex thoracic aortic disease using a hybrid stent graft can be reliably performed with low hospital mortality. Proximal endoleak can be definitely avoided; in AD, exclusion and ongoing significant shrinkage of the FL can be achieved.