Abstract
The purpose of the study was to describe the clinical experience in using endoluminal stent-grafts for the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms in high-risk patients. Patients with aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta who were considered high surgical risks underwent evaluation for endoluminal repair. The prosthesis was constructed from Z stents covered with polyester fabric using dimensions based upon preprocedural computed tomography scans and angiography. Through a femoral arteriotomy or left retroperitoneal flank incision, a 22-24 Fr delivery catheter was inserted and advanced through the aorta to the target site under fluoroscopic guidance in the operating suite. The stent-graft prosthesis was deployed at the site of the aneurysm. 44 patients (36 male, 8 female; mean age 36 years) underwent stent-graft repair for thoracic aneurysms (mean diameter 6.3 cm). The deployment was technically successful in all cases, with complete aneurysm thrombosis in 88%. The 30-day perioperative mortality rate was 6.8% and 35- month actuarial survival was 82%. There were no cases of stent migration, surgical conversion or intraprocedural death. Paraplegia occurred in two patients who underwent simultaneous surgical infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair immediately followed by stent-graft placement for a coexisting thoracic aneurysm. The conclusion was that placement of endoluminal stent- grafts for repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms is technically feasible in high-risk patients in whom conventional surgery is contraindicated. Long- term studies are needed to determine protection against aneurysm rupture and patient survival.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 98-103 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Vascular Medicine |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1997 |
Keywords
- Aneurysm
- Arteries
- Grafts and prostheses
- Interventional procedures
- Therapy
- Thoracic
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine