Outcomes of Endovascular Repair of Ascending Aortic Dissection in Patients Unsuitable for Direct Surgical Repair

Abstract Background Stent grafting is a therapeutic option for patients who are unable to undergo urgent surgical repair of ascending aortic dissections. However, follow-up regarding outcomes is limited. Objectives This study reports mid-term outcomes with endovascular repair for ascending aortic dissections in patients deemed high risk for open repair. Methods Between May 1, 2009 and January 31, 2011, 15 ascending aortic dissection patients (ages 45 to 78 years) ineligible for direct surgical repair underwent endovascular repair (1 acute dissection, 7 subacute dissections, and 7 chronic dissections) and were closely followed up for a median of 72 months (range 61 to 81 months). Results The mean interval between aortic dissection onset and treatment was 25.5 (range 6 to 353) days. Technical success was achieved in all patients. No major morbidity or deaths occurred perioperatively. During the follow-up period, there were no deaths, 8 complications occurred, and there were 4 reinterventions. A new dissection in the aortic arch was treated with a branched endograft. One patient developed retrograde aortic dissection and a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with open surgery. One cardiovascular ischemia was treated with stenting and 1 supraventricular tachycardia was treated with radiofrequency ablation. Other morbidities included perigraft endoleak, a bird-beak sign, a temporary pericardial effusion, and a left kidney atrophy. Significant enlargements of true lumens and shrinkage of false lumens and overall thoracic aorta were observed at 12 months. No significant changes were detected subsequently. Minimal impact on aortic valve function was recorded over time. Conclusions Our results with the novel endovascular procedure appear acceptable. Additional evidence and studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to support the durability of this new technique.