Antegrade thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta

PurposeWe performed antegrade thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta in selected high-risk patients scheduled for open surgery, in whom an iliofemoral or abdominal aortic approach was not feasible. We present our initial experience with this approach.MethodsOf 16 consecutive patients who underwent antegrade endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta at our institution, 3 had an emergency intervention for rupture and 3 had an urgent intervention for impending rupture or complicated aortic dissection. The procedure was scheduled in 10 patients. The median patient age was 77 years. In 13 patients, one or more concomitant procedures were performed. In 6 patients, vascular access for endovascular aneurysm repair was obtained via a branch of the replacement graft. In 10 patients, direct cannulation of the ascending aorta was carried out using 2 pursestring sutures.ResultsThe initial success rate was 100%. Early mortality occurred in 2 (12.5%) patients because of multiple organ f...