[Endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm--case report]

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is life threatening disease. 76 to 50% of untreated patients die during 5 years. Mortality rate increases to 93% in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Perioperative mortality rate is 15% and in patients with cardiopulmonary disease or urgent surgery, it amounts even 50%. Endovascular treatment of TAA was first reported in 1994. The introduction of stent-grafts has been a big progress in the treatment. A patient, 59 year-old man with TAA was described. He was admitted to our hospital for endovascular treatment of TAA. Both spiral CT and angiography were performed. The placement of the stent-graft was technically successful, but angiography showed the small leakage. Second stent was added. Angiogram confirmed the proper position of stent-grafts and complete exclusion of aneurysm. There was no incidence of neurological deficits. Spiral CT and angiography obtained at 3 month after procedure confirmed exclusion of aneurysm and satisfactory stent-graft position. The placement of endoluminal stent-grafts for repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms is technically feasible and safe procedure. Long-term studies are needed to compare its results with surgical treatment.