Thoracic aortic dissections: unpredictable lesions that may be treated using endovascular techniques

Advances in endoluminal technology have enabled interventionists to treat a variety of pathologies that traditionally would require open surgery. Although excluding descending thoracic aortic aneurysms seems feasible, thoracic aortic dissection and its complications are an area in which the appropriateness of endovascular therapy has yet to be defined. Five case reports are presented, each with varying pathologies associated with type III dissections. The follow-up of the cases ranged from 6 to 18 months with a mean of 12.2 months. The endovascular approach and the technical aspect of the intervention have been emphasized in each case.