[Endovascular stent-graft exclusion for Stanford B type aortic dissections: a report of 146 patients]

Zai-ping Jing1, Xiang Feng, Jun-min Bao

  • 1Department of Vascular Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Institute of Vascular Surgery of People's Liberation Army, Shanghai 200433, China.

Insights

Endovascular stent-graft exclusion is a safe and effective treatment for thoracic aortic dissection (Stanford B). This minimally invasive procedure shows promising clinical outcomes for selected patients, though long-term effects require further study.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Aortic dissection, particularly Stanford B, presents significant therapeutic challenges.
  • Endovascular stent-graft exclusion offers a less invasive alternative to open surgical repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the indications, preoperative assessment, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes of endovascular stent-graft exclusion for aortic dissection.

Main Methods:

  • 146 patients with Stanford B aortic dissection underwent endovascular stent-graft exclusion between 1998 and 2003.
  • Preoperative evaluation utilized computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
  • The procedure involved inserting self-expanding stent-grafts via femoral or iliac arteries under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guidance.

Main Results:

  • Successful graft placement in 145 patients.
  • Proximal tears excluded in 119 patients; both proximal and distal tears excluded in 26.
  • Mean follow-up of 16 months revealed low perioperative mortality and morbidity, with good long-term outcomes for most patients.

Conclusions:

  • Endovascular stent-graft exclusion is a safe and effective option for select patients with thoracic aortic dissection.
  • Potential complications like endoleak necessitate vigilant monitoring.
  • Long-term efficacy and safety require continued investigation.
Abstract