Complications after endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms

To retrospectively determine the value of stent-graft repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms by analyzing the results and complications.

From May 1997 to July 2002, 45 patients (33 men; mean age 69 years, range 31-88) received endovascular treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysms. In 11 patients, emergency treatment was necessary for a contained rupture. The medical records of these patients were reviewed to gather data on the procedures, immediate results, complications, mortality, and survival in follow-up.

In all cases, the stent-grafts were successfully implanted. In 15 (33%) cases, the subclavian artery was covered by the stent-graft without complications. There was no paraparesis/paraplegia; 2 (4.4%) patients suffered a stroke intraoperatively. The in-hospital mortality was 2.2% (n=1); 3 (6.7%) patients died within 30 days. Primary endoleaks occurred in 8 (17.8%) cases. Procedural success (technical success without endoleak or death) was 80% (93.3% after primary endoleak repair). During follow-up, 2 (4.4%) secondary endoleaks developed. All endoleaks were treated successfully or sealed spontaneously (n=2). At a mean 24-month follow-up (range 1-62), 84% of patients were alive.

The endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms appears to be safe and effective, with lower morbidity and mortality than in conventional open operations. For these reasons, endovascular treatment should be administered whenever possible.