[Evaluation of the thromboexclusion technique for thoracic aortic aneurysms]

From 1981 to 1987 most of DeBakey III type dissecting aneurysms and a part of descending aortic aneurysms were treated by thromboexclusion technique. The effects of the operation by thromboexclusion technique on the patients were compared with those of the operation by temporary bypass technique. Blood loss during an operation was smaller and blood pressure during an operation was more stable in the thromboexclusion technique group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, no paraplegia was observed in the thromboexclusion technique group. The respiratory support period was longer and the number of patients with postoperative myocardial injury was greater in the thromboexclusion technique group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Ten patients treated by thromboexclusion techniques were examined by computed tomography. In 7 out of 10 patients (70%), thrombosis occurred in the false lumen of dissecting aneurysm or in the aneurysmal lumen of descending aortic aneurysm. When only the patients without the leakage of blood into the aneurysm through the permanent aortic clamp were examined, thrombosis was observed in 100% of them. Even though the blood flow was reversed, thromboexclusion technique did not have a bad effect on renal function in the long-term. Postoperatively, however, progressive hypertrophy of the left ventricle was recognized, and furthermore, an injury to the aortic wall caused by permanent aortic clamp was observed at an autopsy. This suggests that further long-term follow-up of patients treated by thromboexclusion technique is necessary.