Hybrid operation versus the chimney technique for reconstruction of a single aortic arch branch: a single-centre...

Both hybrid and chimney techniques are used for reconstruction of supra-arch branches during thoracic endovascular aorta repair (TEVAR). Our objective was to summarize our experience with reconstruction of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) or left subclavian artery (LSA) and evaluate the indications for these 2 strategies.

The records of patients treated with hybrid or chimney TEVAR when 1 aortic branch (LSA/LCCA) needed to be covered were reviewed retrospectively. The angulations of the LSA and the LCCA were measured for analysis.

The average ages of the patients in the hybrid (n = 26) and chimney groups (n = 31) were 52.6 (SD 12.7) and 55.4 (SD 11.3) years, respectively. The immediate type I endoleak rate was significantly higher in the chimney group (58.1% vs 15.4%, P = 0.001). No in-hospital deaths occurred in either group, and the follow-up mortality rate was 11.5% in the hybrid group and 3.2% in the chimney (P = 0.32) group, whereas the aortic-related mortality rates were 3.8% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.46). The rates of type I endoleaks were significantly higher if the angles of the LSA/LCCA were larger than 38.3°/37.9° [LSA: >38.3°, 100% (10 of 10) vs < 38.3°, 10% (1 of 10), P < 0.001; LCCA: >37.9°, 100% (6 of 6) vs < 37.9°, 20% (1 of 5), P = 0.015].

Branch angulation and oversizing are crucial factors for type I endoleaks and should be taken into account when choosing the surgical procedure. Our results indicated that the chimney TEVAR is more suitable in cases with small target branch angulation. Additional oversizing may help to prevent post-TEVAR endoleaks.