High Wall Stress May Predict the Formation of Stent-Graft-Induced New Entries After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic...

To explore the potential role of morphological factors and wall stress in the formation of stent-graft-induced new entries (SINE) based on computed tomography (CT) images after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Two female patients aged 59 years (patient 1) and 44 years (patient 2) underwent TEVAR for type B dissection in the chronic (patient 1) or subacute (patient 2) phase. CT scans at 3-month follow-up showed varying degrees of false lumen thrombosis in both patients. At 14-month follow-up, a SINE was observed in patient 1 while the dissected aorta in the other patient remained stable. Morphological and finite element analyses were performed based on the first follow-up CT images. The computational results showed that the SINE patient had higher stent-graft tortuosity than the non-SINE patient and much higher wall stress in the region close to the distal SINE.

This case study suggests that high stent-graft tortuosity can lead to high wall stress, which is potentially linked to the formation of SINE. Further large population-based studies are needed to confirm this preliminary finding.