Device profile of the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System for aortic dissection

Introduction: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has been increasingly used to treat type B aortic dissection (TBAD) when it is indicated, offering better outcome in terms of mortality and morbidity compared to open repair. Accepted goals for endovascular treatment of aortic dissections are the closure of the primary intimal entry tear, depressurization, and thrombosis of the false lumen. Areas covered: This is a descriptive review on the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (Cook Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN) which is a modular system specifically designed to treat TBAD, consisting of a proximal component, the Zenith TX2 TAA Endovascular Graft, and a distal component, the Zenith Dissection Endovascular Stent. The distal stents are uncovered to avoid blockage of dominant spinal cord intercostal arteries and allow for the deployment of the stents across branch vessel origins as needed to treat the dissection. Expert opinion: The Zenith Dissection Endovascular System has already been used for the treatment of TBAD for the last decade mostly in experienced centers. Current evidence suggests that this is a feasible and safe technique with relative low early mortality and morbidity rates. It is important to highlight the potential benefit of Zenith Dissection Endovascular System on the remodeling the dissected aorta during the follow-up period.