The Role of Thoracic Endovascular Repair in Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection

Continued device improvements along with refined implantation techniques have revolutionize the use of thoracic endovascular repair for both aortic dissections and aneurysms. This is now considered standard of care for acute, complicated type B aortic dissection in patients with appropriate anatomy. However, the treatment of chronic, uncomplicated type B dissection continues to present challenges for the aortic surgeon, as the long-held dogma of medical management and surveillance for aneurysm degeneration has recently come into questions. We present evidence for a more thoughtful approach to management and intervention with thoracic endovascular repair in select patients with chronic, type B dissection.