Amplatzer Vascular Plug for Complicated Residual DeBakey Type 1 Aortic Dissection in the Aortic Arch

Shinichiro Ikeda1, Michael Shih2, Robert Y Rhee1

  • 12042 Department of Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.

Insights

Surgical repair of DeBakey type I aortic dissection can leave residual dissection. Treating residual dissection with an Amplatzer plug in the false lumen successfully induced thrombosis and aortic remodeling.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Standard surgical repair for DeBakey type I aortic dissection often involves hemiarch or total arch replacement, but may not address the entire aorta.
  • Residual aortic dissection in the aortic arch and descending aorta presents a challenge, sometimes necessitating re-do procedures.
  • Previous reports suggest plug placement for entry tears in the aortic arch.

Observation:

  • A 79-year-old male with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection underwent hemiarch replacement.
  • One year post-surgery, the patient developed proximal descending aorta dilation (6.3 cm).
  • The patient was treated with an Amplatzer plug in the false lumen and a stent graft in the true lumen.

Findings:

  • Post-treatment computed tomography confirmed complete thrombosis of the false lumen in the descending aorta.
  • The descending aorta diameter reduced from 6.3 cm to 4.0 cm.
  • This indicates successful false lumen obliteration and aortic remodeling.

Implications:

  • Amplatzer plug placement in the false lumen is a potential strategy for managing complex residual aortic dissections.
  • This technique can induce false lumen thrombosis and promote aortic remodeling.
  • It offers a less invasive option compared to re-do total arch replacement for specific residual dissections.