Innominate artery endarterectomy. A 16-year experience

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Symptomatic atherosclerosis of the innominate artery poses a risk for transient ischemic attacks and stroke.
• Surgical intervention is considered for severe cases, but long-term outcomes require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and long-term outcomes of transsternal endarterectomy for symptomatic innominate artery atherosclerosis.
• To evaluate patient survival, symptom recurrence, and arterial patency after the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 37 patients undergoing transsternal endarterectomy for innominate artery atherosclerosis.
• Data collection on mortality, postoperative symptoms, and arterial patency through long-term follow-up.

Main Results:

• A 6% mortality rate was observed in 34 patients who underwent the procedure.
• 30 of 32 survivors (93.75%) were asymptomatic at an average follow-up of 6.1 years.
• Complete cessation of transient ischemic attacks occurred in 6 patients with ulcerated, nonstenotic lesions.
• Normal arterial patency was maintained for up to 16 years postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Transsternal endarterectomy is a viable and effective surgical option for symptomatic innominate artery atherosclerosis.
• The procedure offers significant long-term benefits, including symptom resolution and durable arterial patency.
• Endarterectomy can successfully manage complex atherosclerotic lesions, improving patient outcomes in cerebrovascular disease.