Endovascular plugs to occlude proximal entries in chronic aortic dissection

Patients with expanding chronic aortic dissection and patent proximal entries are sometimes poor candidates for open surgery or TEVAR. Occlusion of proximal entries with endovascular plugs has previously been suggested in selected patients, but clinical results over time are unknown. This study analyses aortic remodelling and clinical outcome after proximal entry occlusion.

Between 2007 and 2016, 14 patients, with expanding chronic aortic dissection, considered poor candidates for standard treatment, were treated with endovascular plugs in proximal entries located in the arch (n = 6) or descending aorta (n = 8). The Amplatzer™ Vascular Plug II was used for entries ≤4 mm and the Amplatzer™ Septal Occluder or Amplatzer™ Muscular VSD Occluder for entries 5-16 mm. Patients were followed for 0.5-13 years (median 7.3) with clinical visits and computed tomography. Diameters and cross-sectional areas along the aorta were measured.

Occlusion of proximal entries was achieved in 10/14 patients (71%), including 4 patients with an adjunctive reintervention needed for complete seal in the segment. Unchanged or reduced maximum thoracic aortic diameter was observed in all 10 patients with successful occlusion. In 4 patients, proximal occlusion was not achieved and early conversion to FET (n = 1), FET/TEVAR (n = 2) or TEVAR (n = 1) was performed. Two aorta-related deaths occurred during follow-up, both after early conversion.

Endovascular occlusion of proximal dissection entries of expanding chronic aortic dissections can induce favourable aortic remodelling and may be considered in selected patients with expanding chronic aortic dissection who are poor candidates for open surgery or stent graft repair.