Novel TEVAR technique for thoracic aortic aneurysm repair: A case report

A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a life-threatening condition affecting 5-10 per 100,000 people per year. If not repaired, mortality rates are reported as high as 11.8 %, increasing to 97 %-100 % following a TAA rupture. Thoracic endovascular aortic repairs (TEVAR) are becoming more common, but currently face limitations due to complex vasculature. New techniques may provide a safer alternative.

70-year-old male presenting with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and previous replacement of ascending aorta and hemi arch with reimplantation of innominate artery done in 2020. A CT scan done during routine interval monitoring of previous TAA repair demonstrated a new aneurysm, which was confirmed with CT angiogram. A novel TEVAR technique was used for repair. The patient tolerated this procedure well and was discharged from the ICU after six days.

Open procedures and hybrid techniques for TAA repair are not always suitable for high-risk patients. Alternative parallel grafting techniques have shown promising early results but still lack clinical support and long-term data. Several small-scale studies and case reports have demonstrated the use of in-situ laser fenestrations in various settings, but none have demonstrated the ability to extend the landing zone as far as zone 0 for repair of a Type B TAA.

The use of this novel technique may be considered suitable in high-risk patients with various subtypes of TAAs not suitable for open repair. More cases and clinical trials are needed to compare risks and long-term results to more commonly performed procedures.