Endovascular Treatment Options for Chronic Dissections

Gregory Estrera1, Sukgu Han2

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery Section, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA.

Cardiology Clinics
|April 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Chronic aortic dissections pose risks like expansion and death. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) techniques aim to improve outcomes by closing the false lumen, though benefits in chronic cases are still explored.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Vascular Biology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Aortic dissections are classified by entry tear location.
  • Aneurysmal degeneration is a significant concern in chronic aortic dissections, potentially leading to aortic expansion and mortality.
  • False lumen patency is a key predictor of outcomes in type B aortic dissections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) techniques for chronic aortic dissections.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of TEVAR in promoting false lumen thrombosis and aortic remodeling in chronic dissections.
  • To discuss the limitations and advancements in TEVAR for managing chronic aortic dissections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on TEVAR for chronic aortic dissections.
  • Analysis of techniques aimed at occluding the false lumen.
  • Evaluation of outcomes related to false lumen patency and aortic remodeling post-TEVAR.

Main Results:

  • TEVAR aims to occlude the false lumen to encourage thrombosis and favorable aortic remodeling.
  • The benefits of TEVAR in chronic dissection may be limited compared to acute cases.
  • Various techniques have been developed to adapt TEVAR for chronic dissection management.

Conclusions:

  • TEVAR is a therapeutic option for chronic aortic dissections.
  • Optimizing TEVAR techniques is crucial for improving outcomes in chronic aortic dissections.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term benefits of TEVAR in chronic aortic dissection management.

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
450
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
659
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
478
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:26

Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Varicose veins, or varicosities, develop when the valves in the veins, which control blood flow, weaken or damage. It causes blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management options for varicose veins is crucial for effective treatment and relief.Clinical manifestationsClinical manifestations of varicose veins include a heavy, achy feeling or pain after prolonged standing or sitting. This discomfort can often be relieved by...
325
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
482
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
760