Search

Objective: Aberrant subclavian arteries (aSCAs), with or without aortic pathology, are uncommon. The purpose of the present study was to review our experience with the surgical management of aSCA., Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who had undergone surgery for an aSCA between 1996 and 2020. Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were included. The primary end points were ≤30-day and late mortality. The secondary end points were ≤30-day complications, graft patency, and reinterventions., Results: A total of 46 symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic patients with aSCA had undergone surgery (31 females [62%]; median age, 45 years). An aberrant right subclavian artery was present in 38 (78%) and an aberrant left subclavian artery in 11 patients (22%). Of the 49 patients, 41 (84%) had had a Kommerell diverticulum (KD) and 11 (22%) had had a concomitant distal arch or proximal descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. Symptoms included dysphagia (56%), dyspnea (27%), odynophagia (20%), and upper extremity exertional fatigue (16%). Five patients (10%) had required emergency surgery. The aSCA had been treated by transposition in 32, a carotid to subclavian bypass in 11, and an ascending aorta to subclavian bypass in 6. The KD was treated by resection and oversewing in 19 patients (39%). Fifteen patients (31%) had required distal arch or proximal descending thoracic aortic replacement for concomitant aortic disease and/or KD treatment. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair was used to exclude the KD in six patients (12%). Seven patients (14%) had undergone only bypass or transposition. The 30-day complications included one death from pulseless electrical activity arrest secondary to massive pulmonary embolism. The 30-day major complications (14%) included acute respiratory failure in three, early mortality in one, stroke in one, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in one, and temporary dialysis in one patient. The other complications included chylothorax/lymphocele (n = 5; 10%), acute kidney injury (n = 2; 4%), pneumonia (n = 2; 4%), wound infection (n = 2; 4%), atrial fibrillation (n = 2; 4%), Horner syndrome (n = 2; 4%), lower extremity acute limb ischemia (n = 1; 2%), and left recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n = 1; 2%). At a median follow-up of 53 months (range, 1-230 months), 40 patients (82%) had had complete symptom relief and 9 (18%) had experienced improvement. Six patients had died at a median of 157 months; the deaths were not procedure or aortic related. The primary patency was 98%. Reintervention at ≤30 days had been required for two patients (4%) for ligation of lymphatic vessels and bilateral lower extremity fasciotomy after proximal descending thoracic aorta replacement. One patient had required late explantation of an infected and occluded carotid to subclavian bypass graft, which was treated by cryopreserved allograft replacement., Conclusions: Surgical treatment of the aSCA can be accomplished with low major morbidity and mortality with excellent primary patency and symptom relief., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Kommerell's aneurysm is a saccular or fusiform dilatation found in 3-8% of Kommerell's diverticulum cases. A non-dissecting rupture rate of 6% has been reported. If ruptured, emergent surgical correction is usually granted. However, evidence regarding the optimal surgical approach in this acute setting is scarce. In this case report series, we aim to describe our experience managing type-1 non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysm with hybrid emergent surgical approaches., Cases Presentation: From January 2005 to December 2020, three cases of type-1 non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysm requiring emergent surgical repair were identified. The mean age was 66.67 ± 7.76 years, and 3/3 were male. The most common symptoms were atypical chest pain, dyspnoea, and headache (2/3). The mean aneurysm's diameter was 63.67 ± 5.69 mm. Frozen Elephant Trunk was the preferred surgical approach (2/3). The Non-Frozen Elephant Trunk patient underwent a hybrid procedure consisting of a supra-aortic debranching and a zone-2 stent-graft deployment. We found a mean clamp time of 140 ± 60.75 min, cardiac arrest time of 51.33 ± 3.06 min, and a hospital stay of 13.67 ± 5.51 days. The most common complications were surgical-site infection and shock (2/3). Only one patient died (1/3)., Conclusion: Evidence of management for non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysms is scarce. Additional, robust, and more extensive studies are required. The selection of the appropriate surgical approach is challenging, and each patient should be individualized. Frozen Elephant Trunk was feasible for patients requiring emergent surgical repair in our centre. However, other hybrid or open procedures can be performed., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Introduction: Ortner syndrome (cardiovocal hoarseness) is characterized by recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis secondary to a cardiovascular abnormality. Ortner syndrome caused by an aberrant right subclavian artery following a retroesophageal course without aneurysm formation is rare, with only 1 case reported in the literature. Cardiovascular abnormalities could be life-threatening and require early diagnosis and treatment. However, such abnormalities are not often considered by clinical practitioners when patients initially present with hoarseness., Patient Concerns: A 34-year-old woman without any medical history presented to our outpatient department with hoarseness and mild dysphagia for 1 month., Diagnosis: Upon stroboscopic examination, left vocal cord incomplete paralysis was noted. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an aberrant right subclavian artery arising from the left aortic arch, causing focal compression of the esophagus and, potentially, compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve compression. The patient was diagnosed as left recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis caused by an aberrant right subclavian artery following a retroesophageal course without aneurysm formation., Interventions: The patient was referred to a cardiovascular surgeon for resection and bypass surgery. Both the dysphagia and the hoarseness improved after the surgery., Outcomes: Significant improvement of the left vocal cord paralysis and no vocal cord adduction were seen upon stroboscopic examination after 3 months. During the 5-year follow-up period, the patient remained well, and no signs of recurrence were noted., Conclusion: This case can increase otolaryngologists' awareness of this etiology of hoarseness and consider it in their differential diagnosis., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to present three different methods for symptomatic aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) surgery., Methods: We identified 11 consecutive adult patients undergoing symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ARSA repair between January 2016 and December 2020. Symptoms were dysphagia (n=8) and dyspnea + dysphagia (n=3). Six patients had aneurysm formation of the ARSA (mean diameter of 4.2 cm [range 2.8 - 6.3]). All data were analyzed retrospectively., Results: Median age of the patients (7 females/4 males) was 55 years (range 49 - 62). The first four patients (36.4%) underwent hybrid repair using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and bilateral carotid-subclavian artery bypass (CScBp). Three patients (27.2%) were treated by open ARSA resection/ligation with left mini posterolateral thoracotomy (LMPLT) and right CScBp. And the last four patients (36.4%) underwent ARSA resection/ligation with LMPLT and ascending aorta-right subclavian artery bypass with upper mini sternotomy (UMS). Two of the four patients who underwent TEVAR + bilateral CScBp had continuing dysphagia cause of persistent esophageal compression. Brachial plexus injury developed in one of three patients who underwent LMPLT + right CScBp. Pleural effusion treated with thoracentesis alone was observed in one of four patients who underwent UMS + LMPLT., Conclusion: Among the symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ARSA treatment approaches, surgical and hybrid methods are used. There is still no consensus on how to manage these patients. In our study, we recommend the UMS + LMPLT method, since the risk of complications with anatomical bypass is less, and we have more successful surgical results.

Anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery is a rare disease. Although there are various reports on its treatment, the method of the surgical approach is still controversial. Here, we present a rare case of a 17 year-old man who had an anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery with an aberrant right subclavian artery. As a treatment, he underwent reimplantation of the right coronary artery. The surgical approach for the anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery should be selected by considering the age of the patient and size of the right coronary artery., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Aberrant subclavian artery (ASCA) occurs rarely but is one of the most frequent anatomical variations of the supra-aortic trunks. No consensus has been established on its best treatment. The goal of this study was to report the outcomes of ASCA treated by the hybrid approach., Methods: This non-interventional retrospective multicentre analysis included patients treated for ASCA by the hybrid approach in 12 French university hospitals between 2007 and 2019. The hybrid approach was defined as an endovascular procedure combined with open surgery or a hybrid stent graft. Patients were divided in 4 groups (from less to more complex treatment). The primary end point was 30-day mortality. The secondary end points were 30-day complications and late mortality., Results: This study included 43 patients. The mean age was 65 (SD, standard deviation: 16) years. Symptoms were found in 33 patients. Subclavian revascularization combined with aberrant subclavian artery occlusion was undertaken in 13 patients. Unilateral and bilateral subclavian revascularization combined with a thoracic aortic stent graft was undertaken in 11 and 6 patients, respectively. Total aortic arch repair combined with a thoracic aortic stent graft was undertaken in 13 patients. Thirty-day mortality was 2.3% with a technical success rate of 95.3%. The 30-day major postoperative complication rate was 16.3%: 4 strokes, 2 tamponades, 1 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Mean follow-up was 56.3 (SD: 44.7) months. The late mortality was 18.6%., Conclusions: The ASCA hybrid approach is feasible, safe and effective with low early mortality. Morbidity is rather high. However, it increases with the complexity of the hybrid approach, which should be kept as simple as possible if the anatomical morphology allows., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate renal function and renal parenchymal length changes secondary to the coverage or preservation of accessory renal arteries (ARAs) in complex aortic repair., Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study identifying all patients undergoing fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair (f-b EVAR) who presented with ARAs. Two groups were created, a preserved ARA group, with incorporation of the vessel as a dedicated fenestration or branch in the endograft plan, and a non-preserved ARA group, without incorporation of them. Early >30% decline of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), kidney infarcts, and endoleaks were evaluated. Mid-term results with freedom from kidney shrinkage (defined as length decrease >10%) at follow-up, freedom from GFR decrease >30%, or need for postoperative dialysis at follow-up were also analyzed. Primary assisted patency of incorporated ARAs was calculated., Results: From 2011 through 2020, 145 patients undergoing complex aortic repair presented with an ARA. After excluding ruptured aneurysms, 33 patients had the ARA preserved with their incorporation into the stent graft (preserved ARA group), and 99 did not have preservation of them (not-preserved ARA group). There were no statistical differences in demographics or type of aneurysm. Patients in the ARA-preserved group had more ARAs (median of two per patient vs one in the non-preserved ARA group; P = .01) and bigger ARAs (median 4 vs 3 mm in the non-preserved ARA group; P = .001). Early postoperative worsening >30% of GFR (23% vs 6%; P = .03) as well as postoperative renal infarction (57% vs 6%; P = .001) and ARA-related endoleaks (20% vs 0%; P = .01) were statistically higher for the not-preserved ARA group. Mid-term kidney length showed significant shrinkage in the not-preserved ARA group compared with the ARA preserved group (9.7% vs 0%; P = .001). Freedom from >30% GFR decline at 2 years was significantly higher for the preserved ARA group (83% vs 47%; P = .01).Two-year primary assisted patency of incorporated ARA was 94%., Conclusions: Complex aortic repair incorporation of ARA is feasible, with low complications and good primary assisted patency at 2 years. It leads to less postoperative early renal dysfunction as well as higher freedom for mid-term renal disfunction and kidney shrinkage., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.

The best treatment for a right-sided aortic arch (RAA) and Kommerell diverticulum (KD) has not been determined due to the rarity of these conditions. The current trend in the treatment of this disease is to increase the endovascular approach without a sternotomy. We describe a rare condition with an association of an RAA with a KD of an aberrant left subclavian artery and an anomalous right vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch (AVA). The left vertebral artery was missing. Also, there was an incomplete circle of Willis due to the absence of the left and right posterior communication arteries. Therefore, the AVA was the only artery to supply the vertebral-basilar system. In our case, a simple thoracic endovascular aortic repair was not suitable because of the sharply curved arch and short landing zone. Also, a debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair was not appropriate because that approach would not permit reconstruction of the AVA. The patient successfully underwent a total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique. This procedure could be an effective option for patients with RAAs with KDs associated with another arch vessel anomaly., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

Objective: To synthesise and present all available evidence regarding the surgical treatment of patients with aberrant subclavian artery (aSA) pathologies during the last 30 years. The study also aimed to create a checklist of suggested reporting items to help increase reporting homogeneity., Methods: A systematic search of medical databases was performed to identify all studies published between 1990 and 2020 reporting on the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for an aSA pathology. Patients were divided into two groups; Group A included patients undergoing open or hybrid surgery through sternotomy/thoracotomy and Group B included patients undergoing endovascular or hybrid treatment without chest access. The % crude rates (CR) of all variables of interest were calculated. A proportion meta-analysis was performed reporting pooled rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)., Results: Three hundred and fourteen studies were identified reporting on the surgical outcomes of 732 patients (60.1% males; 440/732). The quality of evidence was generally low, with 286 studies including fewer than four patients and 28 studies with five or more cases. Aberrant right subclavian artery (aRSA) in a left sided aortic arch was present in 71.4% of the patients and a Kommerell's diverticulum was present in 50.1% of the cases. A total of 68% of the patients were symptomatic on presentation, with the majority complaining of dysphagia (49.6%). Group A included 453 and Group B 279 patients. Studies reporting on five or more patients were included in the main meta-analysis. The pooled early mortality rate was 1.62% (95% CI 0.05% - 4.53%) in Group A and 1.96% (95% CI 0 - 6.34%) in Group B. Pooled rates of symptom relief were 99.52% (95% CI 92.05% - 100.00%) in Group A and 95.79% (95% CI 83.96% - 100.00%) in Group B., Conclusion: The surgical techniques used to treat aSA and aortic pathologies involving an aSA had remarkably low mortality rates and high clinical success, regardless of the technique used., (Copyright © 2022 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is the most common congenital anomaly of the aortic arch. A paucity of reported studies is available regarding the treatment of these patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the contemporary management strategies and natural history of ARSA in these patients., Methods: A single-center retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of ARSA from 2009 to 2019 was performed. Computed tomography scans were analyzed, and the aortic and ARSA diameters were measured at 10 different segments. The demographic data, comorbidities, and operative interventions were collected. The patients were categorized into those who had undergone intervention and those who had undergone expectant management. Linear mixed effect models were used to estimate the annual ARSA diameter changes., Results: A total of 30 patients with ARSA were identified, 17 (57%) of whom were women. The average age for the cohort was 54.5 ± 14.6 years. Of the 30 patients, 20 (67%) had undergone operative repair at presentation and 10 (33%) were initially observed. The most common presenting symptom was dysphagia (30%). Of the 10 patients who had been initially treated expectantly, 4 had subsequently required intervention. Of the 24 operative interventions, 13 (54%) were hybrid procedures involving right carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The mean diameter of ARSA at its origin was 20.4 ± 5.7 mm, and the mean cross-sectional aortic diameter at the level of the ARSA was 31.8 ± 8.5 mm for the entire cohort. For the patients who had initially been observed and had subsequently required intervention, the largest change in the ARSA cross-sectional diameter was observed 1 cm distally to the vessel ostium at a rate of 3.05 mm annually (95% confidence interval, 1.54-4.56; P < .001). No statistically significant changes in the annual growth rate of the aortic segments were observed in the entire cohort or for those patients who had undergone intervention (P > .05)., Conclusions: The decision to intervene on an ARSA should be individualized by the presence of symptoms (eg, dysphagia lusoria) or complications (eg, dissection, concomitant aortic aneurysmal disease, enlarging Kommerell diverticulum). Asymptomatic patients with nonaneurysmal ARSA might not require any intervention and can be safely observed. Measurement of the cross-sectional ARSA diameter 1 cm distally to the ostium of the vessel might aid in the surveillance of vessel diameter changes. Additional studies are required to determine the specific size criteria as an indication for operative repair of asymptomatic Kommerell diverticulum., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Managing type B aortic dissection (TBAD) involving Kommerell's diverticulum (KD), aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), and isolated left vertebral artery (ILVA), is extremely challenging. As treatment, we described a one-stage hybrid technique combined with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with open surgery through a supraclavicular incision. A 57-year-old man with TBAD and the three anomalies successfully underwent hybrid TEVAR. A side-to-side artificial bypass between the ARSA and the right common carotid artery was established through a right supraclavicular incision before TEVAR. The release of the stent-graft was designed from the distal aortic ostium to the left common carotid artery (LCCA) to cover the ILVA, ARSA, and left subclavian artery (LSA). Then, the ILVA and LSA were transposed to the LCCA through a left supraclavicular incision. Intraoperative angiography confirmed complete false lumen exclusion and KD, with all branches patent and without endoleaks. Computed tomography angiography 7 days and 1 year postoperatively demonstrated well-perfused ARSA, LSA, and ILVA, and a fully expanded stent-graft with no endoleaks, migration, disconnection, or stenosis. TBAD involving KD, ARSA, and ILVA in one case is rare. This is the first report to treat this pathology with a one-stage supraclavicular hybrid procedure.

Objective: To describe an infant with craniofacial microsomia and recurrent respiratory distress associated with aberrant right subclavian artery in order to review its most frequent congenital anomalies and alert the pediatrician to its rarer and more severe complications., Case Description: This case report involves an 18-month-old male infant, only son of non-consanguineous parents. At birth, the child presented craniofacial dysmorphisms (facial asymmetry, maxillary and mandibular hypoplasia, macrostomia, grade 3 microtia, and accessory preauricular tag) restricted to the right side of the face. Additional tests showed asymmetric hypoplasia of facial structures and thoracic hemivertebrae. No cytogenetic or cytogenomic abnormalities were identified. The patient progressed to several episodes of respiratory distress, stridor, and nausea, even after undergoing gastrostomy and tracheostomy in the neonatal period. Investigation guided by respiratory symptoms identified compression of the esophagus and trachea by an aberrant right subclavian artery. After surgical correction of this anomaly, the infant has not presented respiratory symptoms and remains under multidisciplinary follow-up, seeking rehabilitation., Comments: Craniofacial microsomia presents a wide phenotypic variability compared to both craniofacial and extracraniofacial malformations. The latter, similarly to the aberrant right subclavian artery, is rarer and associated with morbidity and mortality. The main contribution of this case report was the identification of a rare anomaly, integrating a set of malformations of a relatively common condition, responsible for a very frequent complaint in pediatric care.

Introduction: Congenital single lung (CSL) is a rare condition, and symptomatic patients often present with respiratory distress or recurrent respiratory infection due to mediastinal shift causing vascular or airway compression. Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is another rare congenital anomality that can lead to tracheal or esophageal compressions. There is only one other case of concurrent presentation of CSL and ARSA reported, which presented unique challenge in surgical management of our patient. Here we present a step-wise, multidisciplinary approach to manage symptomatic CSL and ARSA., Case Presentation: An infant girl with a prenatal diagnosis of CSL developed worsening stridor and several episodes of respiratory illnesses at 11 months old. Cross-sectional imaging and bronchoscopic evaluation showed moderate to severe distal tracheomalacia with anterior and posterior tracheal compression resulting from severe mediastinal rotation secondary to right-sided CSL. It was determined that her tracheal compression was mainly caused by her aortic arch wrapping around the trachea, with possible additional posterior compression of the esophagus by the ARSA. She first underwent intrathoracic tissue expander placement, which resulted in immediate improvement of tracheal compression. Two days later, she developed symptoms of dysphagia lusoria due to increased posterior compression of her esophagus by the ARSA. She underwent transposition of ARSA to the right common carotid with immediate resolution of dysphagia lusoria. As the patient grew, additional saline was added to the tissue expander due to recurrence in compressive symptoms., Conclusions: Concurrent presentation of CSL and ARSA is extremely rare. Asymptomatic CSL and ARSA do not require surgical interventions. However, if symptomatic, it is crucial to involve a multidisciplinary team for surgical planning and to take a step-wise approach as we were able to recognize and address both tracheomalacia and dysphagia lusoria in our patient promptly.

Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of the translocation of the aberrant left subclavian artery (LSCA) and resection of the Kommerell diverticulum during the concomitant repair of intracardiac anomalies for paediatric patients who had a right-sided aortic arch., Methods: A retrospective review of paediatric patients who were diagnosed right-sided aortic arch, aberrant LSCA, Kommerell diverticulum and intracardiac anomalies between 2015 and 2019 was conducted. Patients who underwent translocation of the aberrant LSCA, diverticulum resection and concomitant intracardiac repair were included., Results: Eight patients underwent translocation of aberrant LSCA, diverticulum resection, ligamentum division and concomitant repair of the associated intracardiac anomalies. All patients were male. The median age was 1.3 years (range 0.4-5.5 years) and the median weight was 10.0 kg (range 6.1-21.0 kg). The most commonly combined intracardiac anomaly was a ventricular septal defect. Seven patients (87.5%) had preoperative respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. There was no early mortality and no postoperative complications. During the median follow-up of 23 months (range 4-43 months), no patient had residual respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. A postoperative computed tomography scan was performed in 3 patients, all of which showed patent LSCA-left carotid artery anastomosis., Conclusions: Translocation of the aberrant LSCA and resection of the Kommerell diverticulum can be safely performed during the concomitant repair of intracardiac anomalies for paediatric patients. This approach could eliminate residual respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, and prevent reintervention in the future., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA), a well-described aortic arch anomaly, is frequently associated with dysphagia and development of Kommerell diverticulum (KD) with aneurysmal degeneration. Historically, open repair has been performed, which can be associated with significant morbidity. More recently, hybrid approaches using different arch vessel revascularization techniques in combination with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (hybrid TEVAR) have been described, but there is a paucity of literature describing outcomes. The objective of this analysis was to describe our experience with management of complicated ASAs using hybrid TEVAR, further adding to the literature describing approaches to and outcomes of hybrid ASA repair., Methods: A retrospective, single-institution review was performed of all patients treated for ASA complications using hybrid TEVAR (2002-2018). The primary end point was technical success, defined as absence of type I or type III endoleak intraoperatively and within 30 days postoperatively. Secondary end points included complications, reintervention, and survival. Centerline measurement of KD diameters (maximum diameter = opposing aortic outer wall to diverticulum apex) was employed. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to estimate secondary end points., Results: Eighteen patients (1.4% of 1240 total TEVAR procedures; male, 67%; age, 59 ± 13 years) were identified (left-sided arch and right ASA, 94% [n = 17]; right-sided arch and left ASA, n = 1 [6%]; retroesophageal location and associated KD, 100%); median preoperative KD diameter was 60 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 37-108 mm). Operative indications included diverticulum diameter (61%), dysphagia (17%), rupture (11%), rapid expansion (6%), and endoleak after TEVAR (6%). All procedures used some combination of supraclavicular revascularization and TEVAR (staged, 50% [n = 9]), whereas partial open arch reconstruction was used in 17% (n = 3). There were no perioperative deaths or spinal cord ischemic events. Major complications occurred in 22% (n = 4): nondisabling stroke, one; arm ischemia, one; upper extremity neuropathy, one; and iatrogenic descending thoracic aortic dissection, one. Technical success was 83%, but 44% (n = 8) had an endoleak (type I, n = 3; type II, n = 5 [intercostal, n = 2; aneurysmal subclavian artery origin, n = 3]) during follow-up (median, 4 months; IQR, 1-15 months). Two endoleaks resolved spontaneously, three were treated, and three were observed (1-year freedom from reintervention, 75% ± 10%). Median KD diameter decreased by 7 mm (IQR, 1-12 mm), and 78% (n = 14) experienced diameter reduction or stability in follow-up. The 1- and 3-year survival was 93% ± 6% and 84% ± 10%, respectively., Conclusions: Hybrid open brachiocephalic artery revascularization with TEVAR appears to be safe and reasonably effective in management of ASA complications as evidenced by a low perioperative complication risk and reasonable positive aortic remodeling. However, endoleak rates raise significant concerns about durability. Therefore, if this technique is employed, the mandatory need for surveillance and high rate of reintervention should be emphasized preoperatively. This analysis represents a relatively large series of a hybrid TEVAR technique to treat ASA complications, but greater patient numbers and longer follow-up are needed to further establish the role of this procedure., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Aberrant subclavian artery (aSCA) is a rare anatomic variant whose association with other aortic branch variations and aortic pathology has yet to be established. Knowledge of such an association could be relevant to recommendations for screening and awareness as associated variations are important for operative planning. We describe the incidence of aSCA variations, its association with aortic pathology, and a proposed classification system., Methods: The thoracic cross-sectional imaging database at Keck Hospital of the University of Southern California from 2006 to 2018 was queried for presence of aSCA. Studies were evaluated for aSCA laterality, variant anatomy, and aortic and branch vessel disease. Medical records were reviewed for associated symptoms and diagnoses. The primary outcome was association of aSCA with aortic pathology (aneurysm or dissection). Secondary outcomes were comparison of right and left aSCA, comparison between the sexes, and creation of a proposed classification system., Results: Of 98,580 axial imaging studies, 810 studies (0.82%) were identified with aSCA in 312 unique patients. Right aSCA made up the majority of cases (90.1%). All aSCAs had a retroesophageal course. Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) was present in 184 (59%) with an average diameter of 1.67 cm (range, 1.2-3.3 cm). KD was more frequent (84% vs 56%; P = .0003) and larger (2.05 cm vs 1.61 cm; P < .0001) in left aSCA patients. When present, KD was more often symptomatic in left aSCA compared with right aSCA (77.4% vs 49.1%; P = .005). Dysphagia, chest pain, reflux, and asthma were all more common in left aSCA patients. KD was also more common in men (73.3% vs 50%; P < .0001) and larger in men (1.81 cm vs 1.54 cm; P < .0001) but with no difference in symptoms between sexes. Our proposed classification system based on aortic arch branching is as follows: type 1, left arch with right aSCA (59.9%); type 2, left arch with common carotid trunk and right aSCA (30.1%); type 3, right arch with left aSCA (9.6%); and type 4, right arch with common carotid trunk and left aSCA (0.3%). Subtypes describe the right vertebral artery (RVA) and left vertebral artery (LVA) origin: subclavian (s, RVA 90.1%, LVA 96.8%), carotid (c, RVA 9.6%, LVA 0.3%), or arch (a, RVA 0.3%, LVA 2.9%). Overall, 9.9% (31/312) had associated aortic pathology, although the study was underpowered to detect a difference between right aSCA and left aSCA (9.3% vs 16.1%; P = .213). Type 3 and type 4 arches more often have associated aortic pathology, KD, and symptoms., Conclusions: aSCAs are frequently symptomatic and commonly associated with aortic dissection and aneurysm. Our proposed classification scheme depicts all four aSCA arch variants and accounts for vertebral artery origin variation. These variants are common, and vertebral anatomy can differ greatly. Knowledge of these anatomic variations is critical to planning for endovascular and open repair of aortic arch pathology., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 69-year-old female suffering from severe dysphagia due to an aberrant right subclavian artery was treated with a two-step approach. A right carotid-subclavian bypass was followed 2 weeks later by a robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the aberrant right subclavian artery. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient immediately recovered from her dysphagia. In our case, the robotic-assisted technology offered major advantages and, based on our experience, may be useful in the treatment of this rare disease., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Aberrant subclavian artery (arteria lusoria) is the most common congenital malformation of the aortic arch in the general population. As patients are more often asymptomatic, indications for correcting this abnormality, even in those having dysphagia, are very vague. While presenting a case of a 10-year-old girl who suffered from dysphagia lusoria for 2 years before being cured by a simple surgical translocation, we review the literature and debate various aspects of its management from diagnosis to surgery and cosmesis., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: There is no consensus on the optimal approach to treatment of dysphagia lusoria (DL), especially in the absence of a Kommerell diverticulum (KD). We leveraged our institutional experience to clarify the safety and efficacy of aberrant subclavian artery (aSA) division with revascularization by a supraclavicular approach alone in patients with DL., Methods: We identified 10 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for DL at our institution between January 2007 and March 2019. Clinical and radiographic characteristics for all patients were collected. The primary outcome was improvement in dysphagia symptoms. Secondary outcomes included need for second-stage operation, postoperative complications, and long-term radiologic changes in the aSA remnant., Results: Seven patients underwent initial division of the aSA followed by revascularization through a supraclavicular exposure, and three had simultaneous supraclavicular and transthoracic intervention. Median follow-up was 52 (range, 1-143) months. In the four patients without a KD, a supraclavicular approach alone resulted in improvement in dysphagia symptoms. Conversely, the three patients who had a KD did not have durable relief of dysphagia and required a second-stage transthoracic procedure. Postoperatively, one developed a pulmonary embolism after supraclavicular approach alone and two patients developed complications after transthoracic intervention: left recurrent laryngeal nerve neurapraxia and pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis in one, and thoracic duct injury requiring reoperation in the second. Among those who underwent a single-stage procedure by a supraclavicular approach alone, no patients had aneurysm progression, rupture, or dissection after median follow-up of 60 (range, 1-100) months., Conclusions: Division and revascularization of the aSA through a supraclavicular exposure in patients with DL result in durable symptomatic improvement in the majority of patients, particularly those without a concomitant KD. Patients with a KD may require a second-stage procedure to address the KD, but it appears safe to trial staged intervention rather than simultaneous operations to divide the aSA and to address the KD., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report two cases of successfully treated intracranial saccular aneurysms via transradial access with aberrant right subclavian artery anatomy. Two patients aged 74 and 82 years with anterior communicating artery aneurysms deemed suitable for endovascular treatment and anomalous aortic arch anatomy (aberrant right subclavian artery) underwent successful treatment with transradial access. Transradial access was obtained in both patients, in the first patient, without prior knowledge of the aortic arch anatomy. Aberrant right subclavian artery anatomy was negotiated, and the aneurysms were successfully treated in both cases with intrasaccular flow disrupting devices (WEB-SL)., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: The Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is an extremely rare developmental abnormality of the aorta related to an aberrant subclavian artery (ASCA). The objective of our study was to review the natural history of KD and ASCA using our single-center experience in diagnosing and managing KD and ASCA., Methods: A retrospective review of the Yale radiological database from January 1999 to December 2016 was performed. Only patients with KD/ASCA and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest were selected for review. The primary goal was to examine the natural history of KD and ASCA and the secondary goals were to review the management and outcomes of those patients treated for KD and ASCA., Results: There were 75 patients with KD/ASCA identified, with a mean age of 63 ± 19 years; 49 were female (65%). On CT scans, left- and right-sided aortas were present in 47 (63%) and 28 (37%) patients. A right ASCA or a left ASCA were present in 47 (63%) and 28 (37%) patients. Six patients were symptomatic on presentation. Symptoms included dysphagia, chest or back pain, and emboli to the fingers. The mean KD diameter was 21.8 ± 6.0 mm and the distance to the opposite aortic wall (DAW) was 48.3 ± 10.8 mm. Sixty-six patients were followed for a mean of 31.7 ± 32.5 months. One patient ruptured without repair. Nine patients underwent operative intervention, including eight open and one endovascular repair. Complications from operative intervention included ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic transformation, deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia. The mean growth rate for KD and DAW was 1.45 ± 0.39 mm/year and 2.29 ± 0.47 mm/year, respectively. On multivariable regression analysis, hypertension was a predictor of growth of DAW (P = .03)., Conclusions: KD is uncommon and shows a female predominance. The diverticulum grows, albeit slowly (KD and DAW growth rates of 1.45 ± 0.39 mm/year and 2.29 ± 0.47 mm/year). Most patients are asymptomatic, but dysphagia, chest/back pain, and distal emboli may occur. Rupture is rare. Symptomatic patients should be operated. Asymptomatic patients can be followed with serial CT scans., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although devastating complications during simple coarctation of aorta repair now occur less frequently, some unique cases still require extra caution. Here, we report a case of coarctation of the aorta with a rare anomaly in the circle of Willis and an aberrant right subclavian artery, which required a thorough surgical strategy that prevented cerebral malperfusion., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: As elastin fibres in the aorta deteriorate with age, the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) becomes longer and more tortuous. In patients with DTA aneurysms, this increased tortuosity may result in a hostile haemodynamic environment for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The objective of this study was to analyse how increased tortuosity affects haemodynamic displacement forces (DFs) in different segments of the DTA in patients with DTA aneurysms (DTAAs)., Methods: Thirty patients with DTAAs were selected to form three equal groups based on the maximum tortuosity of their DTA: low < 30°, moderate 30°-60°, and high > 60°. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to calculate DFs in all patients. Image based segmentations were carried out to create patient specific models of the aortic geometry. When physiological simulation results were obtained, the haemodynamic DFs on the aortic wall were calculated in four segments of the DTA (zones 4A - D). To enable comparison of DFs in different segments, the DF was normalised by the aortic wall surface area, the equivalent surface traction (EST)., Results: The mean age was 73 years, with 67% male. In zone 4C, where most tortuosity occurs, the EST in patients with high tortuosity was more than three times higher, than those with low tortuosity (low, 743 N/m 2 ; moderate, 956 N/m 2 ; high, 2294 N/m 2 ; p = .004). These differences could be attributed to the higher sideways components of the DF vectors, which were more than two times greater in patients with high tortuosity than in patients with low or moderate tortuosity (low, 5.01 N; moderate, 5.50 N; high, 13.21 N; p = .009)., Conclusion: High tortuosity results in increased displacement forces in the distal segments of the DTA. These forces should be taken into account when planning for TEVAR, as potentially they increase the risk of stent graft related complications, such as migration and endoleak., (Copyright © 2019 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aberrant right subclavian artery, or arteria lusoria, is a common congenital anomaly of the aortic arch and may be associated with dysphagia. Surgical treatment, particularly in children, remains controversial. Current surgical interventions include supraclavicular and thoracotomy approaches, as well as hybrid endovascular techniques. However, these techniques have significant limitations and varying degrees of success. This case report describes a 2-site operation whereby the arteria lusoria is transected via a left thoracotomy and subsequently re-implanted into the right common carotid artery via a median sternotomy. This approach has provided complete symptom resolution for dysphagia lusoria in 2 children., (Copyright © 2020 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: An aberrant right subclavian artery which arises from the proximal descending aorta may result in aortic dissection. The dissection may occur at either the site of the primary intimal tear or from an aortic branch. These conditions may lead to blood flow limitation and possible aneurysmal degeneration in the future., Case Presentation: We described the clinical presentation and management of a 54-year old patient diagnosed with a rare case of an aberrant right subclavian artery with Stanford Type B aortic dissection. A hybrid surgical approach was successfully performed and the patient had an uneventful recovery., Conclusion: Even though aortic dissection is often an incidental finding, this case highlighted that in rare situations, it can be associated with an aberrant right subclavian artery. It is important to disseminate this association as it has profound diagnostic and therapeutic implications in safeguarding the clinical outcomes of patients with such condition.

Objectives: Indications and techniques of repair for symptomatic or aneurysmal aberrant subclavian arteries (ASA) are controversial. This study analyses presentation, treatment and outcome of patients with symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ASA., Methods: Retrospective analysis of consecutive adult patients undergoing symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ASA repair between January 2000 and June 2016., Results: Of 12 patients (4 females) with a median age of 66 years (range 24-75), 10 had right ASA and 2 had left ASA originating from a right aortic arch. Six patients (50%) had Kommerell's diverticulum and 6 patients had aneurysmal dilatation of the ASA itself. Six patients presented with symptoms (dysphagia n = 4, chest pain n = 1, recurrent aspiration n = 1). Nine patients (75%) were treated by open ASA resection/ligation with or without aortic repair. Three patients (25%) underwent hybrid repair using thoracic endovascular aortic repair to exclude the aberrant artery. ASA revascularization was achieved by subclavian-carotid transposition (n = 7), carotid-subclavian bypass (n = 1), aorto-subclavian bypass (n = 3) or reimplantation after aortic graft replacement (n = 1). Thirty-day mortality was 8% (n = 1). The median follow-up duration was 44 months (range 24-151). Symptoms were relieved in 4 and persisted partially in 1, while symptom relief remained unknown in 1 patient who died during follow-up. Imaging after a median of 34 months (range 2-134) after the operation showed patent ASA revascularization in all patients and no endoleaks in the hybrid group., Conclusions: Surgical and hybrid repair allows satisfying results in patients with symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ASA. The optimal procedure has to be defined on an individual patient basis. Further studies, preferably with a multicentre approach, are required to answer more specific questions on the management of these patients and especially to assess long-term results following hybrid repair., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Reconstruction of the aortic arch in type B interruption requires extensive mobilization of the descending aorta and the proximal branches of the arch to perform a tension-free anastomosis. The association of a coexistent type II aortopulmonary window and an aberrant subclavian artery reduces the degree of mobility that can be achieved by dissection alone, and it usually entails sacrifice of the aberrant artery to achieve satisfactory mobilization. We report a novel technique to use the aberrant subclavian artery as autologous tissue in the reconstruction of the aortic arch for repair of type B interruption associated with type II aortopulmonary window., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study sought to summarize the clinical experience of surgical treatment of anomalous origin of pulmonary arteries from the ascending aorta (AOPA) in Fuwai hospital., Methods: Fifty-two patients (28 males, 17.2 ± 27.2 months old and 8.7 ± 10.2 Kg weight) who have AOPA undertook surgical treatment between 1998 and 2017 were reviewed in this study, 47 out of 52 are anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery (AORPA), among the rest of the patients are anomalous origin of left pulmonary artery (AOLPA). 27 out of 52 associate with simple cardiac abnormalities, 20 out of 52 associate with complex cardiac malformations, the remaining 5 patients without cardiac abnormalities. Among all patients who underwent surgical treatment, the direct end-to-side anastomosis strategy was applied in 26 patients, autologous pericardial-homograft patch and aortic flap were employed in 20 patients, and synthetic graft was used in 6 patients., Results: No patient died during the perioperative period. 50 out of 52 patients were followed-up for 100.1 ± 70.9 months. The rate of pulmonary arterial free restenosis for 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years is 98.0, 96.0 and 92.0%, respectively., Conclusions: The correct diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment for AOPA could obtain excellent early and medium-term result.