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Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of urgency on early and midterm outcomes of the Candy-Plug (CP) technique for distal false lumen (FL) occlusion in thoracic endovascular aortic repair for aortic dissection., Methods: The CP registry was reviewed, and patients were categorized into elective and urgent/emergent groups for analysis. End points included technical success, clinical success, early (30-day) computed tomography angiography findings, early (30-day) mortality, adverse events, and aortic remodeling in patients with available computed tomography angiography follow-up and reintervention., Results: A total of 155 patients received a custom-made CP, of whom 32 patients (44% male, mean age 61 ± 9 years) were treated urgently and 123 patients (63% male, mean age 62 ± 11 years) electively. The primary CP rate was higher in the urgent group (28/32, 88%, in the urgent group vs 96/123, 78%, in the elective group, P = .051). The mean contrast volume was higher in the urgent group (157 ± 56 mL in the urgent group vs 130 ± 71 mL in the elective group, P = .017). Technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. Clinical success was achieved in 25 of 32 (78%) patients in the urgent group vs 113 and 123 (92%) in the elective group (P = .159). The early mortality rate was 13% (4 of 32 patients) in the urgent group vs 1% (1 of 123 patients) in the elective group (P = .120). There was no statistically significant difference regarding the early adverse events between the urgent and elective CP groups. Early aortic-related reinterventions were required in 6 of 32 (19%) patients in the urgent group vs 6 of 123 (5%) in the elective group (P = .094). Thoracic aortic aneurysm sac regression was lower in the urgent group (5/28, 18%, in the urgent group vs 63/114, 55%, in the elective group, P = .001). Stable thoracic aortic aneurysm sac was higher in the urgent group (22/28, 79%, in the urgent group vs 47/114, 41%, in the elective group, P = .000). An increase in thoracic aortic aneurysm sac occurred in 1 of 28 (4%) patients in the urgent group vs 4 of 114 (4%) patients in the elective group (P = .096)., Conclusions: The urgent use of the CP technique for distal FL occlusion in aortic dissection was feasible and effective. The decrease in aortic FL sac diameter may be affected by the urgent use of CP due to limited sizing availability. However, it achieved a high rate of aortic remodeling., Competing Interests: Disclosures T.K. has intellectual property with Cook Medical; and receives royalties, research, travel and educational grant, speaking fees from and is a consultant and proctor for Cook Medical. S.H. is a consultant for Cook Medical, GE Healthcare, and Bentley. L.B. is a proctor and consultant for Cook Medical. S.T. is a consultant and speaker for WL Gore and Medtronic. T.L. is a proctor and consultant for Cook Canada. T.J. has travel grants, consultation fees, and proctorship fees from Cook Medical and Hammered (Polish representative of Cook Medical). J.S. is a speaker, proctor, and consultant for Cook Medical. N.T. is a proctor for Cook Medical and receives institutional grant from Cook Medical. G.P. is a proctor for Cook Medical. The remaining authors report no conflicts., (Copyright © 2024 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The treatment of chronic postdissection aneurysms of the aortic arch is a challenge. This study aims to describe false lumen management after aortic arch endovascular repair of post-type A dissection aneurysms treated with a branched endograft., Methods: In this single-center retrospective observational study, all consecutive patients undergoing endovascular treatment of aneurysmal degeneration of chronic type A aortic dissections following open repair were enrolled. The primary endpoint was maximal aortic diameter evolution measured on computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed during follow-up. Secondary endpoints included procedural success, aortic re intervention, and remodeling during follow-up., Results: Between January 2017 and June 2020, 22 patients underwent endovascular branched arch repair for post type A dissection aneurysms. Technical success was 100%. Thirteen patients (59%) had dissection involvement of at least 1 supra-aortic vessel. Midterm follow-up CTA was performed for 20 patients, 23.1 (±13.3) months after the procedure. Maximal aortic diameter at the level of the repair was decreasing in 13 (65%) patients, increasing in 2 (10%) patients, and no change was observed in 5 (25%) patients. During follow-up, 7 patients (35%) required aortic reintervention. Thoracic candy plugs were implanted for distal false lumen occlusion in 15 patients and associated with a high rate of complete remodeling (6/15 patients, 40%)., Conclusion: Arch branch endografting of aneurysmal evolution of a post type A dissection aortic arch is a safe and feasible option in experienced hands. Candy plug use in favorable anatomies seems to be associated with accelerated remodeling of the aorta., Clinical Impact: There are currently no recommendations on dissected supra- aortic vessels management and the use of thoracic aorta false lumen occlusion devices during endovascular repair of chronic post dissection aneurysm of the aortic arch with branched endografts. Based on our clinical experience reported in the current manuscript, we propose a treatment algorithm for the management of the false lumen in this setting., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: SH is a consultant for GE healthcare and Cook Medical.

Objective: To evaluate early and midterm outcomes of the Candy Plug (CP) technique for distal false lumen (FL) occlusion in thoracic endovascular aortic repair for aortic dissection (AD) in a more real world cohort of patients from an international multicentre registry., Methods: A multicentre retrospective study was conducted of all consecutive patients from the contributing centres with subacute and chronic AD treated with the CP technique from October 2013 to April 2020 at 18 centres., Results: A custom made CP was used in 155 patients (92 males, mean age 62 ± 11 years). Fourteen (9%) presented with ruptured false lumen aneurysms. Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). Clinical success was achieved in 138 patients (89%). The median hospital stay was 7 days (1 - 77). The 30 day mortality rate was 3% (n = 5). Stroke occurred in four patients (3%). Spinal cord ischaemia occurred in three patients (2%). The 30 day computed tomography angiogram (CTA) confirmed successful CP placement at the intended level in all patients. Early complete FL occlusion was achieved in 120 patients (77%). Early (30 day) CP related re-intervention was required in four patients (3%). The early (30 day) stent graft related re-intervention rate was 8% (n = 12). Follow up CTA was available in 142 patients (92%), with a median follow up of 23 months (6 - 87). Aneurysmal regression was achieved in 68 of 142 patients (47%); the aneurysm diameter remained stable in 69 of 142 patients (49%) and increased in five of 142 patients (4%). A higher rate of early FL occlusion was detected in the largest volume centre patients (50 [88%] vs. 70 [71%] from other centres; p = .019). No other differences in outcome were identified regarding volume of cases or learning curve., Conclusion: This international CP technique experience confirmed its feasibility and low mortality and morbidity rates. Aortic remodelling and false lumen thrombosis rates were high and support the concept of distal FL occlusion in AD using the CP technique., (Copyright © 2023 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To provide the 5-year outcomes of the use of a composite device (proximal covered stent graft + distal bare stent) for endovascular repair of patients with acute, type B aortic dissection complicated by aortic rupture and/or malperfusion., Methods: Study of Thoracic Aortic Type B Dissection Using Endoluminal Repair (STABLE) II was a prospective, multicenter study of the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (William Cook Europe). Patients were enrolled between August 2012 and January 2015 at sites in the United States and Japan. Five-year follow-up was completed by January 2020., Results: In total, 73 patients (mean age: 60.7 ± 10.9 years; 65.8% male) with acute type B dissection complicated by malperfusion (72.6%), rupture (21.9%), or both (5.5%) were enrolled. Patients were treated with either a composite device (79.5%) or the proximal stent graft alone (no distal bare stent, 20.5%). Dissections were more extensive in patients who received the composite device (408.9 ± 121.3 mm) than in patients who did not receive a bare stent (315.9 ± 100.1 mm). The mean follow-up was 1209.4 ± 754.6 days. Freedom from all-cause mortality was 80.3% ± 4.7% at 1 year and 68.9% ± 7.3% at 5 years. Freedom from dissection-related mortality remained at 97.1% ± 2.1% from 1-year through 5-year follow-up. Within the stent-graft region, the rate of either complete thrombosis or elimination of the false lumen increased over time (82.1% of all patients at 5 years vs 55.7% at first postprocedure computed tomography), with a higher rate at 5 years in patients who received the composite device (90.5%) compared with patients without the bare stent (57.1%). Throughout the follow-up, overall true lumen diameter increased within the stent-graft region, and overall false lumen diameter decreased. At 5 years, 20.7% of patients experienced a decrease in maximum transaortic diameter within the stent-graft region, 17.2% experienced an increase, and 62.1% experienced no change. Distal to the treated segment (but within the dissected aorta), 23.1% of patients experience no change in transaortic diameter at 5 years; a bare stent was deployed in all these patients at the procedure. Five-year freedom from all secondary intervention was 70.7% ± 7.2%., Conclusions: These 5-year outcomes indicate a low rate of dissection-related mortality for the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System in the treatment of patients with acute, complicated type B aortic dissection. Further, these data suggest a positive influence of composite device use on false lumen thrombosis. Continuous monitoring for distal aortic growth is necessary in all patients., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Standard surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection is associated with high mortality rates, especially in high-risk patients. In an attempt to improve survival in frail patients, we evaluated the outcomes after ascending aorta wrapping in a high-risk patient cohort., Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients treated using ascending aorta wrapping for an acute type A aortic dissection from 2008 to 2019. The primary end points included 30-day mortality, survival during follow-up, and dissection-related mortality. Secondary end points included assessment of aortic remodeling after ascending aorta wrapping. Patients with an aortic anatomy suitable for adjunctive endografting of the ascending aorta were also identified., Results: Thirty-five consecutive patients who underwent ascending aorta wrapping were included. Their median age was 77 years (range, 46-96 years). The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 9%. Major complications occurred in 7 patients (21%), including early reinterventions in 11 (31%). Median follow-up was 36 months (range, 2.4-106.6; interquartile range, 72). The actuarial survival at 36 months was 82%. The dissection-related mortality was 11.4%. The median aortic growth of the nonwrapped descending thoracic aorta was 3.4 mm. Computed tomography scan analysis depicted that 88% of survivors were theoretical candidates for an additional endovascular procedure to exclude the primary entry tear., Conclusions: Aortic wrapping is associated with favorable early outcomes and a low rate of aortic events during follow-up. This therapeutic option should be considered for patients considered too fragile for standard surgical repair., (Copyright © 2020 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We evaluated the outcomes of total endovascular aortic arch repair using three-vessel inner branch stent-grafts for aneurysms and chronic dissections., Methods: We reviewed the clinical data and outcomes of consecutive patients treated by total endovascular aortic arch repair at eight academic centers using three-vessel inner branch stent-grafts (William Cook Europe, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) from 2016 to 2019. All patients received three-vessel designs with two antegrade and one retrograde inner branch, which was used to incorporate the innominate, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries. The antegrade inner branches were accessed via a carotid or an upper extremity approach. A preloaded catheter was used for access to the retrograde left subclavian artery branch via a transfemoral approach. The endpoints were technical success, mortality, major adverse events, any stroke (minor or major) or transient ischemia attack, secondary interventions, target vessel patency, target vessel instability, aneurysm-related mortality, and patient survival., Results: A total of 39 patients (31 men [79%]; mean age, 70 ± 7 years) had undergone treatment of 14 degenerative (36%) and 25 chronic (64%) postdissection arch aneurysms. The clinical characteristics included American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III in 28 patients (95%) and previous median sternotomy for ascending aortic repair in 28 patients (72%). The technical success rate was 100%. Two patients had died in-hospital or within 30 days (5%), and two patients had experienced a stroke (one minor). The combined mortality and any stroke rate was 8% (n = 3). Major adverse events occurred in 10 patients (26%), including respiratory failure in 4 (10%) and estimated blood loss >1 L, myocardial infarction, and acute kidney injury in 2 patients each (5%). The median follow-up was 3.2 months (interquartile range, 1-14 months). Of the 39 patients, 12 (31%) required secondary interventions to treat vascular access complications in 5, endoleak in 6 (three type II, one type Ic, one type Ia/Ib, one type IIIa), and target vessel stenosis in 1 patient. At 1 year, the primary and secondary patency rates and freedom from target vessel instability were 95% ± 5%, 100%, and 91% ± 5%, respectively. Freedom from aortic-related mortality and patient survival was 94% ± 4% and 90% ± 6%, respectively., Conclusions: The findings from the present multicenter global experience have demonstrated the technical feasibility and safety of total endovascular aortic arch repair for aneurysms and chronic dissections using three-vessel inner branch stent-grafts. The mortality and stroke rates compare favorably with those after open surgical repair in a higher risk group of patients. However, the rate of secondary interventions was high (31%), emphasizing need for greater experience and longer follow-up., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endovascular aortic arch repair for chronic dissection with a custom-made branched endograft., Background: Acute type A aortic dissections are often treated with prosthetic replacement of the ascending aorta. During follow-up, repair of an aneurysmal evolution of the false lumen distal to the ascending prosthesis can be a challenge both for the surgeon and the patient., Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study of consecutive patients from 14 vascular units treated with a custom-made, inner-branched device (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) for chronic aortic arch dissection. Rates of in-hospital mortality and stroke, technical success, early and late complications, reinterventions, and mortality during follow-up were evaluated., Results: Seventy consecutive patients were treated between 2011 and 2018. All patients were considered unfit for conventional surgery. In-hospital combined mortality and stroke rate was 4% (n = 3), including 1 minor stroke, 1 major stroke causing death, and 1 death following multiorgan failure. Technical success rate was 94.3%. Twelve (17.1%) patients required early reinterventions: 8 for vascular access complication, 2 for endoleak correction, and 2 for pericardial effusion drainage. Median follow-up was 301 (138-642) days. During follow-up, 20 (29%) patients underwent secondary interventions: 9 endoleak corrections, 1 open repair for prosthetic kink, and 10 distal extensions of the graft to the thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta. Eight patients (11%) died during follow-up because of nonaortic-related cause in 7 cases., Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of aortic arch chronic dissections with a branched endograft is associated with low mortality and stroke rates but has a high reintervention rate. Further follow-up is required to confirm the benefits of this novel approach., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) origin during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is associated with increased neurologic complications. Our group is involved in the development of an off-the-shelf (OTS) thoracic endograft incorporating a left common carotid artery (LCCA) scallop and a retrograde inner branch for LSA perfusion. This study aimed to evaluate the arch morphology of patients treated by TEVAR and requiring LSA coverage to determine the applicability of this OTS device., Methods: The preoperative anatomy of consecutive patients from three separate cohorts treated with TEVAR with LSA coverage was studied. High-quality preoperative computed tomography angiography images were analyzed on an imaging workstation. Location of the origin of the supra-aortic trunks and their anatomic relationship were depicted in all patients; the LCCA origin was set as reference point. We determined the proportion of arch morphology in our cohort of patients eligible for this OTS device configuration., Results: There were 196 patients included in this study, 132 in the dissection cohort and 64 in the aneurysm cohort. The median length from the lower margin of the LCCA to the proximal aspect of the pathologic process was 25.0 mm (18.2-35.2 mm), with 68.4% (n = 134) of our cohort presenting with a proximal sealing zone length >20 mm. The median LCCA-LSA distance was 20.8 mm (16.6-25.4 mm). The median clock position of the LSA from the LCCA was -10 minutes (-30 to 0 minutes). In total, 127 patients (64.8%) could have been treated with the current OTS branched TEVAR configuration; 59 were excluded for proximal neck length distal to the LCCA <20 mm and 10 because of the clock position of the LCCA, and 9 first required a vertebral artery transposition., Conclusions: The low variability of LSA and LCCA locations in patients with distal aortic arch disease offers wide applicability of a new standardized thoracic branched endograft., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This article reviews endovascular management of chronic post-dissection aneurysms of the aortic arch. Therapeutic strategies intended for this complex aortic condition are evolving rapidly to allow the treatment of various hostile aortic anatomy and frail patients. Principles, technical considerations, devices and outcomes of each technique are reviewed and summarized. Hybrid repair offer similar early mortality and stroke rates compared to open conventional surgery. Arch chimney and other parallel graft techniques present poor long term outcome, and should be limited to emergency situations where no other option is available. Fenestrated stent-grafting is subjected to many technical challenges in aortic arch due to difficulties in stent-graft orientation and fenestration positioning. In situ fenestration is an off-label technique that should only be used as an emergency bailout maneuver, considering that temporary coverage of supra aortic trunk vessel and its long-term durability raise concern. Finally, in experienced hands and appropriate anatomic conditions, arch branched graft technology has shown itself to be a safe and effective alternative to open conventional surgery. No randomized controlled trials have yet compared total endovascular aortic arch repair with hybrid techniques and open arch repair. The management of chronic post-dissection aneurysms of the aortic arch is challenging, decision-making and interventions should continue to be performed in high-volume centers with a dedicated aortic team with an expertise in both open and endovascular repairs.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a composite device design (covered stent graft and bare metal stent) for the treatment of patients with acute, complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) presenting with aortic rupture and/or branch vessel malperfusion., Methods: In this prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study, 73 patients (65.8% male; mean age, 60.7 years) with acute, complicated TBAD were enrolled between August 2012 and January 2015 to receive treatment with the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (William Cook Europe, Aps, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) at institutions in the United States and Japan. The primary safety end point was the rate of freedom from major adverse events at 30 days, and the primary effectiveness end point was the rate of survival at 30 days. This article reports primary outcomes at 30 days and follow-up results through 1 year, reflecting study data as of March 2018., Results: Of 73 patients, 20 presented with aortic rupture (27%) and 57 presented with branch vessel obstruction/compromise (78%), including 4 patients presenting with both conditions. The covered stent graft was used in all patients (median, 1; range, 1-3; 1 stent graft used in 64.4%; 47/73), and the bare metal dissection stent was used in 58 of 73 patients (79.5%). Thirty-day mortality occurred in five patients (6.8%): one procedure related, three unrelated to dissection repair, and one indeterminate. Thirty-day major adverse events included myocardial infarction (1.4%), bowel ischemia (1.4%), renal insufficiency/renal failure requiring dialysis (6.8%), stroke (6.8%), paraplegia or paraparesis (5.5%), and prolonged ventilatory support (13.7%). Nine deaths occurred from 31 to 365 days (only one death related to dissection repair); the Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from all-cause mortality was 80.3% ± 4.7% at 1 year. Within 365 days, 9 of 73 patients (12.3%) underwent 10 secondary interventions; no patients required conversion to open surgery. At the 12-month follow-up, complete or partial thrombosis of the false lumen was seen in 100% of patients (46/46) within the stent graft region and in 97.4% of patients (38/39) within the dissection stent region. Growth (>5 mm) of the maximum transaortic diameter was observed in 14.9% of patients (7/47) in the stent graft region and in 38.5% of patients (15/39) within the dissection stent region at 12 months., Conclusions: Thirty-day and 1-year results from the STABLE II study demonstrated favorable clinical and anatomical outcomes for the treatment of rupture and malperfusion in the setting of acute, complicated TBAD. Five-year follow-up is ongoing., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare short-term outcomes in patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with stent grafts alone or with a composite device design (stent graft plus bare-metal aortic stent) for acute type B aortic dissection in the setting of malperfusion., Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients with acute (≤14 days of symptom onset) complicated type B dissection in the setting of malperfusion who were treated with stent grafts alone (TEVAR cohort) at two European institutions vs those who underwent TEVAR with a composite device design (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) in the investigational STABLE I feasibility study and STABLE II pivotal study (STABLE cohort). Preoperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes (including mortality, malperfusion-related mortality, morbidity, and secondary interventions) were compared between the two groups., Results: The TEVAR cohort (41 patients; mean age, 58.8 ± 12.7 years; 78.0% male) and the STABLE cohort (84 patients; mean age, 57.8 ± 11.7 years; 71.4% male) were largely similar in preoperative medical characteristics, with more STABLE patients presenting with a history of hypertension (79.8% vs 58.5%; P = .018). The TEVAR and STABLE groups had similar lengths of dissection (451.8 ± 112.7 mm vs 411.8 ± 116.4 mm; P = .10) and similar proximal and distal extent of dissection. At presentation, the two groups exhibited comparable organ system involvement in malperfusion: renal (53.7% TEVAR, 57.1% STABLE), gastrointestinal (41.5% TEVAR, 44.0% STABLE), lower extremities (34.1% TEVAR, 52.4% STABLE), and spinal cord (9.8% TEVAR, 2.4% STABLE). The 30-day rate of all-cause mortality was 17.1% (7/41) in the TEVAR group and 8.3% (7/84) in the STABLE group (P = .22). The 30-day rate of malperfusion-related mortality (deaths from bowel/mesenteric ischemia or multiple organ failure) was 12% (5/41) in the TEVAR group and 2.4% (2/84) in the STABLE group (P = .038). The 30-day morbidity, for the TEVAR and STABLE groups, respectively, included bowel ischemia (9.8% [4/41] vs 2.4% [2/84]; P = .09), renal failure requiring dialysis (7.3% [3/41] vs 9.5% [8/84]; P > .99), paraplegia or paraparesis (4.9% [2/41] vs 3.6% [3/84]; P = .66), and stroke (2.4% [1/41] vs 10.7% [9/84]; P = .16). The occurrence of 30-day secondary intervention was similar in the TEVAR and STABLE groups (7.3% [3/41] vs 7.1% [6/84]; P > .99). True lumen expansion in the abdominal aorta was significantly greater in the STABLE group., Conclusions: In patients with acute type B aortic dissection in the setting of branch vessel malperfusion, the use of a composite device with proximal stent grafts and distal bare aortic stent appeared to result in lower malperfusion-related mortality than the use of stent grafts alone. The 30-day rates of morbidity and secondary interventions were similar between the groups., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We report the final 5-year results from the Study of Thoracic Aortic Type B Dissection Using Endoluminal Repair (STABLE I) study, a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study of the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (William Cook Europe, Aps, Bjaeverskov, Denmark), a pathology-specific device comprising a proximal stent graft with barbs and a distal bare stainless steel stent for the treatment of patients with complicated type B aortic dissection., Methods: The study prospectively enrolled 86 patients (mean age, 59 years; 73% male) at sites in the United States, Europe, and Australia from 2007 to 2012. Treatment occurred during the acute phase (≤14 days after symptom onset) in 55 patients and during the nonacute phase (>14 days; all treated ≤90 days) in 31 patients. Five-year clinical and imaging follow-up was available for 88.5% of eligible patients., Results: The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 5.5% (3 of 55) for acute and 3.2% (1 of 31) for nonacute patients (P > .99). The 5-year freedom from all-cause mortality was 79.9% ± 6.2% for acute and 70.1% ± 8.4% for nonacute patients (log-rank test, P = .40). The 5-year freedom from dissection-related mortality (including deaths of indeterminate relatedness to dissection repair) was 83.9% ± 5.9% for acute and 90.1% ± 5.9% for nonacute patients (log-rank test, P = .55). Complete false lumen thrombosis in the thoracic aorta increased over time and was observed in 74.1% of acute and in 58.8% of nonacute patients at 5 years. From preprocedure through 5 years, there was an overall increase in true lumen diameter and a concomitant decrease in false lumen diameter in both acute and nonacute patients at the level of the largest diameter in both the thoracic and abdominal aortas. At 5 years, 65.5% of acute and 81.3% of nonacute patients exhibited a stable or shrinking transaortic diameter in the thoracic aorta, and 48.3% of acute and 76.5% of nonacute patients had a stable or shrinking transaortic diameter in the abdominal aorta. Freedom from secondary intervention at 5 years was 65.5% ± 7.5% for acute and 71.2% ± 9.0% for nonacute patients (log-rank test, P = .71)., Conclusions: Endovascular repair of complicated type B aortic dissection with a composite device design demonstrated low all-cause mortality at 30 days, as well as low dissection-related mortality throughout follow-up. Overall, the acute and nonacute cohorts appeared to respond similarly to treatment involving use of the stent-graft and bare metal stent, demonstrating similar clinical outcomes and favorable improvement in aortic remodeling in the thoracic and abdominal aortas., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute type B aortic dissection (AoD) with malperfusion is a rare and complex disease. In this specific setting, invasive treatment is generally required to improve aortic branch vessel flow. Thoracic aorta stent grafting (TEVAR) of the proximal descending thoracic aorta to cover/exclude the proximal intimal entry tear would promote resolution of the dynamic component (the most prevalent) of the malperfusion conflict by redirecting the flow within the true lumen. The aim was to study outcomes of patients undergoing TEVAR for acute (<14 days) type B AoD complicated with malperfusion and to depict any preoperative and intraoperative predictors that could affect the prognosis of those patients., Methods: From March 2005 to January 2016, all patients treated with TEVAR for acute type B AoD with malperfusion in 2 European high-volume aortic centers were retrospectively studied. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details were collected. Preoperative computed tomography angiogram was reanalyzed on a dedicated 3D workstation (Aquarius iNtuition Viewer, TeraRecon). Thirty-day malperfusion-related complication and mortality rates were determined. Logistic regression model was used to assess preoperative and intraoperative factors affecting postoperative outcomes; in particular, details on the mechanisms of malperfusion and organ(s) involved were entered into the model and tested., Results: A total of 41 patients (60 years old [interquartile range (IQR): 51-68.5]; 78% men) have been included in the analysis. Patients were mostly (68.3%) affected by only 1 malperfusion syndrome, with renal ischemia being the most frequent (53.6%). The median length of aortic coverage was 197 mm (IQR: 157-209). Additional visceral/renal/iliac stentings were performed after stent graft implantation for 25 branches in 17 patients (41%). The 30-day mortality rate was 17.1%. All but 2 early deaths were related to malperfusion. The number of malperfusion syndromes was the only independent factor associated to increasing 30-day malperfusion-related complications or deaths (3 vs 1, HR = 30.3 [P = 0.001]; 3 vs 2, HR = 9.9 [P = 0.004])., Conclusions: Prognosis of patients with acute type B AoD complicated initially with malperfusion syndrome(s) is severe, especially if several territories are ischemic. Early identification of those complications can be lifesaving but still lacks hard criteria., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate, in patients with acute type B aortic dissection, the results of medical and endovascular treatment in a large single centre experience and to investigate the clinical and imaging features on presentation that relate to poor outcome., Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected clinical and CT imaging data. Consecutive patients (136) with acute type B aortic dissection were included in the study over an 11 year period. The characteristics of patients receiving endovascular (complicated) or medical treatment (uncomplicated) were compared. Kaplan-Meier estimators were used to estimate cumulative overall survival and survival free of aortic events. Factors associated with overall and aortic event free survival were also explored using Cox proportional hazards models., Results: The mean follow up was 51 months (1-132), during which time 33 deaths and 48 aortic events occurred. At one and five years, overall survival was 94.0% and 74.8%, respectively, and freedom from aortic events was 75.6% and 58.7%. There was no difference in all cause survival and aortic event free survival at one and five years between the patients treated endovascularly and those receiving medical treatment alone. Risk analysis for aortic events demonstrated the maximum size of the proximal entry tear, the maximum thoracic aortic diameter, and the thoracic aortic false lumen maximum diameter to have a significant effect on the incidence of aortic events., Conclusions: Active management of patients with type B aortic dissection results in good long-term survival even in the presence of features traditionally associated with adverse outcomes. All patients require close lifetime surveillance as aortic events continue to occur during follow up even after endografting., (Copyright © 2018 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chronic aortic dissecting aneurysms (TAAD) presenting after acute Stanford type A or B dissection includes both arch and/or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Approximately 60% of patients who survive surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissections will require another aortic procedure. Similarly, more than 70% of patients with chronic type B aortic dissections will experience false lumen dilation at 5-year follow-up, often requiring intervention. Open or hybrid aortic repairs of complex TAAD involving the arch and the TAAA are very demanding procedures for both patients and clinicians. Open surgery remains the first line therapy in fit patients. Recent development of branched arch devices has offered an alternative option for high-risk patients. Technical challenges associated with the endovascular management of these complex aneurysms include proximal sealing zone often located in the aortic arch or the ascending aorta, narrow true lumen working space, and aortic branch perfusion by either the true or false lumen, or both. Recent studies have reported encouraging results with endovascular treatment of these complex dissecting aneurysms, especially following open ascending aortic repair. The aim of this review was to describe the available strategies for arch repair in the setting of a chronic TAAD and to determine the subset of patients that can benefit from of a totally endovascular approach.

Mortality during follow-up after acute Type B aortic dissection is substantial with aortic expansion observed in over 59% of the patients. Lumen pressure differential is considered a prime contributing factor for aortic dilation after propagation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between changes in vessel geometry with and without lumen pressure differential post propagation in an ex vivo porcine model with comparison with patient clinical data. A pulse duplicator system was utilized to propagate the dissection within descending thoracic porcine aortic vessels for set proximal (%circumference of the entry tear: 40%, axial length: 2 cm) and re-entry (50% of distal vessel circumference) tear geometry. Measurements of lumen pressure differential were made along with quantification of vessel geometry (n = 16). The magnitude of mean lumen pressure difference measured after propagation was low (~ 5 mmHg) with higher pressures measured in false lumen and as anticipated the pressure difference approached zero after the creation of distal re-entry tear. False lumen Dissection Ratio (FDR) defined as arc length of dissected wall divided by arc length of dissection flap, had mean value of 1.59 ± 0.01 at pressure of 120/80 mmHg post propagation with increasing values with increase in pulse pressure that was not rescued with the creation of distal re-entry tear (p < 0.01). An average FDR of 1.87 ± 0.27 was measured in patients with acute Type B dissection. Higher FDR value (FDR = 1 implies zero dissection) in the presence of distal re-entry tear demonstrates an acute change in vessel morphology in response to the dissection independent of local pressure changes challenges the re-apposition of the aortic wall.

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurement (ABPM) is recommended to assess optimal BP control, and we studied its influence after an acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD). We retrospectively collected data from 111 patients with ATBAD from January 2004 to September 2014. Controlled BP group was defined according to a 24-hour BP under 130/80 mm Hg during chronic phase. The population consisted of 85 men, with a mean age of 61 ± 13 years and mean body mass index of 28 ± 6 kg/m 2 . The median delay between ambulatory BP measurement and ATBAD was 2 (0.3 to 4) months. The mean 24-hour BP of the entire population was 124/71 ± 15/8.8 mm Hg. BP was not controlled in 41 patients (37%). The treatment score at discharge was 3.9 ± 1.4. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 83 ± 28 ml/min/1.73 m 2 , with no difference between groups. Visceral stent implantation in the acute phase (odds ratio [OR] 3.857 [1.199 to 12.406], p = 0.023), higher left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 1.092 [1.005 to 1.187], p = 0.038), and higher platelet count at discharge (OR 1.064 [1.018 to 1.112], p = 0.006) were identified as predictors of good BP control by multivariate analysis. The analysis showed that nighttime systolic BP was associated with aortic events during follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 5.2 [1.01 to 27.2], p = 0.049), particularly for a threshold of 124 mm Hg or more (HR 1.967 [1.052 to 3.678], p = 0.0341). Nighttime pulse pressure showed also its significance (HR 20.1 [1.4 to 282.7], p = 0.026). In conclusion, subclinical renal malperfusion revascularization seems to improve BP control. A greater nighttime systolic BP was associated with the risk of new aortic events during follow-up., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study is to describe a total endovascular aortic repair with branched and fenestrated endografts in a young patient with Marfan syndrome and a chronic aortic dissection. Open surgery is the gold standard to treat aortic dissections in patients with aortic disease and Marfan syndrome., Methods: In 2000, a 38-year-old man with Marfan syndrome underwent open ascending aorta repair for an acute type A aortic dissection. One year later, a redo sternotomy was performed for aortic valve replacement. In 2013, the patient presented with endocarditis and pulmonary infection, which necessitated tracheostomy and temporary dialysis. In 2014, the first stage of the endovascular repair was performed using an inner branched endograft to exclude a 77-mm distal arch and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. In 2015, a 63-mm thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was excluded by implantation of a 4-fenestrated endograft. Follow-up after both endovascular repairs was uneventful., Results: Total aortic endovascular repair was successfully performed to treat a patient with arch and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with chronic aortic dissection and Marfan syndrome. The postoperative images confirmed patency of the endograft and its branches, and complete exclusion of the aortic false lumen., Conclusions: Endovascular repair is a treatment option in patients with connective tissue disease who are not candidates for open surgery. Long-term follow-up is required to confirm these favorable early outcomes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Endovascular repair of dissecting thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAA) is challenging and often requires multiple procedures. A 61-year-old man with a dissecting type-II TAAA treated first by placement of a thoracic endograft, and subsequently implantation of a fenestrated endograft. Six months postoperatively, a 10-mm increase of the aorta was observed. A reentry tear in left external iliac artery (EIA) was perfusing the false lumen in a retrograde fashion connecting with the endoleak caused by the inferior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries. False lumen embolization of the left EIA and outflow vessels was performed. Thrombosis and rapid decrease of false lumen diameter was then observed. This case illustrates the complexity of endovascular management of extensive chronic aortic dissections., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The development of a postdissection aortic arch aneurysm after open ascending aortic replacement for type A dissection places the patient at increased risk for an open operation due to the need for redo sternotomy and total arch replacement. We conducted a computed tomography-based feasibility study to assess what proportion of these patients would be anatomically suitable for branched endograft repair of an arch aneurysm. We also aimed to identify ways to tailor the index operation to increase suitability for future endovascular repair., Methods: Our study was conducted at the Aortic Centre, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France. Postoperative images were assessed for patients after open replacement of the ascending aorta for acute type A dissection in this center between 2009 and 2015 to determine suitability for use of an aortic arch inner-branched device., Results: The assessment found 52 of 73 patients (71.2%) were anatomically suitable for treatment with the aortic arch inner-branched device. The only cause for absolute exclusion from suitability was the absence of a proximal landing zone in the ascending aorta. Reasons for this were the ascending aortic graft being too short (71.4%), the presence of a major kink in the graft (23.8%), and the graft diameter being too large (4.8%)., Conclusions: Approximately 70% of patients with arch aneurysm formation after open ascending aortic replacement for type A dissection are anatomically suitable for treatment with the aortic arch inner-branched device. In the future, surgeons will be able to fashion the prosthetic graft at the time of the index operation to ensure it fulfills criteria for an adequate proximal landing zone., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a risk factor for resistant arterial hypertension and aortic dilatation. We assessed the value of systematic screening for OSAS in patients soon after the onset of acute aortic syndrome (AAS)., Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2014, patients were prospectively screened for post AAS OSAS. The severity of OSAS was defined by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and the Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI). Blood pressure control was assessed with 24-h ambulatory monitoring., Results: The study population comprised 71 patients (males: 64.7%; median age [interquartile range]: 57 [49 to 64] years; type A AAS: 49.3%; type B AAS: 50.7%). According to the AHI, 58 patients (81.7%) had OSAS and 31 (43.6%) had severe OSAS. A prognostic analysis revealed that the descending thoracic false lumen dilatation rate rose significantly with the severity of OSAS (p = 0.0008 for the AHI and p = 0.0284 for the ODI). The median rate of increase was 7.5 (5 to 10) mm/year in the AHI greater than 30 events/h group and 5.0 (0 to 8) mm/year in the ODI greater than 30 events/h group. With regard to blood pressure control, the diastolic blood pressure varied as function of the ODI category (p = 0.0074)., Conclusions: Our results suggest that systematic screening for post-ASS OSAS is of value. The false lumen dilatation rate appears to be related to the severity of OSAS. It remains to be seen whether treatment of OSAS would modify the false lumen dilatation rate., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Back Ground: Regular exercise at a safe level, i.e. 3-5 metabolic equivalents, is recommended to improve blood pressure control and quality of life even after aortic dissection, although aerobic exercise capacities in these patients are unexplored yet., Methods: We prospectively collected data from 105 patients with a history of post aortic dissection referred for a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) aiming to guide exercise rehabilitation., Results: The population was composed of 76% of male, with a mean age of 57.9±12.4years. There were an equal distribution between the two type of dissection (47% of type A and 53% of type B aortic dissection). No cardiac event occurred during or after CPX. One third of patients have normal aerobic exercise capacity defined as peak oxygen uptake upper than 85% of their predicted capacity. Mean oxygen uptake peak was quite low 19.2±5.2ml/kg/min (5.5±1.5 metabolic equivalents). Aerobic capacity was limited by cardiac chronotropic incompetence in 42% or peripheral deconditioning in 45%. Blood pressure remained in an acceptable range during the exercise. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were respectively 151±20 and 77±13mmHg at first ventilatory threshold., Conclusions: CPX is a safe exploration in patients with post aortic dissection syndrome. Given the fact that most of these patients are faced with significant alteration of aerobic capacities, the recommended daily practice of moderate exercise at 3-5 METS should be adapted and personalized to each patient thanks to CPX., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dissection of the ascending aorta, type A aortic dissection (TAAD), represents a surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Current open surgical techniques, although state-of-the-art procedures and having improved outcomes for patients with TAAD over the last decades, confer significant risk of complications and death. Recently, endovascular techniques for repair of both the abdominal and thoracic aorta have gained acceptance within the vascular and cardiovascular surgical communities as a useful tool in select pathologies and patient populations. As development of endovascular technology proceeds ever closer to the aortic valve, thoracic endovascular repair for TAAD deserves special investigation. A comprehensive literature search for studies reporting outcomes of endovascular repair in the ascending aorta was performed. In this review, we compile the worldwide experience of thoracic endovascular repair for TAAD as well as imaging studies for patient selection and the use of hybrid (open plus endovascular) techniques. The authors discuss the remaining challenges that preclude its broader adoption in this role, namely patient selection and device specificity., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study compared the 12-month evolution of the aortic volume in patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with stent grafts alone or a composite device (Zenith TX2 stent graft and Zenith Dissection stent; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) for acute (≤2 weeks from onset) complicated type B aortic dissection., Methods: This was a retrospective analysis comparing prospectively collected data from 45 patients who underwent standard TEVAR repair at three European institutions (TEVAR group) and 39 patients in the Study of Thoracic Aortic type B Dissection using Endoluminal Repair (STABLE I) study who received a composite device (STABLE group). The analysis included consecutive patients treated for acute, complicated type B dissection and with available baseline and 12-month computed tomography imaging. Volume analysis was performed by using a semiautomated centerline algorithm., Results: Baseline demographics, medical history, extent of dissection, and clinical indications were largely similar between the two groups. There was no difference in the length of aorta covered by stent grafts (167 ± 47 mm in STABLE and 184 ± 49 mm in TEVAR; P = .11). The STABLE group had an initial larger false lumen volume in the thoracic (203 ± 72 cm(3) vs 162 ± 74 cm(3); P = .01) and abdominal aorta (63 ± 29 cm(3) vs 36 ± 27 cm(3); P < .001). In the thoracic aorta, each group exhibited a significant increase in true lumen volume and a significant decrease in false lumen volume through 12 months. The total aortic volume increased significantly in the STABLE group (P < .001) but not in the TEVAR group. In the abdominal aorta, only the STABLE group exhibited a significant increase in the true lumen volume (P < .001) and a significant decrease in the false lumen volume (P = .004) postoperatively. At 12 months, the true lumen continued to increase significantly in the STABLE group (P = .03). However, no statistically significant difference was detected when the two groups were compared for the overall changes in the true lumen and false lumen volumes from preprocedure to 12 months, and both groups exhibited a statistically significant increase in total abdominal aortic volume at 12 months. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the proportions of patients who experienced >10% changes in the thoracic or abdominal total lumen volume after TEVAR. Patients in the two groups (all survived 12 months) had similar clinical outcomes, including rupture, conversion, and reinterventions., Conclusions: According to this volume analysis, thoracic endografting for acute complicated type B dissections promotes significant thoracic aortic remodeling. The use of bare-metal dissection stents leads to significant true lumen expansion and false lumen regression in the early follow-up and to subsequent continued true lumen expansion in the abdominal aorta; however, a definitive benefit in aortic remodeling over TEVAR alone was not demonstrated at 1 year., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Outcomes are reported in management of post-dissection aneurysms involving the aortic arch and/or thoraco-abdominal segment (TAAA) treated with fenestrated and branched (complex) endografts., Methods: This report includes all patients with chronic post-dissection aneurysms >55 mm in diameter, deemed unfit for open surgery, treated using complex endografts between October 2011 and March 2015. When appropriate, staged management strategies including left subclavian artery revascularization, thoracic endografting, dissection flap fenestration or tear enlargement, and other endovascular procedures were performed at least 3 weeks prior to definitive complex endovascular repair. The following outcome data were collected prospectively at discharge, 12 months and annually thereafter: technical success, endoleaks, target vessel patency, false lumen patency, aneurysm diameter, major and minor complications, re-interventions, and mortality., Results: The cohort comprised 23 patients with a median age of 65 years. Staged procedures were performed in 14 patients (61%). Seven patients with dissections involving the arch were treated with inner branched endografts, and 16 TAAA patients were treated with fenestrated or branched endografts. The technical success rate was 71% following arch repair and 100% following TAAA repair. During early follow up, one of the arch group patients died and one in the TAAA group suffered spinal cord ischemia. The median follow up was 12 months (range 3-48), during which time one patient died of causes unrelated to aneurysm or treatment. Two early re-interventions were performed in the arch group to correct access vessel complications and there were a further two late re-interventions in the TAAA group to treat endoleaks. All target vessels (n = 72) remained patent., Conclusions: This experience indicates that complex endovascular repair of post-dissection aneurysms is a viable alternative to open repair in patients deemed unfit for open surgery. There are insufficient data to allow comparison with the outcome of open surgery in anatomically similar, but fit, patients., (Copyright © 2015 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aortic dissection is one of the most devastating catastrophes that can affect the aorta. Surgical treatment is proposed only when complications such as rupture or malperfusion occur. No clear consensus has been reached regarding the best therapy to prevent aortic rupture after the acute phase. We have performed a thorough review of the most recent literature on the strategies to treat patients in the chronic phase of aortic dissection.

Purpose: To present a case that demonstrates the ability to deploy a 4-fenestrated endograft in an aorta previously treated with an endovascular graft and additional distal bare stents for acute type B dissection., Case Report: Five years ago, a 61-year-old man had a Zenith TX2 endovascular graft and 2 distal bare metal stents deployed for acute type B dissection. In follow-up, a distal extension endograft was deployed below the bare stent for false lumen reperfusion and aortic growth. The ascending aorta and the arch were replaced surgically at 3 years, with the distal end of the graft sewn to the existing endograft. At the current admission, a Crawford type III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was found and excluded with a 4-fenestration endograft. Using 3-dimensional fusion imaging, there was no major conflict with the struts of the bare dissection stent during catheterization and bridging stent placement. A distal bifurcated endograft was also implanted. The total procedure time was 240 minutes, the radiation dose was 8066 cGy·cm(2), and the contrast volume was 100 mL. The patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day and continues to do well at 9 months., Conclusion: Prior dissection stent deployment within the thoracoabdominal segment does not preclude further fenestrated endograft placement. Intraoperative fusion imaging can be very helpful to the successful completion of these complex procedures., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Thoracic endografting is widely used in the treatment of complicated acute type B aortic dissections to redirect the entire aortic flow toward the true lumen by covering the proximal entry tear. This procedure is challenging because endovascular navigation, maintaining position in the true lumen, can be difficult as there are frequently numerous reentry tears. There is obvious potential for complications such as malpositioning of the distal part of the endograft within the false lumen. This error can promote true lumen collapse and/or aortic rupture. This report details the endovascular correction of such a complication., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The treatment of chronic aortic dissection is a major challenge for the vascular surgeon. Close imaging follow-up after the acute episode frequently identifies dilation of untreated aortic segments. Aortic dissection often extends to both the supra-aortic trunks and to the visceral aorta. The poor medical condition that often characterizes these patients may preclude extensive open surgical repair. Recent advances in endovascular techniques provide a valid alternative to open surgery. These complex lesions can now be managed using thoracic branched and fenestrated endografts. However, clinical data are scarce and only 3 small series from 3 high-volume aortic centers are currently available. Careful anatomical study on 3D workstations is mandatory to select patients that are candidates for complex endovascular exclusion; a specific focus on the available working space within the true lumen, extension to the arch and/or the visceral/renal arteries, and false lumen perfusion of visceral vessels is required. An excellent understanding of those anatomic details demands high-quality preoperative CTA. Intraoperative advanced imaging applications are a major adjunct in the achievement of technical success.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report updated clinical and aortic remodeling results from the Study for the Treatment of complicated Type B Aortic Dissection using Endoluminal repair (STABLE) trial, a prospective, multicenter study evaluating safety and effectiveness of a pathology-specific endovascular system (proximal stent graft and distal bare metal stent) for the treatment of complicated type B aortic dissection., Methods: All 86 enrolled patients (mean age, 59 years; 73.3% men) were treated within 90 days of symptom onset (55 with acute dissections and 31 with nonacute dissections). Inclusion criteria were branch vessel obstruction/compromise, impending rupture as evidenced by periaortic effusion/hematoma, resistant hypertension, persistent pain/symptoms, or aortic growth ≥5 mm within 3 months (or transaortic diameter ≥40 mm). Remodeling of the dissected aorta, including thrombosis of the false lumen and changes in the true lumen, false lumen, and transaortic diameter, were assessed in patients with available computed tomographic imaging through 2 years., Results: The 30-day mortality rate was 4.7% (4/86) in the overall patient group (5.5% in acute patients and 3.2% in non-acute patients). Freedom from all-cause mortality was 88.3% at 1 year and 84.7% at 2 years (no significant difference between acute and nonacute patients). From baseline to 2 years, the true lumen diameter increased significantly in the descending thoracic aorta and the more distal abdominal aorta, along with a decrease in the false lumen diameter in both aortic segments. A majority of patients had either a stable or shrinking transaortic diameter in the thoracic (80.3% at 1 year and 73.9% at 2 years) or abdominal aorta (79.1% at 1 year and 66.7% at 2 years). Transaortic growth (>5 mm) occurred predominantly in acute dissections. Consistently, a shorter time from symptom onset to treatment was found to predict transaortic growth in the abdominal aorta (P = .03)., Conclusions: Endovascular repair of complicated type B aortic dissection with the use of a composite construct demonstrates favorable early clinical outcomes and aortic remodeling. However, patients treated in the acute setting may be prone to aortic growth and may require close observation. Follow-up through 5 years is ongoing., (Published by Mosby, Inc.)

Mid-term and long-term mortality after aortic dissection remain high and due to unknown factors. To determine predicting factors at the acute phase associated with mid- and long-term all-cause mortality, patients with type B aortic dissection including intramural hematoma, treated in one referral university center in an area with a population of 4 million, were analyzed over a period of 12 years (from 1996 to 2008). Based on the total population, 77 patients discharged after type B aortic dissection (including 11 intramural hematoma) were recorded as treated with either medical treatment alone (n = 41) or with additional endovascular therapy (n = 36). The mean follow-up period was 50.8 months, with a survival rate of 78 % (17 deaths). Patient history, symptoms, medical treatment, biological parameters, imaging, and intervention during acute phase (more than 150 parameters) were analyzed to identify any relationship with complications and death. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards analyses identified independent predictors of follow-up mortality from any cause. Factors influencing mortality (P < 0.05) were a low systolic blood pressure (SBP) at admission, a thrombocytopenia in the acute period, chronic bronchitis, diameter of ascending aorta, and renin-angiotensin system inhibitor intake. Independent predictors of mortality were chronic bronchitis (P = 0.0022, hazard ratio (HR) 17.5), early thrombocytopenia (P = 0.042, HR 3.5), and admission SBP <120 mmHg (P = 0.0048, HR 7.928). Treated (medical ± endovascular) type B aortic dissection held a worse long-term prognosis, which can be correlated with predicting factors, especially in-hospital thrombocytopenia, and should require closer follow-up.

Acute type A dissection requires emergent surgery that often includes ascending aorta replacement. Regular follow-up with computed tomography (CT) can identify aneurysmal dilatation of the false lumen distal to the open repair. Because redo operations can be high risk, we performed an endovascular repair on a patient deemed unfit for open operation using an aortic arch branched device with 2 internal branches for the innominate trunk and the left common carotid artery. This endovascular approach is a possible alternative to open surgical procedures in selected cases., (Copyright © 2013 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study aims to assess patient outcomes and aortic remodelling following coverage of the proximal entry tear with an endograft in complicated acute type B aortic dissections (caTBADs)., Material and Methods: All patients with caTBAD treated with a thoracic endograft in three high-volume vascular centres were retrospectively studied. Inclusion criteria were branch-vessel malperfusion, impending or overt aortic rupture, maximal aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm and persistent pain or uncontrolled hypertension despite maximum pharmacological treatment. Postoperative aortic remodelling was evaluated using computed tomography angiography (CTA) on a three-dimensional (3D) imaging workstation., Results: A total of 52 patients (71% male, median age 65 years) were included in the study. Median inclusion criteria per patient were 2 (range 1-4). Branch-vessel malperfusion was diagnosed in 42% and impending aortic rupture in 33% of 52 patients. Median follow-up was 25 months (range 2-109 months). The 30-day mortality rate was 9.6% (5/52); patient survival according to the Kaplan-Meier method was 90.4% at 12 months and 87.6% at 24 months. Secondary interventions were performed in seven patients a median of 3 days after the initial procedure (range 2-865). Imaging follow-up at 12 months was performed in 36 patients (69%): 75% presented stable or shrinking (> 5 mm) maximal aortic diameters and 86% had a completely thrombosed false lumen (vs. 5% before initial procedure) at thoracic level., Conclusion: Endograft treatment of complicated caTBAD is associated with favourable early outcomes and possibly promotes aortic remodelling in the majority of patients., (Copyright © 2013 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Computer-aided imaging can aid complex endovascular repair of aortic dissections in locating the narrow true lumen and identifying perfusion of visceral vessels by the true and/or false lumen. Although these anatomic data are available for analysis during planning, they are not readily available during the procedure with conventional imaging systems. We report the use of "fusion imaging" to facilitate the treatment of a postdissection thoracoabdominal aneurysm. The preoperative computer tomographic angiograms were processed, and the true and the false lumens were individually color labeled. These data were then superimposed on the fluoroscopic images in order to facilitate deployment of a fenestrated endograft., (Copyright © 2013 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

While there are centers reporting encouraging outcomes after endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, chronic dissections (a specific etiological subgroup of thoracoabdominal aneurysms) present an even greater technical and clinical challenge. There are particular technical issues associated with the management of the proximal sealing zone, the need to work in a narrow aortic lumen and also to maintain perfusion of all target (visceral and supra-aortic) vessels including those perfused by the false lumen. We present here the various endovascular options available for the treatment of these complex aortic lesions.

Unlabelled: The chronic management of post-acute aortic dissection (AD) of the descending aorta (Type B) is based on optimal control of blood pressure (BP), with a target BP < 135/80 mmHg. The aim of our study was to determine and verify effective blood pressure control with an objective measurement method and to identify predicting factors., Methods: We collected data from 26 patients hospitalized in the acute phase of a Type B AD between 2006 and 2009. Two groups were defined according to 24 hour BP monitoring results at follow-up. Group 1 consisted of patients with a controlled BP (<130/80 mmHg), and Group 2 consisted of patients with an uncontrolled BP., Results: Thirty four percent of patients showed an uncontrolled BP at checkup. Vascular history before AD (P = 0.06), high baseline BP trend (P = 0.01 for systolic and P = 0.08 for diastolic), and greater diameter of the descending aorta (P = 0.02) were associated with poor BP control., Conclusion: Prognosis after AD is associated with BP control. Therefore, 24 hour BP monitoring can be made.

Background: Open graft replacement of the ascending aorta is the current treatment of choice for Stanford acute type A dissections. However, approximately 20% of patients are deemed unfit for open surgery. To determine if an endovascular option exists for this latter group of patients, we performed a computed tomography (CT)-based feasibility study., Methods: A cohort of consecutive patients presenting to the cardiovascular care unit (CVCU) for an acute Stanford type A aortic dissection between 2006 and 2009 was retrospectively analysed. Inclusion criterion was a high-quality preoperative angio-CT scan that could be analysed on a three-dimensional (3D) workstation. Numerous anatomical parameters of the dissection were studied, including the location and the length of the primary proximal entry tear. Finally, we determined which of the patients would have been potential candidates for an endovascular repair (stentgraft implantation)., Results: A total of 102 patients were included in our study. The median distance of the primary entry tear to the closest coronary artery was 23 mm (range 0-128). The median true lumen and true + false lumen (total) diameters at the level of the entry tear was 38 mm (range 22-78) and 46 mm (range 28-93), respectively. The median length of the ascending aorta was 84 mm (range 40-130). An endovascular repair with a tubular stentgraft was deemed feasible in 37 patients. An additional eight patients were also candidates for a tubular endovascular repair but would have required a carotidecarotid cross over bypass. Finally, an arch-branched stentgraft could have been used in 13 patients to exclude an entry tear located in the arch., Conclusion: Open repair of acute type A dissection is and remains the 'gold standard' of care. Our study demonstrates that approximately half the patients undergoing an open repair could potentially benefit from an endovascular repair. This new treatment option has not been evaluated to date., (Copyright © 2011 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report a case of two iatrogenic complications after endovascular repair of a type B aortic dissection treated for abdominal aortic branch ischemia. A rupture of the common iliac artery occurred first during the procedure. A type A dissection occurred 12 days later. The proximal part of the aortic endovascular graft had created a tear in the aortic wall resulting in a retrograde type A dissection. Although aortic endovascular grafting is apparently associated with less morbidity and mortality, potentially lethal complications, both acute and delayed, may arise.

Approximately 6 months after the successful implantation of an abdominal aortic endovascular graft, a patient suffered an acute aortic dissection. The false lumen of the dissection terminated in the excluded aneurysm sac, resulting in a lack of outflow. Extreme true lumen compression eliminated blood flow within the distal aorta, resulting in the patient's demise.

Purpose: To propose a classification system based on the position and extension of the intimal flap to assist in the endovascular repair of aortic dissection complicated by a malperfusion syndrome., Methods: Forty-one patients (34 men; mean age 58 years, range 22-78) with 19 type A and 22 type B dissections complicated by a malperfusion syndrome were treated with stenting, fenestration, or both for the peripheral ischemia. A retrospective review of the preprocedural imaging studies (computed tomographic angiography and arteriography) was performed to determine and categorize the position of the aortic intimal flap. In type 1, the flap was either parallel to or perpendicular to the origin of the malperfused collateral artery; type 2 referred to extension of the dissection into the collateral vessel, while type 3 represented the presence or absence of an avulsed branch ostium., Results: Patients treated with stenting (n=19) alone had type 2 or type 3 arterial dissections, whereas the 12 patients who were treated with fenestration alone had type 1 lesions. Ten patients treated with stenting and fenestration had arterial lesions in which a type 1 dissection was associated with types 2 or 3., Conclusions: This appearance-based imaging approach combined with the symptoms of malperfusion syndromes during aortic dissection can help guide the endovascular treatment strategy.

Purpose: To evaluate endovascular procedures in the management of acute ischemic complications and rupture of the false lumen in aortic dissections., Methods: Data on patients with aortic dissection and noncardiac acute complications (peripheral ischemia or thoracic aortic rupture) treated with endovascular techniques were collected from 10 institutions and retrospectively analyzed. From March 1997 to January 2000, 58 patients (50 men; mean age 59.6+/-12.8 years) were treated for 19 (33%) type A and 39 (67%) type B dissections. Twelve (21%) patients had thoracic aortic rupture; 46 (79%) patients had one or more peripheral ischemic complications that included bowel pain (19, 41%), anuria associated with acute renal insufficiency (18, 39%), lower limb ischemia (15, 33%), and/or uncontrolled hypertension with renal ischemia (14, 30%)., Results: In the thoracic rupture cohort, all 12 patients were treated successfully with stent-grafts; one distal endoleak required a secondary procedure. There were 2 (12%) periprocedural deaths; one patient developed transient paraplegia after a secondary surgical procedure. In the 46 patients treated with stent implantation, fenestration, or both for peripheral ischemic symptoms, 44 (96%) had patency restored to the malperfused vessel. Eight (17%) patients died within 30 days. Over a mean follow-up of 8.2+/-8.9 months, the false lumen had thrombosed in 7 (70%) of the stent-graft patients. In the 38 surviving ischemic patients, the diameters of the true and false lumens and maximum transverse aorta all increased; only 4 (11%) had total thrombosis of the false lumen., Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of noncardiac acute complications associated with aortic dissection has favorable early and midterm outcomes.

The development of endovascular techniques has introduced a new dimension to the management of acute aortic dissection. Conventional therapy has traditionally been relegated to patients who experience severe clinical sequelae; unfortunately, clinicians have not been able to accurately predict the clinical consequences of a dissection. However, recent attention to true and false lumen characteristics, the distal extent of the dissection, and branch vessel involvement has demonstrated that these independent predictors of outcome can serve as surrogate indications for endovascular or surgical treatment. We review the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the sequelae of aortic dissection and summarize the treatment paradigms we have developed.