Stenting of the thoracic aorta – the radiologist's view

BACKGROUND: Endoluminal stent graft repair is emerging as a less invasive alternative to conventional open surgery in the management of diseases of the descending thoracic aorta. In this overview we will discuss the current concept of stent graft therapy of various diseases of the thoracic aorta from an interventional radiologist's point of view. METHODS: Since 1996, 84 patients with atherosclerotic aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta, aortic dissections, acute traumatic ruptures, chronic traumatic aneurysms and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers underwent endoluminal stent graft repair at our institution. 18 patients presented with life-threatening symptoms and were treated on an emergency basis. All procedures were performed in an angiographic suite with state-of-the-art digital subtraction angiographic equipment. Follow-up was at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: The primary technical success rate ranged from 78% to 95%, the 30-day mortality rate was 7% if including elective as well as emergency interventions. Endoleaks were the most common procedure-related complications. They occurred at a rate of 11% and had to be treated by extension cuffs or additional endograft segments. Data of our institution are presented in comparison to the current literature. CONCLUSIONS: Stent graft repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections and related pathologies is a fascinating new technique offering a less invasive treatment option to patients who are unsuitable for surgical repair. For patients at high surgical risk, endovascular stent graft placement can be advocated as standard therapy.