Objective: We investigated the outcomes of extended coverage of the descending thoracic aorta by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for residual chronic type B aortic dissection after type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair.
Methods: From November 2015 to August 2020, 36 patients underwent extended TEVAR for residual intimal tear after TAAD repair. We specifically investigated the methods and outcomes of this procedure.
Results: TEVAR consisted of isolated TEVARs (n = 29), single-vessel debranching TEVAR (6), and two-vessel debranching TEVAR (1). The mean time from TAAD repair to TEVAR was 27 ± 33 months (2-86 months). The TEVAR devices used were Valiant (28 cases), GORETAG (4), Relay plus (2), and TX2 (2). Technical success of TEVAR was 100%. The distal ends of the stent grafts were T 8 (1 case), T 9 (5), T 10 (6), T 11 (9), and T 12 (15), with an average of T 11 ± 1. The average length of hospital stay after TEVAR was 9 ± 3 days (5-17 days). There were no surgical/hospital deaths or complications. The average postoperative follow-up period was 21 ± 15 months without death or reintervention.
Conclusions: The short-term outcomes of extended TEVAR for residual chronic type B aortic dissection after TAAD repair were acceptable without perioperative SCI. Aggressive descending thoracic aorta coverage may prevent aortic events, and extended TEVAR may be a preemptive treatment for the downstream aorta. Mid- to long-term results should be clarified.
Keywords: Extended TEVAR; residual aortic dissection; spinal cord ischemia.