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Acute Aortic Disease.. - Index of

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296 Brinster et al.<br />

Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms<br />

Thoracic aortic stent grafting has now been utilized in the treatment <strong>of</strong> elective<br />

thoracoabdominal aneurysms (122,123). Although this advance has not been<br />

applicable in acute catastrophic presentations such as rupture or secondary dissection,<br />

thoracoabdominal aortic applications will undoubtedly be utilized in the<br />

future. These are complex procedures requiring branch artery revascularization.<br />

Postoperative Pseudoaneurysms<br />

Psueodaneurysms <strong>of</strong> the thoracic aorta are an excellent indication for TEVAR.<br />

Most general series report a small subset <strong>of</strong> patients treated with TEVAR for<br />

pseudoaneurysms <strong>of</strong> previous thoracic aortic suture lines. Technically, this urgent<br />

aortic condition is eminently suitable for stent grafting, as either the proximal or<br />

distal landing zone is usually within a previously placed Dacron graft, which is<br />

ideal for stent deployment (132).<br />

Mycotic Aneurysms<br />

TEVAR has been applied to a broad range <strong>of</strong> thoracic aortic diseases with mycotic<br />

or septic characteristics. These have included isolated mycotic aneurysms,<br />

broncho-aortic fistulas, aorto-esophageal communications, and infected grafts<br />

and stent grafts (124–126). In general, the effectiveness <strong>of</strong> TEVAR for “mycotic”<br />

type indications has been poor in the long-term. However, there maybe a role for<br />

thoracic aortic stent grafting in the setting <strong>of</strong> mycotic or infected thoracic aortic<br />

diseases as a “bridge,” to “defuse” the potentially catastrophic situation, while<br />

allowing the patient to recover sufficiently for a definitive procedure.<br />

CONCLUSION<br />

In summary, it is precisely in acute aortic events that application <strong>of</strong> TEVAR may<br />

be most beneficial. Since traditional open surgical procedures for acute aortic<br />

conditions have historically had a high morbidity and mortality, the application <strong>of</strong><br />

TEVAR to these pathologies may <strong>of</strong>fer significant survival benefits. As device<br />

technology improves and clinical experience expands, TEVAR applications are<br />

also likely to expand.<br />

REFERENCES<br />

1. Rehders TCNC. Complications <strong>of</strong> Thoracic <strong>Aortic</strong> Stent Grafts. Vol. 1. New york:<br />

Editions Futura Publishing, 2001.<br />

2. Krohg-Sorensen K, Hafsahl G, Fosse E, Geiran OR. Acceptable short-term results<br />

after endovascular repair <strong>of</strong> diseases <strong>of</strong> the thoracic aorta in high risk patients. Eur J<br />

Cardiothorac Surg 2003; 24(3):379–387.<br />

3. Grabenwoger M, Fleck T, Czerny M, et al. Endovascular stent graft placement in patients<br />

with acute thoracic aortic syndromes. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2003; 23(5):788–793.

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