Long-term results of endovascular treatment of acute thoracic aortic lesions

Objective: To determine the efficacy and the long-term results of endovascular treatment of traumatic aortic rupture, aortobronchial fistula and penetrating aortic ulcer

Methods: 15 Patients (10 men, 5 women, age 19–77 years) were treated between september 1995 and august 2006 in our department by endovascular technique for traumatic aortic rupture (n=8), aortobronchial fistula (n=4) and penetrating aortic ulcer (n=3).

Results: The implantations were performed under general (n=12) or local anaesthesia (n=3) via the femoral (n=10) or iliac (n=4) artery or via aortofemoral bypass (n=1). In total, 17 Implants (Stentor (n=1), Vanguard (n=4), Talent (n=12) were placed with a technical success rate of 100% and a perioperative mortality of 0%. During a mean follow-up of 58 months 3 patients deceased of non-related cause, a secondary endovascular procedure (distal extension) was necessary in 2 cases.

Conclusion: Endovascular treatment of acute aortic lesions is a safe and reliable procedure with minimal perioperative morbidity. Long-term analysis confirms acceptable durability of the implanted stent-graft devices. Routine follow-up examinations are mandatory to detect graft migration or endoleakage.