Intentional Occlusion of the Left Subclavian Artery during Endovascular Repair of Descending Thoracic Aorta

pp. 21-26

Abstract

Background

Safety and efficacy of endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta depends on certain anatomic conditions, especially on the presence of a suitable proximal neck. This proximal neck is insufficient or absent in many patients. The use of left subclavian-carotid transposition or left carotid-tosubclavian artery bypass might allow an adequate perfusion of the left arm after the implantation of the stent-graft. However, this surgical approach is not feasible in unstable patients undergoing emergency surgery or with multiple comorbidities.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical and neurological outcomes of the intentional occlusion of the left subclavian artery during endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta.

Material and Methods

Between August 1999 and February 2010, 136 patients consecutively underwent implantation of self-expandable stent-grafts. The origin of the left subclavian artery was intentionally covered in 29 patients (21%) with absence of adequate proximal neck (normal aortic segment ≥15 mm long). Before the procedure, all patients underwent selective angiography of the right vertebral artery to exclude stenosis and to evaluate vertebrobasilar circulation.

Results

A total of 20 men and 9 women were treated; mean age was 62 (49-72) years. Stent-graft implantation was indicated due to acute type B aortic dissection (n=4), chronic type B aortic dissection (n=14), intramural hematoma (n=1), true aneurysm (n=7), aortic ulcer (n=1), and traumatic pseudoaneurysm (n=2). The device was successfully implanted in all patients. No clinical or neurological complications were reported after a mean follow-up of 29 months (13-50).

Conclusions

The use of strict selection criteria allows intentional occlusion of the left subclavian artery during stent-graft implantation of the descending thoracic aorta without increasing the incidence of major complications. Thus, surgical revascularization is reserved for patients with severe symptoms of ischemia during follow-up.