Techniques and outcomes of total aortic arch repair with frozen elephant trunk for DeBakey I dissections

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2020 Aug;61(4):392-401. doi: 10.23736/S0021-9509.20.11359-4. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Abstract

Total aortic arch replacement (TAR) with frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique (FET) has been increasingly used to treat a variety of aortic pathologies over the past two decades. Because FET can effectively treat the diseased arch and cover the proximal entry tear in the distal arch, it is a valuable option in the treatment of DeBakey I aortic dissections. This report focuses on the techniques and outcomes of TAR with FET for acute/chronic aortic dissection. A review of pooled literature including 27 observational studies showed in-hospital mortality, permanent stroke, and spinal cord injury rates of 8.4%, 5.9% and 2.6% for acute aortic dissections, and 7.5%, 4.0% and 4.6% for chronic aortic dissections, respectively. In most of the studies, complete false lumen thrombosis rate was achieved in 80% of patients at the level of FET for acute and chronic aortic dissections. Mid-term outcomes are equally promising. For chronic aortic dissections, positive remodeling of the non-stented distal aortic segments is less frequent leading to secondary reinterventions within 3 to 5 years. However, most studies have not applied distal abdominal extensions of the repair using fenestrated and branched endografts. In the current endovascular era, TAR + FET should be considered as an alternative to conventional open surgical repair in centers of excellence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / mortality
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Aortic Dissection / mortality
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Endovascular Procedures*
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Reoperation
  • Risk Factors