Transapical access for thoracic endograft delivery

Vascular. 2011 Dec;19(6):308-12. doi: 10.1258/vasc.2011.tn0017. Epub 2011 Nov 10.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique of transapical deployment of a thoracic endograft and to discuss the specifics of this access. The technique of endograft deployment through a transapical access is demonstrated in a patient with a symptomatic 14-cm aortic arch aneurysm. The 73-year-old patient, with concomitant chronic obstructive airway disease and cardiovascular disease, had been denied open surgery. Femoral artery access was deemed contraindicated because of a more distal concomitant type III thoracoabdominal aneurysm, borderline renal failure and heavily calcified iliac arteries. Bilateral iliac-subclavian debranching and thoracic endografting via a combined transapical and left subclavian access successfully excluded the thoracic aortic aneurysm. The patient died within 24 hours postoperatively due to a massive myocardial infarction. In conclusion, transapical access for thoracic endograft delivery is feasible. Combined with complex debranching procedures in a challenging aneurysmal anatomy, it carries a high risk for periprocedural complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aorta, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / therapy*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / therapy*
  • Aortography
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Endovascular Procedures / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Subclavian Artery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed