Results and challenges for the endovascular repair of aortic arch aneurysms

Endovascular aortic arch reconstruction provides an attractive alternative to treat aortic arch disease in high-risk patients who would otherwise be unsuitable for open repair. Success with multibranched stent grafts in the thoracoabdominal aorta along with recent advances in design such as the precurved inner nitinol cannula have simplified the endovascular reconstruction of aortic arch aneurysms with multibranched stent grafts. These devices allow for greater flexibility in conforming to difficult anatomy and preserving important side branches. During the first surgical stage, a left carotid -subclavian bypass or left subclavian artery transposition is performed. The second stage is the endovascular procedure. The device is inserted through a transfemoral approach, and crossing of the aortic valve with the device is necessary. The stent graft is deployed during brief periods of rapid pacing. Bridging from the branches to the innominate and left common carotid arteries requires a suitable covered stent. In the case of a large-diameter innominate artery, a custom-made bridging limb has to be used to ensure that adequate length and size are available. Direct flow to the innominate and left common carotid arteries do not cease for any significant time during the procedure. Initial experience with mean follow up more than 6 months is encouraging. The method is not suitable for patients with extensive atheromatous involvement of the aortic arch. Careful preoperative planning (preoperative imaging, device construction, and access issues), high endovascular skills, and appropriate imaging equipment are imperative for a successful result. Long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these new devices.