Abstract

Localized aortic pathoanatomic abnormalities are good targets for endovascular stent-grafting but only short-term results have been reported. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of endovascular stent-graft treatment of patients with descending thoracic atherosclerotic penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAU) and to identify risk factors for treatment failure.Between 1993 and 2000 endovascular repair of PAU with first-generation (custom-fabricated) and second-generation (commercial) stent-grafts was performed in 26 patients (mean age, 70 years), 6 (23%) of whom had rupture. Fourteen patients (54%) were not candidates for open surgical repair. Follow-up was 100% complete (average, 51 months; maximum, 114 months). Outcome variables considered in the multivariable analysis included death and treatment failure (composite end-point comprising early death, endoleak, stent-graft mechanical fault, late aortic event, reintervention, and aortic-related or sudden death).Three patients (12% +/- 7% [+/-70% confidence limits]) died within 30 days and 2 had an early type I endoleak. Primary success rate was 92%. Actuarial survival estimates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 85% +/- 8%, 76% +/- 8% and 70% +/- 10% respectively and actuarial freedom from treatment failure was 81% +/- 8%, 71% +/- 9% and 65% +/- 10%. Multivariable analyses identified previous cerebrovascular accident (hazard ratio [HR] 17.1, p = 0.02) and female sex (HR 7.4, p = 0.08) as independent risk factors for death. For treatment failure the predictors were increasing aortic diameter (HR 1.1 [per mm above the mean value], p = 0.01) and female sex (HR 5.5, p = 0.09).Endovascular stent-graft repair is effective but not curative treatment for selected, high surgical risk, elderly patients with a descending aortic PAU over the medium term. Assiduous serial follow-up imaging after stent-grafting is mandatory to detect late complications especially in those with a large aorta.

View details for DOI 10.1016/S0003-4975(03)00816-6

View details for Web of Science ID 000187735800017

View details for PubMedID 14726040