DeBakey type I dissection: when hybrid stent-grafting is indicated?

AIM

For avoidance of late downstream complications after classic DeBakey type I aortic dissection repair, replacement of the arch with simultaneous antegrade descending stent-grafting using a hybrid prosthesis was applied in acute and chronic aortic dissection. Indication and results were studied.

METHODS

Between January 2001 and January 2010, 168 patients were operated for acute and chronic aortic dissection (AD). Forty-five patients received an E-vita open stent-graft prosthesis, 29 for acute aortic dissection (AAD) (28 for DeBakey type I, 1 for type III) and 16 for chronic aortic dissection (CAD) (13 type I, 3 type III). Indication was full circular arch dissection, an entry or re-entry tear distal to the left subclavian artery in AAD, and new abdominal malperfusion, rapid growth of the false lumen (FL), impending or contained rupture in CAD.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality was 10% in AAD and 0 in CAD. Complications like new stroke occurred in 7% versus 6%, temporary dialysis in 55% versus 19%, and false lumen obliteration was observed in 93% versus 63% in AAD versus CAD, respectively. Follow-up was 100% at a mean of 19 months. Overall survival at four years was 72% in AAD versus 94% in CAD. FL thrombosis was stable in AAD (92%) and increased to 93% in CAD over time. Freedom from secondary aortic intervention was 90% in AAD and 75% in CAD.

CONCLUSION

This hybrid approach in patients with AAD and CAD type I is safe when indicated and renders stable results over time down to the stent-graft end. Secondary TEVAR can be easily performed downstream when necessary. The international E-vita open registry data supports this single center results.