Results after thoracic endovascular aortic repair in penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers.

BACKGROUND

Results after thoracic endovascular aortic repair in penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers are uncertain.

METHODS

From 1997 to 2010, 72 patients (median age, 67 years) presented with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (symptomatic, 58%; rupture, 36%). Median logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) was 32. Mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 19 to 56 months). In-hospital mortality, occurrence of endoleaks, reinterventions, and survival were recorded.

RESULTS

In hospital mortality was 4%. The primary success rate was 100%. Actuarial survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 93%, 72%, and 60%. The early type I and III endoleak rate was 2.7%. The late type I and III endoleak rate was 4%. One late surgical conversion was performed. Aortic-related actuarial survival was 100% at 1 year and 98.6% at 5 and 10 years. Age older than 75 years (odds ratio, 8.928; 95% confidence interval, 2.05 to 38.93) was an independent predictor of survival. During follow-up, 21% of patients underwent a cardiovascular intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Results after thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers are excellent for early and late type I and III endoleak formation and aortic-related survival. Patients are mainly limited by age and by the aggressive underlying obliterative atherosclerotic process.