Comparison of clinical outcomes between Castor single-branched stent graft and in situ fenestration in treating Stanford type B aortic dissection involving the left subclavian artery: A retrospective case-control study.

Stanford type B aortic dissection involving the left subclavian artery (LSA) poses significant clinical challenges. The Castor single-branch stent graft and in situ fenestration are commonly used techniques, but the better endovascular treatment remains debated. This study evaluates the clinical effects of the Castor single-branched stent graft versus in situ fenestration in treating Stanford type B aortic dissection involving the LSA. We selected 75 patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection involving the LSA, admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2018 to May 2022. All patients underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair; 34 received the Castor single-branched stent graft, while 41 underwent in situ fenestration. Clinical efficacy and perioperative complications were compared. The technical success rate of the Castor single-branch stent graft was significantly higher than that of in situ fenestration (97.06% vs 80.49%, P = .04). The Castor group exhibited significantly better outcomes in operative time (136.45 ± 25.53 min vs 157.08 ± 18.14 min), LSA blood flow recovery time (6.8 ± 2.3 min vs 20.1 ± 9.8 min), blood loss (29.03 ± 9.78 mL vs 35.69 ± 10.77 mL), contrast medium usage (288.71 ± 72.70 mL vs 352.78 ± 81.02 mL), and immediate postoperative endoleaks (1/34 vs 7/41) (P < .05). Stroke incidence (1/34 vs 2/41) and perioperative mortality (0/34 vs 1/41) were similar (P > .05). Hospital stays were comparable (15.71 ± 6.04 days vs 14.22 ± 5.01 days, P = .28). However, the cost of medical supplies (154,168.62 ± 28,288.44 CNY vs 119,589.72 ± 34,199.67 CNY) and total hospital expenses (192,665.88 ± 40,027.99 CNY vs 153,920.47 ± 42,670.87 CNY) were significantly higher in the Castor group (P < .05). The median follow-up time was 9 months (1-60 months). Follow-up showed similar 30-day postoperative mortality (1/41 vs 0/34, P = 1.00), stent patency (33/34 vs 39/41, P = .67), and stent migration rates (0/34 vs 1/41, P = 1.00). However, the endoleak rate was significantly higher in the in situ fenestration group (11/41 vs 1/34, P = .01). Both the Castor single-branch stent graft and the in situ fenestration technique effectively protect and reconstruct the LSA in Stanford type B aortic dissection, with the Castor single-branch stent graft showing higher technical success and fewer complications, indicating better clinical potential.