Aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique - a single-center study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique was developed to facilitate the two-stage surgery of extensive pathologies of the thoracic aorta and is now routinely applied in acute and chronic aortic syndromes.

Methods

From 11/2006 to 07/2017, 68 patients underwent aortic arch repair using the FET technique. Patients received either the Jotec E-vita Open graft (n =?57) or the Vascutek Thoraflex hybrid prosthesis (n =?11). Both, group 1 (acute aortic dissection type A and B; symptomatic penetrating aortic ulcer) and group 2 (aortic aneurysm; chronic aortic dissection) included 34 patients each.

Results

Early mortality was 13.2% (14.7% in group 1 vs. 11.7% in group 2, p =?0.720). Neurological complications occurred in 12 patients (17.6%) (stroke: 8.8 vs. 11.7%; p =?0.797 and spinal cord injury: 8.8 vs. 5.9%; p =?0.642 in groups 1 vs. 2 respectively). Cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross clamp time were significantly longer in group 1 (252.2?±?73.5 and 148.3?± 34?min vs. 189.2?±?47.8 and 116.3?± 34.5?min; p?ConclusionThe FET technique can be applied in acute aortic syndromes with similar risks regarding adverse events or mortality when compared to chronic degenerative aortic disease. Postoperative increase in true lumen diameter mirrors decrease of false lumen diameter, goes along with favorable midterm outcome and prolongs freedom from secondary interventions in acute aortic dissection.

SUBMITTER: Kremer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6676558 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature