Multicenter Analysis of Endovascular Aortic Arch In Situ Stent-Graft Fenestrations for Aortic Arch Pathologies

BACKGROUND: In situ fenestration of aortic stent grafts for treatment of aortic arch aneurysms is a new option for endovascular aortic arch repair. So far, only few reports have shown perioperative and short-term results of in situ fenestrations for aortic arch diseases. We present the multicenter experience with the aortic arch in situ fenestration technique documented in the AARCHIF registry for treatment of aortic arch aneurysms or localized type A aortic dissections and analyzed perioperative outcome and midterm follow-up.

METHODS: Patients with aortic arch pathologies treated by aortic arch in situ fenestration with proximal stent graft landing in aortic arch Ishimura zones 0 and 1 were included in the registry. Stent-graft in situ fenestrations were created using needles or radiofrequency or laser catheters and completed by implantation of covered connecting stent grafts. Single in situ fenestrations for the left subclavian artery (LSA) were excluded.

RESULTS: Between 06/2009 and 03/2017, twenty-five patients were treated by in situ stent-graft fenestrations for aortic arch pathologies at 9 institutions in 7 different countries, 3 of them as bailout procedures for stent-graft malplacement. In situ fenestrations were performed for the brachiocephalic trunk (n = 20), the left common carotid artery (n = 21) and the LSA (n = 9). Technical success for intended in situ fenestrations was 94.0% (47/50), with additional supraaortic bypass procedures performed in 14 patients. Perioperative mortality occurred in 1 (4.0%) patient, treated as a bailout procedure and 3 (12.0%) perioperative strokes were observed. One proximal aortic stent-graft nonalignment and 4 type III endoleaks, 2 early and 2 late, required reeintervention. During follow-up (1-118 months), the diameter of aortic arch aneurysms decreased from 61.5 ± 4.1 mm to 48.4 ± 3.2 mm (P = 0.02) and, so far, 6 patients died from diseases unrelated to their aortic arch pathologies with a mean survival time of 79.5 months and 3 endovascular reinterventions for distal aortic expansion were performed. Cerebrovascular event (n = 4) was the most relevant prognostic factor for mortality during midterm follow-up (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: The aortic arch in situ fenestration technique for endovascular aortic arch repair seems to be valuable treatment option for selected patients, although initial consideration of other treatment options is mandatory. Data about long-term durability are required.