title: Mid-term results for second-generation thoracic stent grafts.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thoracic stent grafts offer an alternative to open surgery for thoracic aortic disease, but their long-term durability is unknown. This report includes mid-term follow-up for commercially available thoracic devices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected prospectively for a series of endoluminal grafts used to treat thoracic aortic pathology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between July 1997 and October 2002, 67 patients received thoracic stent grafts. Elective procedures incurred a 30-day mortality rate of 2 per cent (one of 42 patients) and urgent repair 16 per cent (four of 25). Paraplegia affected three (4 per cent) of 67 patients and three patients had a stroke. The median follow-up was 17 (range 2-64) months; four patients were lost. There were six late deaths, two from aneurysm rupture (rupture of a mycotic aneurysm at 5 months and stent migration at 28 months). Other device-related complications comprised three proximal endoleaks, one of which required open surgical correction with removal of the stent graft, and two distal endoleaks, which were successfully treated with distal extension cuffs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the mid term, endoluminal repair of thoracic aortic pathology appears to be a safe alternative to open surgery, but continued surveillance is essential.
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aukett
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sabharwal
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Reidy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome