title: Stent-graft repair for thoracic aortic disease: results of an independent nationwide study in France from 1999 to 2001.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to assess the overall short-term outcome of stent-graft repair for thoracic aortic disease in France between June 1999 and May 2001.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study was designed by the French National Health Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers. To ensure objectivity, data were retrieved at each center and checked by a team of medical advisors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between June 1999 and May 2001, a total of 166 stent-graft repairs for thoracic aortic disease were performed in 166 patients, mainly by surgeons in the operating room (88%). Patients were classified according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists as status I or II in 24% of cases, status III in 56%, and status IV or V in 20%. The diameter of the thoracic aneurysm was less than 50 mm in 17% of cases. Seventeen patients (10%) died during the first 3 months, including 8 within the first 30 days after the procedure. A total of 49 complications were noted in 34 patients (20.5%). Endoleaks occurred in 27 patients (16.3%), including 8 that necessitated further treatment. Other stent-related complications included rupture (n = 3), aortoesophageal or tracheal fistula (n = 3), paraplegia (n = 6), stent migration (n = 2), visceral embolism (n = 5), and cerebral embolism (n = 2). There were 14 delivery-related complications (8%) at the catheterization site. Non-stent-related complications occurred in 14 (8%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This nationwide study demonstrates that stent-graft repair for thoracic aortic disease can be performed with acceptable postoperative morbidity. However, it is not a risk-free procedure and should continue to be used in an investigative setting.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Surgery Department, University Hospital, Poitiers, France. j.b.ricco@chu-poitiers.fr
authors.forename: Jean-Baptiste
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Ricco
authors.forename: Jérome
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cau
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marchand
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marty
authors.forename: Marie-Hélène
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Rodde-Dunet
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fender
authors.forename: Hubert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Allemand
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Corsini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors