The thoracic endograft: a minimally invasive treatment option for aortic diseases.
BACKGROUND
Thoracic endografts provide a less invasive surgical option for treatment of descending aortic pathology. We present our early thoracic endograft experience with endovascular management of aneurysms, penetrating aortic ulcers, and traumatic injuries.


METHODS
Fifteen consecutive patients scheduled for endograft placement at a single institution were evaluated on an intent-to-treat basis. Retrospective record review was used to determine patient demographics, surgical indications, operative, and follow-up care.


RESULTS
Fourteen of 15 patients (93.3%) had successful endograft implantation. Thirty-day survival was 100%, with a 0% rate of spinal cord ischemia. Morbidity included access complications in two patients (13.3%) and a myocardial infarction in one patient (6.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
Descending thoracic aortic pathology can be treated with low morbidity and mortality using endografts, even in high-risk patients. Continued post-placement surveillance is necessary.
Noll
Robert E
RE
Ochsner Medical Center, USA.
Tonnessen
Britt H
BH
Mannava
Krishna
K
Money
Samuel R
SR
Sternbergh
Charles
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017130:Angioplasty / Q000379:methods*; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000293:injuries; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014456:Ulcer / Q000601:surgery