Elective sac perfusion to reduce the risk of neurologic events following endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms.
Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a catastrophic complication of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. This article describes our early experience with a technique for maintaining perfusion of segmental vessels (intercostals and lumbars) in the early postoperative period after endovascular repair of a TAAA, with "sac perfusion branches" added to custom-made stent grafts. These are closed 7 to 10 days after the first procedure to complete exclusion of the aneurysm. We have used this technique in 10 patients with type II TAAAs. One developed monoparesis of the right leg during a period of hypotension secondary to a cardiac event and died within 30 days. Two patients developed lower limb weakness after closure of the perfusion branches, both with full recovery. Controlled perfusion of segmental vessels with perfusion branches is feasible and may be a useful adjunct to prevent SCI, providing protection to spinal cord perfusion during the immediate postoperative period when risk of SCI is greatest.
Centre for Cardiovascular Genetics, University College Hospital, University College London Hospital Multidisciplinary Endovascular Team, London, United Kingdom. seamus.harrison@ucl.ac.uk
Seamus C
SC
Harrison
Obi
O
Agu
Peter L
PL
Harris
Krassi
K
Ivancev
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D017130:Angioplasty / Q000379:methods; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010477:Perfusion / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D020760:Spinal Cord Ischemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015996:Survival Rate; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome