Management strategies for thoracic stent-graft repair of distal aortic arch lesions: is intentional subclavian artery occlusion a safe procedure?

Eur Radiol. 2009 Oct;19(10):2407-15. doi: 10.1007/s00330-009-1433-3. Epub 2009 May 9.

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess the clinical consequences after intentional left subclavian artery (LSA) occlusion. Thirty-seven patients, 27 type B dissection and 10 thoracic aneurysm, with short proximal neck (less than 2 cm) underwent endovascular treatment with intentional exclusion of LSA origin. No immediate complications occurred. Mean arterial pressure gradient, between right and left arms, ranged from 15 to 45 mmHg. After a mean follow-up of 43.70 + or - 24.01 months, mild left arm symptoms secondary to flow reduction occurred in eight cases (21.6%) but only one required LSA transposition, after 8 months, for visual impairment. Type II endoleaks from excluded LSA occurred in 10 cases (27.0%): in seven patients, leaks were treated with coils and/or glue embolization; in one case, leak sealed spontaneously; one patient died before leak embolization could occur; one patient refused any further treatment. Intentional exclusion of the LSA may be justified when a longer proximal landing zone in the aortic arch is required.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography, Interventional / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stents*
  • Subclavian Steal Syndrome*
  • Treatment Outcome