May 20, 1999 | MICHAEL D. DAKE, M.D., NORIYUKI KATO, M.D., R. SCOTT MITCHELL, M.D., CHARLES P. SEMBA, M.D., MAHMOOD K. RAZAVI, M.D., TAKATSUGU SHIMONO, M.D., TADANORI HIRANO, M.D., KAN TAKEDA, M.D., ISAO YADA, M.D., AND D. CRAIG MILLER, M.D.
Endovascular stent-graft placement is a promising treatment for acute aortic dissection. The study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of this technique in 19 patients with acute aortic dissections, including 4 with type A (ascending aorta) and 15 with type B (descending aorta). The stent-grafts were placed across the primary entry tear to cover the aortic false lumen. All 19 patients had successful placement of the stent-grafts. Complete thrombosis of the thoracic aortic valve lumen was achieved in 15 patients (79%), and partial thrombosis in 4 (21%). Revascularization of ischemic branch vessels occurred in 76% of the obstructed branches. Three patients died within 30 days, resulting in an early mortality rate of 16%. No deaths or aneurysms occurred during the 13-month follow-up period.
Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates. For type A dissections, surgical intervention is typically performed immediately, while type B dissections are often managed with medical therapy. However, endovascular stent-grafting offers a less invasive alternative for patients with acute aortic dissection. The study found that stent-graft placement across the primary entry tear was technically successful in all patients and resulted in improved outcomes, including revascularization of ischemic branch vessels and complete thrombosis of the false lumen in most patients. The technique showed promise for selected patients with acute aortic dissection, although further research is needed to fully assess its therapeutic potential. The results suggest that endovascular stent-grafting may be a viable alternative to surgical treatment for acute type B dissections, particularly in cases where the primary tear is located distal to the left subclavian artery. The study also highlights the importance of early intervention to prevent complications such as end-organ ischemia and aneurysm formation. Overall, the study demonstrates that endovascular stent-grafting is a promising treatment option for acute aortic dissection, with favorable short-term outcomes and no major complications observed during follow-up.Endovascular stent-graft placement is a promising treatment for acute aortic dissection. The study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of this technique in 19 patients with acute aortic dissections, including 4 with type A (ascending aorta) and 15 with type B (descending aorta). The stent-grafts were placed across the primary entry tear to cover the aortic false lumen. All 19 patients had successful placement of the stent-grafts. Complete thrombosis of the thoracic aortic valve lumen was achieved in 15 patients (79%), and partial thrombosis in 4 (21%). Revascularization of ischemic branch vessels occurred in 76% of the obstructed branches. Three patients died within 30 days, resulting in an early mortality rate of 16%. No deaths or aneurysms occurred during the 13-month follow-up period.
Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates. For type A dissections, surgical intervention is typically performed immediately, while type B dissections are often managed with medical therapy. However, endovascular stent-grafting offers a less invasive alternative for patients with acute aortic dissection. The study found that stent-graft placement across the primary entry tear was technically successful in all patients and resulted in improved outcomes, including revascularization of ischemic branch vessels and complete thrombosis of the false lumen in most patients. The technique showed promise for selected patients with acute aortic dissection, although further research is needed to fully assess its therapeutic potential. The results suggest that endovascular stent-grafting may be a viable alternative to surgical treatment for acute type B dissections, particularly in cases where the primary tear is located distal to the left subclavian artery. The study also highlights the importance of early intervention to prevent complications such as end-organ ischemia and aneurysm formation. Overall, the study demonstrates that endovascular stent-grafting is a promising treatment option for acute aortic dissection, with favorable short-term outcomes and no major complications observed during follow-up.