Background: Aneurysms of the transverse aortic arch, especially those involving the mid to distal arch, are technically challenging to repair with conventional open techniques. We present our results with a combined open/endovascular approach ("hybrid repair") in such patients.
Methods: From August 11, 2005, to September 18, 2008, 28 patients underwent hybrid arch repair. For patients (n = 9) with distal arch aneurysms but 2 cm or more of proximal landing zone (PLZ) distal to the innominate artery, right to left carotid-carotid bypass was performed to create a PLZ by covering the left carotid origin. For patients (n = 12) with mid arch aneurysms but 2 cm or more of PLZ in the ascending aorta, proximal ascending aorta-based arch debranching was performed. For patients (n = 7) with arch aneurysms with no adequate PLZ ("mega aorta") but adequate distal landing zone, a stage 1 elephant trunk procedure was performed to create a PLZ. For the first two groups, endovascular aneurysm exclusion and debranching were performed concomitantly, whereas the procedures were staged for the group undergoing an initial elephant trunk procedure.
Results: Mean patient age was 64 +/- 13 years. Primary technical success rate was 100%. Thirty-day/in-hospital rates of death, stroke, and permanent paraplegia/paresis were 0%, 0%, and 3.6% (n = 1), respectively. At a mean follow-up of 14 +/- 11 months, there have been no late aortic-related events. Two patients (7%) required secondary endovascular reintervention for a type 1 endovascular leak. No patient has a type 1 or 3 endovascular leak at latest follow-up.
Conclusions: Hybrid repair of transverse aortic arch aneurysms appears safe and effective at midterm follow-up and may represent a technical advance in the treatment of this pathology.