Fenestrated/Branched Physician-Modified Endovascular Grafts for Aortic Pathologies Involving the Aberrant Subclavian Artery

Abstract

Purpose:

The case series aim to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of using fenestrated/branched physician-modified endovascular grafts (PMEGs) to treat aortic pathologies involving the aberrant subclavian artery (ASA).

Technique:

We presented 3 cases with multiple anomalies and complications related to the ASA. Two patients had aberrant right subclavian arteries (ARSA) and developed aortic dissection spontaneously or iatrogenically after endovascular intervention for myocardial infarction. The third patient had an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) together with a Kommerell’s diverticulum (KD) arising from a right-sided aortic arch and developed an aortic dissection. In all 3 cases, an Ankura thoracic endograft (Lifetech, Shenzhen, China) was back-table modified by adding an inner branch and a fenestration for bilateral subclavian arteries, respectively. All procedures were successfully conducted, and all patients underwent 6-month follow-up courses, which were uneventful.

Conclusion:

Our case series demonstrate a feasible and less invasive therapeutic approach, which produces promising results in treating the aortic pathologies involving the ASA. Further studies and long-term follow-up are required to refine this technical approach and to validate its durability.

Clinical Impact

The case series illustrate a total endovascular approach to treat aortic arch pathologies involving the ASA, which is one of the most frequent aortic arch anomalies. The use of PMEGs allows meticulous subclavian artery reconstruction without significant trauma brought by traditional open or hybrid approach. Our cases suggest that using PMEGs for total endovascular management of patients with ASA is feasible and effective, and it may help streamline the treatment of complex aortic pathologies.