Early and Mid-term Results From a Tertiary Care Center for Total Aortic Arch Replacement Using the Thoraflex Hybrid Graft

Abstract

Objective

To report the outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for patients with chronic aortic dissection and thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Methods

Patients undergoing the FET technique using the Vascutek Thoraflex hybrid graft for chronic aortic dissection and thoracic aortic aneurysm from 2013 to 2021 were included. Outcomes included mortality rates, peri-operative complications and aortic related re-interventions. Patients were categorised into aortic dissection and thoracic aortic aneurysm groups.

Results

39 patients were identified, of whom 56% (n = 22) had a thoracic aortic aneurysm and 44% (n = 17) chronic aortic dissection. Patients with aneurysm had a significantly higher rate of peripheral artery disease at baseline. A significant difference was found in in-hospital mortality rate (27% in patients presenting with aneurysm (n = 6) vs 0% (n = 0) in patients with dissection). Peri-operative complications were 2 (5%) post-operative strokes, 1 (3%) symptomatic spinal cord ischemia, 2 (5%) lower limb ischemia and 4 (10%) ischemic colitis. The median follow-up was 14.8 (2.9-46.5) months. During follow up, mortality from all cause was 18% (n = 7), and aortic re-intervention rate 18% (n = 7) after 39.4 (19.8-45.5) months.

Conclusions

The FET technique is a good therapeutic option for aortic disease of the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta. While the postoperative outcome was acceptable given the high mortality rates of such disease and their treatment, outcomes were better among patients presenting with aortic dissection, particularly in terms of peri-operative mortality.