BACKGROUND: Results after thoracic endovascular aortic repair in penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers are uncertain. METHODS: From 1997 to 2010, 72 patients (median age, 67 years) presented with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (symptomatic, 58%; rupture, 36%). Median logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) was 32. Mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 19 to 56 months). In-hospital mortality, occurrence of endoleaks, reinterventions, and survival were recorded. RESULTS: In hospital mortality was 4%. The primary success rate was 100%. Actuarial survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 93%, 72%, and 60%. The early type I and III endoleak rate was 2.7%. The late type I and III endoleak rate was 4%. One late surgical conversion was performed. Aortic-related actuarial survival was 100% at 1 year and 98.6% at 5 and 10 years. Age older than 75 years (odds ratio, 8.928; 95% confidence interval, 2.05 to 38.93) was an independent predictor of survival. During follow-up, 21% of patients underwent a cardiovascular intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Results after thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers are excellent for early and late type I and III endoleak formation and aortic-related survival. Patients are mainly limited by age and by the aggressive underlying obliterative atherosclerotic process.
BACKGROUND: Results after thoracic endovascular aortic repair in penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers are uncertain. METHODS: From 1997 to 2010, 72 patients (median age, 67 years) presented with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (symptomatic, 58%; rupture, 36%). Median logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) was 32. Mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 19 to 56 months). In-hospital mortality, occurrence of endoleaks, reinterventions, and survival were recorded. RESULTS: In hospital mortality was 4%. The primary success rate was 100%. Actuarial survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 93%, 72%, and 60%. The early type I and III endoleak rate was 2.7%. The late type I and III endoleak rate was 4%. One late surgical conversion was performed. Aortic-related actuarial survival was 100% at 1 year and 98.6% at 5 and 10 years. Age older than 75 years (odds ratio, 8.928; 95% confidence interval, 2.05 to 38.93) was an independent predictor of survival. During follow-up, 21% of patients underwent a cardiovascular intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Results after thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers are excellent for early and late type I and III endoleak formation and aortic-related survival. Patients are mainly limited by age and by the aggressive underlying obliterative atherosclerotic process.