Endovascular repair in type A aortic dissection: Anatomical candidacy for currently manufactured stent grafts and conceptual valve-carrying devices for an Endo-Bentall procedure.

objectivesEndovascular treatment has been suggested as an alternative for open surgery for type A aortic dissection, but current devices have severe anatomical limitations. This study assesses the computed tomography-based anatomical suitability of currently manufactured stent grafts as well as 2 embodiments of valve-carrying devices.

methodsIn a retrospective single-centre cohort of 200 consecutive ascending/arch operations between 2009 and 2018, a total of 112 patients with type A aortic dissections were identified and evaluated for endovascular candidacy based on the locations of the entries, the landing zone diameters/lengths and the supra-aortic vessel origins according to the anatomical instructions for use criteria of 6 commercially available (tubular, branched or fenestrated) stent grafts. Two suggested valve-carrying devices with inner branches or fenestrations for the coronary arteries and branches for the supra-aortic vessels were also evaluated.

resultsThe anatomical feasibility for commercial stent grafts ranged from 4% to 21%. The main limitations were proximal landing zone diameter (considering oversizing <15%), length due to dilatation and an entry too close to the sinotubular junction. For the valve-carrying conduits, anatomical feasibility was between 31% and 80%, with the main limiting factors being the diameter of the aortic annulus and its distance to the coronary arteries.

conclusionsThe anatomical applicability of currently manufactured stent grafts for the treatment of type A aortic dissection is limited mainly by the absence of a suitable proximal landing zone in the ascending aorta and might substantially be improved by anchoring in the aortic annulus using a valve-carrying device that uses either fenestrations or branches for the coronary arteries.