Clinical Application of Stent-graft in Thoracic Aortic Diseases / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endovascular stent-graft insertion in aortic diseases is now generally accepted as an attractive alternative treatment modality. We reviewed our clinical experiences of endovascular stent-graft insertion in thoracic aorta. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Since 1995, we performed 8 cases of endovascular stent-graft insertion. Preoperative diagnoses were aortic aneurysms in 4, traumatic aortic ruptures in 3, and ruptured aortic pseudoaneurysm in 1. All procedures were performed in angiography room with the guidance of fluoroscopy. The stent-graft device is a custom-made 0.35 mm thickness Z-shaped stainless steel wires, intertwined with each other using polypropylene suture ligation. It is covered with expanded Dacron vascular graft. RESULT: All procedures were performed successfully. Follow-up studies revealed 2 minimal perigraft leakages. There was no significant leakage or graft migration. 2 patients expired due to multiple organ failure and fungal sepsis. Other survivors(6) are doing well. CONCLUSION: Endovascular stent-graft insertion is relatively safe and effective treatment modality in the management of various types of aortic diseases. It may be an effective alternative in aortic diseases of great surgical risk.