ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and effectiveness of vascular reconstruction in patients with symptomatic tortuosity common carotid artery (SCAT). MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 12 cases of SCAT treated with vascular reconstruction between June 2010 and October 2013. There were 11 females and 1 male with the mean age of 54.8 years (range, 48-62 years). The unilateral common carotid artery was involved in all cases. Imaging examination showed C-shaped tortuosity of 4-8 cm in length (mean, 5.4 cm). The CT, brain CT, ultrasound examinations, or angiography was performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and annually. ResultsThe surgery success rate was 100% with no perioperative death and serious complications. The mean operation time was 1.98 hours; the mean blood loss was 50 mL; and the mean clamping time was 14.9 minutes. The systolic pressure gradient across the lesion was significantly decreased from (39.58±9.54) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at pre-operation to (5.50±2.39) mm Hg at immediate after operation (t=15.492, P=0.000). No recurrence or stenosis was found at 9 months to 3 years of follow-up. The systolic and diastolic pressures at last follow-up were significantly improved to (132.17±6.24) mm Hg and (82.67±6.51) mm Hg from (152.83±14.80) mm Hg and (94.17±11.30) mm Hg at pre-operation (t=5.751, P=0.000; t=4.976, P=0.000). ConclusionVascular reconstruction in SCAT is recommended for good short- and mid-term effectiveness and relatively low complication and mortality after operation. Moreover, the long-term results still need to be investigated.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) with hostile stent-graft proximal landing zone. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 13 patients with BTAI with hostile stent-graft proximal landing zone treated by TEVAR between December 2007 and December 2014. There were 10 males and 3 females with the mean age of 44 years (range, 24-64 years). The imaging examination indicated Stanford type B aortic dissection in 7 cases, pseudoaneurysm in 3 cases, aneurysm in 1 case, and penetrating ulcer in 2 cases. According to the partition method of thoracic aortic lesion by Mitchell, 8 cases underwent stent-graft with left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage, 3 underwent chimney stents for LSA, and 2 for left common carotid artery (LCCA). In 2 cases receiving chimney TEVAR involving LCCA, one underwent steel coils at the proximal segment of LSA to avoid type II endoleak and the other underwent in situ fenestration for endovascular reconstruction of LSA. ResultsAll TEVAR procedures were successfully performed. The mean operation time was 1.8 hours (range, 1-3 hours); the mean intraoperative blood loss was 120 mL (range, 30-200 mL); and the mean hospitalization time was 15 days (range, 7-37 days). No perioperative death and paraplegia occurred. The patients were followed up 3-30 months (mean, 18 months). Type I endoleak occurred in 1 case during operation and spontaneously healed within 6 months. Hematoma at brachial puncture site with median nerve compression symptoms occurred in 1 case at 3 weeks after operation; ultrasound examination showed brachial artery pseudoaneurysm and thrombosis, and satisfactory recovery was obtained after pseudoaneurysmectomy. No obvious chest pain, shortness of breath, left upper limbs weakness, numbness, and dizziness symptoms were observed. Imaging examination revealed that stentgraft and branched stent remained in stable condition. Meanwhile the blood flow was unobstructed. No lesions expanded and ruptured. No new death, bacterial infection, or other serious complications occurred. ConclusionAccording to Mitchell method, individualized plan may be the key to a promising result. More patients and further follow-up need to be included, studied, and observed.