• B Dorweiler, C Dueber, A Neufang, W Schmiedt, M B Pitton, and H Oelert.
• Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55101, Mainz, Germany. dorweiler@htg.klinik.uni-mainz.de
• Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2001 Jun 1; 19 (6): 739-45.

ObjectiveHerein we report our experience in placement of endovascular stentgrafts in the descending aorta in patients with acute bleeding complications due to traumatic rupture or aortobronchial fistula.MethodsSix patients (one woman, five men, mean age 47+/-19 years) were treated from September 1995 to February 2000 by implantation of endovascular stentgrafts in the descending aorta. Indications included traumatic ruptures of the aortic isthmus (n=3) and aortobronchial fistulas (n=3). All procedures were performed under general anaesthesia. The implants were introduced under fluoroscopic guidance via the aorta (n=1), the iliac (n=4) or femoral (n=2) artery, respectively.ResultsAll aortobronchial fistulas and ruptures were sealed up successfully. There was no perioperative morbidity and no procedure-related morbidity except one patient who received aortofemoral reconstruction because of iliac occlusive disease. All patients are alive and well after a mean follow-up of 31 months (range 6-60). Two patients had recurrent hemoptysis, in one case, the patient received a second implant (distal extension), the other patient was managed conservatively.ConclusionEndovascular treatment by a stentgraft is a safe and reliable procedure in the management of acute bleeding complications in patients with aortic rupture or aortobronchial fistulas.

39 keywords...

hide…