A custom-made scalloped stentgraft to preserve left subclavian artery flow in descending thoracic aortic disease with a short neck

Abstract

In thoracic stentgrafting, a short proximal landing zone may necessitate intentional occlusion of the left subclavian artery, which may lead to brain, spinal cord, and left arm malperfusion. A scalloped stentgraft is designed for adequate proximal sealing and preserving the left subclavian artery flow. We performed a systematic review, describe the required pre-operative planning and details of the perioperative technique used and report our own experience. In literature, only 29 patients were reported so far using a proximal scalloped stentgraft. Results show a high technical success rate and low complication rate. These results are comparable to the results from our own institution. From these first small series the scalloped thoracic endovascular aortic repair appears to be a safe and relatively simple solution for thoracic aortic disease involving the left subclavian artery.