Celiac trunk coverage in endovascular aneurysm repair

Abstract

Background and aims: This retrospective study was undertaken to examine the risks associated with obstruction of the coeliac trunk in the process of treating aneurysms with endografting.

Material and methods: 120 patients were treated by endografting for aneurysmal disease. Of these, a subgroup of 9 patients had their celiac trunk covered. If possible, a preoperative angiography was performed to evaluate collateral flow from the superior mesenteric artery. This was considered to predict the risk for ischemia.

Results: None of the patients had any severe clinical event of the celiac trunk occlusion or clinical signs of intestinal ischemia. Three patients had transient increase of liver enzymes.

Conclusions: In cases where the distal landing zone of the descending thoracic aorta is to short for endografting, covering of the celiac trunk may be an option if no other surgical alter-native is apparent. Preoperative angiography to visualise the presence of collateral vessels from the superior mesenteric artery is recommended.