Complex Iatrogenic Dissection Complicating Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Abstract

Background: To report one the most feared complication of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR); a retrograde aortic dissection who can involve the aortic arch or ascending aorta, which require commonly coextensive open surgical repair.

Case reports: We report 2 cases of combined retrograde and antegrade dissection after endovascular treatment of an aneurysm of the descending aorta. In both cases, a dissection was identified at short-term follow-up; which required open surgical repair in one case and an additional endovascular treatment for the second case.

Conclusions: The incidence of extensive iatrogenic dissection after TEVAR is relatively low, open repair should be considered as a primary option in some cases with limited aortic dilatation to avoid such life-threatening complications.