Midterm Morphological Change of Kommerell's Diverticulum after Hybrid Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

Abstract

Background: Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is associated with a high incidence of right-sided aortic arch (RAA). Hybrid thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is an effective and less invasive alternative to open repair. However, the long-term results regarding KD diameter regression or symptom improvement remain inadequately described.

Methods: Nine patients underwent TEVAR for KD associated with RAA between January 2016 and September 2023 at our university hospital and affiliated institutions. A hybrid procedure was performed to exclude KD by blocking the proximal blood flow with TEVAR and distal blood flow with embolization of the aberrant subclavian artery. Simultaneously, extra-anatomical bypass surgery was performed to revascularize the covered supraarch vessels.

Results: The patients' mean age was 65.2 years, and 6 patients were men. Two patients presented with dysphagia, whereas the rest were asymptomatic. The mean diameter and distance to the opposite aortic wall (OAW) of KD were 32.1 mm and 56.2 mm, respectively. For revascularization of the covered supraarch vessels, 6 and 2 patients underwent total debranching with sternotomy and extra-thoracic bypass (bilateral common carotid artery-axial artery bypass), respectively. The 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 0%, with no instances of cerebral infarction or spinal cord ischemia. The mean follow-up period was 3.2 years. The survival and avoidance rates of aortic events were 100% at 1 and 3 years. Follow-up computed tomography scans showed no endoleaks; however, 1 (11.1%) type 2 endoleak from the aberrant left subclavian artery occurred 1 week postoperatively, necessitating additional coiling. Seven patients were followed up for more than 1 year, with 5 experiencing reductions of more than 3 mm in KD diameter, distance to the OAW, or both.

Conclusions: Although further follow-up and investigations are needed, TEVAR may be a safe and effective surgical treatment for KD associated with RAA.