Frozen elephant trunk implantation for pseudoaneurysms of the distal aortic arch and descending aorta

Objective To review the outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk implantation in patients with pseudoaneurysms of the distal aortic arch and descending aorta. Methods From March 2009 to December 2017, patients with pseudoaneurysms of the distal aortic arch and descending aorta who underwent the frozen elephant trunk implantation were enrolled. Patient demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, early morbidity and mortality data were collected from medical and electronic patient records. Clinical follow-up data, including late morbidity and mortality, were obtained by telephone interview with the patient. Results A total of 14 patients were included, 13 males and 1 females, aged( 41.0±14.7) years. Early mortality rate was 7.14% (1/14). The cause of death was rupture of the distal descending thoracic aorta. The early complications included reexploration for bleeding in 1 patient and pericardial window for delayed pericardial effusion in 1 patient. The mean follow-up was(32.3±22.3) months. There was 1 late death from severe pulmonary infection. Conclusion The frozen elephant trunk implantation is an appropriate therapeutic strategy for patients with pseudoaneurysms of the distal aortic arch and descending aorta. Key words: Aorta; Aortic aneurysm; Frozen elephant trunk implantation