Delayed Stent Deformity and Fracture of Djumbodis Dissection System

Late complications of the Djumbodis system in patients with type A acute aortic dissection

The Djumbodis system is a metallic stent designed to prevent false lumen dilatation after repair of acute aortic dissection. Although the exact number of Djumbodis stents inserted worldwide could not be ascertained from a review of the literature, available data indicate 9 specific device-related complications from 4 patient series and 3 case reports: stent deformity or fracture (4), progressive enlargement of the distal false lumen (3) and distal pseudoaneurysm (1); a further patient with pseudoaneurysm of the distal suture line is added from personal observation. The present review confirms the inability of the Djumbodis stent to provide reduction and/or elimination of the false lumen after repair of type A dissection, highlighting peculiar device-related complications. Current survivors with a Djumbodis stent should undergo close follow-up to prevent possible catastrophic events due to device failure.

Open descending aortic replacement in a patient with a fractured Djumbodis™ dissection system

The Djumbodis™ dissection system was introduced as an alternative to aortic arch replacement in acute type A aortic dissection involving the arch. In our own experience, some patients with Djumbodis implantation developed distal aortic arch and descending aortic aneurysm during subsequent follow-up and required additional interventions. However, as there is a high incidence of fracture associated with the Djumbodis system, further endovascular interventions are not feasible. We report a case of successful open descending aortic replacement in a patient with a fractured Djumbodis stent system.

[Djumbodis stent migration in a patient with aortic dissection]

Treatment of patients presenting with type I aortic dissection is known to be a surgical challenge. The Djumbodis bare metal stent was developed to ease the burden of a reconstructive intervention on the aortic arch, to decrease the duration of the operation, and to minimize complications associated with artificial circulation. Currently, insufficiently explored remains the problem of complications occurring due to the technological fatigue of the metal and possible stent migration. Described herein is a clinical case report regarding migration of a Djumbodis stent, diagnosed 6 months after implantation for DeBakey type I acute aortic dissection. We revealed dislocation of the stent's distal portion with fenestration of the membrane of the true channel and perfusion of the false channel, as well as fractured fragments of the stent. The patient underwent repeat 'open' intervention.

Associated bare stenting of distal aorta with a Djumbodis(®) system versus conventional surgery in type A aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of additional stenting of the distal aorta as compared to conventional surgery alone in type A aortic dissection (TAD) has yet to be proven.

METHODS

We conducted this multicenter comparative study to evaluate the effects of antegrade bare stenting of the dissected aorta beyond the distal anastomosis with a Djumbodis(®) device system (DDS). Outcomes that were measured included early outcomes, overall mortality from aortic cause and late aortic events including re-interventions. A consecutive series of 134 patients operated on in two participating centers were distributed into study and control groups according to the treatment received: conventional surgery with DDS (DJ group, n=42) or without (control group, n=92).

RESULTS

Operative mortality was 21.4% and 17.6% in the DJ and control groups, respectively (P=0.9), and was within pre-specified alarm lines for both groups. In multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of operative mortality was the presence of any complication (cardiac tamponade or malperfusion, P=0.05), which occurred more in the DJ group (OR =1.3; non-significant). Sixty patients were included into the matched survivors cohorts study (propensity scoring). The aortic event-free survival at 7 years for early survivors was 77%±10% and 48%±11% in the matched DJ group and control group, respectively (HR =0.66). Late mortality from an aortic cause was 10% and 20% in the matched DJ group and control group, respectively (RR =0.5). Actuarial freedom from aortic or vascular interventions was 71%±10% and 67%±9% in the matched DJ and control group, respectively. Operative mortality was not influenced by the use of DDS as compared to conventional surgery alone for TAD.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a trend towards better organ perfusion in the DJ group postoperatively, and more aortic events and deaths of aortic cause in the control group during follow-up.

The "Lantern" Procedure to Simplify Treatment of Retrograde Type A Dissection After Thoracic Endograft Stenting

The emergency repair of retrograde type A aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair is a complex and challenging surgical procedure and carries a surgical challenge. Previous studies have reported a significant mortality in the complex repair of retrograde type A aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. We devised a simplified hybrid method-the "Lantern" procedure-to solve this retrograde type A aortic dissection complication.