A review of the surgical management of right-sided aortic arch aneurysms

Endovascular treatment of a descending thoracic aorta aneurysm in a patient with right sided aortic arch: a case report

BACKROUND

Right-sided aortic arch is a rare congenital variant. The Edwards classification describes three types of right sided-aortic arch: right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery, right aortic arch with mirror image branching, and right aortic arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery. Aneurysms associated with right sided aortic arch are rare. Pain is the commonest presenting symptom, but due to the anatomy of the right aortic arch, the symptoms may be atypical, as dysphagia. We present a case of a challenging endovascular repair in a patient with aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta and right aortic arch.

CASE PRESENTATION

Α 55 year old patient was admitted in our hospital with chest pain. After the initial clinical and laboratory workout that was negative for acute coronary syndrome, Computed Tomography Angiography revealed an aneurysm of the descending aorta 10,3 cm in width, and a right sided aortic arch (Edwards' classification). Endovascular repair was selected as the treatment option of choice. Technically the endografting was challenging, firstly because of the right sided aortic arch, secondly because the four aortic branches originate independently. In order to identify the orifices of arch vessels during the angiography, brachial access in both upper extremities was achieved. In this way, it was possible to correctly deploy the thoracic aortic stent graft. No endoleaks were observed in the final angiography. Postoperative Computed Tomography Angiography 10 months after the operation showed no endoleaks.

CONCLUSION

This case indicates that TEVAR is feasible as a treatment option in patients with right-sided aortic arch, even though technically is challenging. However more evidence-based data are needed to certify long-term safety and efficacy of endovascular repair in treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm associated with right-sided aortic arch.

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

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.

Management of Right-Sided Aortic Arch With Type B Aortic Dissection and Aortoesophageal Fistula

We describe the workup and successful surgical management of a patient with a right-sided aortic arch complicated by chronic type B aortic dissection, tracheal injury, and an unexpected aortoesophageal fistula.

Surgical treatment for right-side aortic arch concomitant with Kommerell's diverticulum: techniques selection and follow-up results

BACKGROUND

Right-side aortic arch concomitant with Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a rare and complex ailment, and there is no consensus on the optimal strategy to deal with this congenital anomaly. We retrospectively analyzed and summary of the cases treated in our center with individual treatment methods for different situations.

METHODS

Between September 2018 and December 2021, 10 patients experienced surgical therapy at our institution who presented with a Kommerell's diverticulum arising from an aberrant subclavian artery from the right-side aortic arch. Four main surgical techniques were applied to those patients: 1. total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk implantation (n = 2); 2. hybrid procedure combining open arch repair and endovascular intervention (n = 1); 3. total endovascular repair using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with or without left subclavian artery (LSCA) revascularization (n = 6); 4. direct repair underwent endoaneurysmorrhaphy. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

The mean age of these 10 patients was 56.5 years (range 29-79 years) and only 1 woman. The pathology includes aortic dissection (n = 6) and aneurysm (n = 4). The mean diverticulum size was 41.4 [24.2-56.8] mm. There were no in-hospital deaths, and the median hospital stay was 22 [15-43] days. During the follow-up period (21.4 months, 1-44 months), one died of an unknown cause and one died of esophageal fistula. Two patients underwent second-stage endovascular intervention for distal lesion. And none of the patients had endoleak during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Each of the procedures we have mentioned here has its advantages and disadvantages; individualized treatment should meet the appropriate indications. A single-branched stent graft is feasible and effective in the treatment of aortic disease combined with Kommerell's diverticulum.

Hybrid management of type B aortic dissection in a patient with right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery

This report describes a patient with a right-sided aortic arch, aberrant left subclavian artery and Kommerell diverticulum, who presented with aneurysmal degeneration of the aortic root to the descending aorta, in addition to an acute type B2-10 aortic dissection. He underwent hybrid treatment with a valve-sparing aortic root replacement, transverse arch replacement with reattachment of the right subclavian artery, bilateral common carotid arteries, and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair with left subclavian artery embolization and a left common carotid to subclavian artery bypass.

Right anterolateral thoracotomy with partial sternotomy for chronic type B aortic dissection with right aortic arch and Kommerell's diverticulum

Chronic type B aortic dissection with the right aortic arch was rare. We present the case of a 59-year-old man with a right aortic arch and chronic type B aortic dissection, with a maximum size of 80 mm. Graft replacement was successfully performed through right anterolateral thoracotomy with partial sternotomy through the fourth intercostal space. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. He had no paralysis and was extubated on postoperative day 2 and discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 15. Anterolateral thoracotomy with partial sternotomy could be a suitable approach for right-sided aortic aneurysms.

Right-sided aortic arch with Kommerell’s diverticulum: a case report of a rare cause of type B dissection

Background

A right-sided aortic arch (RAArch) is present in approximately 0.1% of the population. A Kommerell’s diverticulum (KD), a remnant of the dorsal aortic arch usually refers to an aneurysmal aortic enlargement at the origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) and is associated with an increased risk of aortic dissection.

Case summary

A 59-year-old female smoker with a history of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia presented with a 24-hour history of sudden-onset and severe stabbing chest pain radiating to the interscapular region. Physical examination was normal except for bilateral basal crepitations. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed a type B aortic dissection in a RAArch with an ALSA arising from KD with a peri-aortic haematoma and haemothorax without any active contrast extravasation. After medical stabilization, a semi-urgent hybrid repair was performed with a right carotid-subclavian bypass, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), a plug in the left subclavian artery, and left carotid-subclavian bypass due to severe ischaemia of the left arm. The postoperative CTA showed patent bypasses, aortic remodelling, and a minimal type IIa endoleak at the level of the ALSA.

Discussion

In patients with a type B dissection and KD, hybrid repair including TEVAR is feasible after careful pre-operative assessment of the patient’s unique anatomy and may reduce post-surgical morbidity and mortality compared to open surgery. Prophylactic repair may be considered in patients with an asymptomatic RAArch and KD.

OUP accepted manuscript

The best treatment for a right-sided aortic arch (RAA) and Kommerell diverticulum (KD) has not been determined due to the rarity of these conditions. The current trend in the treatment of this disease is to increase the endovascular approach without a sternotomy. We describe a rare condition with an association of an RAA with a KD of an aberrant left subclavian artery and an anomalous right vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch (AVA). The left vertebral artery was missing. Also, there was an incomplete circle of Willis due to the absence of the left and right posterior communication arteries. Therefore, the AVA was the only artery to supply the vertebral-basilar system. In our case, a simple thoracic endovascular aortic repair was not suitable because of the sharply curved arch and short landing zone. Also, a debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair was not appropriate because that approach would not permit reconstruction of the AVA. The patient successfully underwent a total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique. This procedure could be an effective option for patients with RAAs with KDs associated with another arch vessel anomaly.

Modified use of a 4-branched frozen elephant trunk prosthesis for treatment of a right-sided aortic arch aneurysm with an aberrant left subclavian artery

Right aortic arch aneurysm originating from a Kommerell's diverticulum associated with an aberrant left subclavian artery is a rare congenital entity. We report a case of an asymptomatic 60-year-old female with right aortic arch aneurysm with an aberrant left subclavian artery, treated with a modified frozen elephant trunk technique using a 4-branched prosthesis, with the perfusion branch as an extra-anatomical bypass to the aberrant left subclavian artery. This case demonstrates short-term safety and efficacy of this technique.

A Systematic Review of Total Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Treatment of Kommerell Diverticulum Combined with Right-Sided Aortic Arch

Kommerell diverticulum (KD) combined with right-sided aortic arch (RAA) and aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) are rare and limited to a few case reports and small series. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), which is mini-invasive, is widely utilized in complicated aortic disease. We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify all patients who underwent endovascular repair for KD in terms of technical feasibility and procedural outcomes. Published and accepted studies only in English as well as article reference lists were searched and extracted to assess case series reporting solely TEVAR in KD patients. There were 28 patients with KD/RAA identified from 19 studies. All of them underwent endovascular technique for KD exclusion and the median age was 69 years (range 39-83 years). Hypertension (n=17) was the most common comorbidity in this cohort, followed by diabetes mellitus (n=3), hyperlipidemia (n=3), and smoking (n=3). The presenting symptoms were dysphagia (n=8, 29%), intermittent back pain (n=4, 14%), and acute aortic dissection (n=6, 21%), while asymptomatic was found in 9 patients (n=9, 32%). A technical success rate of 100% was reported associated with various managements of ALSA, proximal embolization (n=19, 68%), in-situ revascularization (n=3, 11%), and left carotid-subclavian bypass (n=3, 11%). All patients survived without severe complications and were discharged home within less than 14 days. The mean follow-up time was 9.3 months, patency was found in all patients, thrombosis and distinct shrinkage of KD aneurysm as indicated by CT-scans were noted (n=20, 71%), and type II endoleak was found in only 4 patients (n=4, 14%). TEVAR appears to be safe and offers favorable results, but it still needs substantial evidence to support routine use in KD. TEVAR is an alternative to open repair in selected cases, but it needs further investigation in a large cohort.

Different therapeutic modalities for aortic arch disease combined with Kommerell's diverticulum: single-center experience with nine cases

Background

Aortic arch disease with Kommerell’s diverticulum is an uncommon but troublesome condition, and there are a variety of therapeutic modalities for treating this. We retrospectively analyzed cases who underwent open surgery to summarize different situations and approaches.

Methods

From November 2015 to January 2019, nine patients underwent operation for the mentioned disorder. Four patients with aortic dissection received total arch replacement. Two patients suffering from type B aortic dissection (TBAD) have accepted graft replacement from ascending aorta (aAO) to descending aorta. Two patients with true aneurysm and congenital malformation underwent graft bypass from aAO to descending aorta. One patient had graft replacement of descending aorta.

Results

There were nine (eight males and one female) patients with median age of 45 (from 14 to 54) years. The 30-day mortality was 11.1% (1 patient) due to refractory respiratory failure caused by compression of bronchus. One patient had complication of peripheral neuropathy and recovered eventually. Eight patients were followed-up for a median period of 20 [9–46] months. All patients were alive and had no long-term complications except one patient who received re-intervention due to delayed dilation of downstream aorta.

Conclusions

Treatment for different arch lesions with Kommerell’s diverticulum should follow corresponding indications. Open surgery is the preferred choice and detailed therapeutic strategy depends on the extension of aneurysm, classification and phase of dissection. Stenting might cause airway compression when right-sided arch and vascular ring exist.

Modified total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique for a right-sided aortic arch and aortic diverticulum in a teenager

BACKGROUND

A right sided aortic arch (RAA) and an aortic diverticulum (AD) are a rare congenital anomaly associated with an aortic rupture and dissection. Recently, various methods for the surgical management have been described to treat RAAs and ADs.

CASE REPORT

We describe a case of an RAA with a mirror image branching (RAMI) and AD in a teenager who complained of chest pain. We planned a total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique. Further, we needed to devise a way to reconnect the cerebral vessels because of his small arch anatomy and limited space in the mediastinum. We performed a right subclavian artery debranching, creating an anastomosis using one graft and diamond anastomosis, and performed the left innominate and right carotid anastomosis in an island fashion. This surgical approach could be a treatment option for young or small patients with RAMIs and ADs, whose arch anatomy is very small.

Adult Aortotracheal Fistula as Sequela of Double Aortic Arch Repair in Infancy: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Double aortic arch is a rare congenital malformation of the aortic arch that most frequently presents in childhood. Early surgical intervention typically yields excellent outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To describe aortotracheal fistula as a rare, yet serious complication of vascular ring and subsequent aortic aneurysm in an adult patient.

METHODS

Clinical history, as well as radiographic and endoscopic imaging were obtained to describe the development, diagnosis, and clinical course of this patient's aortotracheal fistula. Additionally, follow up data was obtained to document the healing of this fistula after surgical repair.

RESULTS

We describe a case of a 46-year-old male with DiGeorge Syndrome and a double aortic arch, repaired in childhood, which developed into an aortotracheal fistula after tracheostomy placement as an adult.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates that dangerous complications of a double aortic arch can persist into adulthood, even after surgical repair in infancy. Each patient's unique anatomy must be considered when thinking about airway management and prevention of complications of this rare congenital anomaly.

Brief Review of Right Aortic Arch with Aberrant Left Subclavian Artery

Development anomalies of the aortic arch and its major branches are rare congenital cardiovascular disorders. In this article, we present aberrant left subclavian artery associated with right aortic arch.

Surgical treatment for Kommerell's diverticulum associated with aortic dissection involving aortic arch

OBJECTIVE

Kommerell diverticulum with aortic dissection involving aortic arch is a rare but troublesome condition. The purpose of this study is to summarize the experience and strategy of surgical treatment.

METHOD

From November 2015 to January 2018, seven consecutive patients underwent surgical treatment in our institution. Three patients with acute type A aortic dissection and one patient with acute type B aortic dissection received total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation through median sternotomy. Three patients with chronic type B aortic dissection underwent total aortic arch and descending aorta replacement through median sternotomy and lateral thoracotomy.

RESULT

There were seven male patients whose median age was 42.3 ± 11.7 (from 14 to 54) years old. There was no perioperative death in this study. One patient had postoperative critical illness polyneuropathy and required prolonged mechanical ventilation (485 hours) and recovered finally. Follow up was completed for all seven patients with a median follow-up time of 7 (3-46) months. One patient with type A dissection developed aneurysm of the descending aorta distal to the FET and received reintervention. No clinical events and abnormal computed tomography manifestations were found in the other seven patients.

CONCLUSION

Total arch replacement and FET through single median incision is a reliable method for Kommerell diverticulum associated with acute dissection involving arch. For Kommerell diverticulum associated with chronic type A or B aortic dissection involving aortic arch, graft replacement by double or single incision is safe and appropriate.

Risk factors of delayed awakening after aortic arch surgery under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion

Background

To determine the risk factors of delayed awakening following aortic arch surgery under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) in combination with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of all patients who underwent aortic arch surgery under DHCA + SACP between September 2015 and September 2017 in our hospital. Delayed awakening was defined as recovery of consciousness later than 24 hours after the surgery. Risk factors of delayed awakening were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 168 subjects were included. In-hospital mortality of the overall sample was 19.05% (n=32). Delayed awakening occurred in 76 (45.23%) subjects. Subjects with delayed awakening had older age, hypertension, higher rate of emergency surgery and blood transfusion, and longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and myocardial blocking time. Multivariate regression analysis showed emergency surgery (P=0.005) and CPB time >240 min (P<0.001) as risk factors for delayed awakening, even after adjusting potential confounders, including age, hypertension, aortic cross-clamp time and blood transfusion.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing aortic arch surgery under DHCA + SACP, emergency surgery and CPB time >240 min are risk factors for delayed awakening.

Kommerell Diverticulum: Right Aortic Arch with Anomalous Origin of Left Subclavian Artery and Duplicity of Right Vertebral Artery in a 16-Year-Old Girl

Patient: Female, 16

Final Diagnosis: Kommerell diverticulum

Symptoms: Tachycardia

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Clinical observation only

Specialty: Cardiology

Right internal jugular vein thrombosis caused by aneurysm of right-sided aortic arch

A right-sided aortic arch is normally asymptomatic. We report the case of an 84-year-old man with right internal jugular vein thrombosis caused by an aneurysm in a right-sided aortic arch. The patient had undergone open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and had an uneventful postoperative course. However, a routine postoperative contrast-enhanced thoracic and abdominal computed tomography scan showed right internal jugular vein thrombosis. The patient had no history of catheter insertion in the right jugular veins and had no hereditary coagulopathy. It was presumed that the cause of this thrombosis was compression of the right brachiocephalic vein by an aneurysm of the right-sided ascending aorta that was considered too small to require surgical repair. The right internal jugular vein thrombosis was successfully treated with edoxaban. <Learning objective: This case report alerts us to consider that a right-sided aortic arch aneurysm considered too small for surgery can later cause upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis.>.

A case report of frozen elephant trunk combined with endovascular treatment for acute aortic dissection of Kommerell's diverticulum involving right aortic arch and descending aorta

RATIONALE

Acute aortic dissection of Kommerell's diverticulum in the right aortic arch is extremely rare. There are several different procedures for the disease. With advances in endovascular treatment, hybrid surgical and endovascular management may provide a treatment of choice for this kind of disease.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 43-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with intermittent pain of left arm, chest, and back.

DIAGNOSES

Computed tomography demonstrated an aberrant left subclavian artery originating from Kommerell's diverticulum in the right aortic arch, acute aortic dissection of Kommerell's diverticulum involving arch and descending aorta.

INTERVENTIONS

Total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk was performed to create an adequate landing zone through a median sternotomy by circulatory arrest. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed to isolate Kommerell's diverticulum from descending aorta completely, extending from the frozen elephant trunk to the distal descending aorta at the same time.

OUTCOMES

The patient got an uneventful postoperative course.

LESSONS

Hybrid surgical and endovascular management is a safe and effective procedure for this rare disease.

Hybrid Endovascular Repair of a Right-Sided Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

A right-sided thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm involving a right-sided aortic arch is extremely rare. Surgical treatment for a right-sided thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is challenging due to the anatomical complexity. We report a case of a right-sided thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with a right-sided aortic arch successfully treated by hybrid visceral debranching and endovascular repair.

Endovascular repair of a ruptured thoracic aortic dissection with a right sided aortic arch: A case report

BACKGROUND

Emergency treatment of complex aortic pathology is challenging in the setting of a right-sided aortic arch. We report the successful treatment of a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) in the setting of a Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) and right-sided aortic arch.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient is a 66-year-old male with chronic kidney disease (CKD) admitted with right sided chest pain and hypotension. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a 5cm ruptured TAA in the setting of a TBAD and right-sided aortic arch. The TBAD began just distal to the right common carotid artery and involved the origin of the left subclavian artery (SCA). Using a totally percutaneous approach, a conformable Gore^® TAG^® thoracic endoprosthesis was placed in proximal descending thoracic aorta covering the left SCA. Aside from progression of his pre-existing CKD, the patient had an uneventful recovery. CTA one-month post-procedure revealed a type IB endoleak with degeneration of the distal descending thoracic aorta. To exclude the endoleak, the repair was extended distally using a Medtronic Valiant^® thoracic stent graft. The left subclavian artery was subsequently coil embolized to treat an additional retrograde endoleak. The patient has done well with no further evidence of endoleak or aneurysm expansion.

CONCLUSION

Right-sided aortic arch presents challenges in the emergency setting. CTA and post-processing reconstructions are very helpful. While the endoleaks prompted additional interventions, the end result was excellent. This case displays the importance of careful attention to detail and follow-up in these complicated patients.