We report a case of branched stent graft system for endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). A 68-year-old female patient, smoker, hypertensive, with a large TAAA and multiple comorbid conditions that restricted indication for conventional surgery. The aneurysm originated from the descending thoracic aorta, extending until the infrarenal abdominal aorta, involving the emergence of visceral arteries, celiac trunk, superior and renal mesenteric arteries. The TAAA was treated with the endovascular technique using a branched stent graft. This stent graft was customized based on the anatomical characteristics of the aorta and on the position of visceral branches, which were obtained by tomographic angiography, with the aim of excluding the aneurysm and maintaining perfusion of visceral arteries. The procedure was performed under regional and general anesthesia in the surgical room, preceded by cerebrospinal fluid drainage under fluoroscopic guidance. The femoral arteries, which were previously dissected, were used to implement the branched stent graft and for radiological control. Through the stent graft branches, secondary extensions were implanted, with covered stents, to the respective visceral arteries, which were approached via left axillary artery. Total operative time was 14 hours, 4 hours and 30 minutes of fluoroscopy time and 120 mL of iodinated contrast. The patient became hemodynamically unstable after the surgery. Transesophageal echocardiogram showed a type A retrograde dissection of the thoracic aorta, followed by spontaneous thrombosis of the false lumen. Control tomography showed exclusion of the TAAA and patency of the bypasses to visceral branches, with no endoleaks. The patient was discharged on the 13th postoperative day. Branched endovascular stent graft for TAAA repair is feasible. Improvements in techniques and materials may increase the indication of branched stent graft as an alternative to open surgery.
Thoracoabdominal aneurysm; branched stent graft; visceral arteries
