Tratamiento "híbrido" del aneurisma tóraco-abdominal: revascularización visceral extraanatómica e inserción de endoprótesis / Extra anatomical revascularization and endovascular stent-grafting for thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair: Report of four cases

Surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms is a big technical challenge with a high rate of complications and mortality. It requires a large exposure and transient interruption of vital organ perfusion during its repair. Endovascular repair is a less invasive alternative available over the last decade. We report four male patients aged 44 to 76 years, with thoracic aortic aneurysms and involvement of visceral aorta, treated with a two stage procedure. During the first stage, a retrograde revascularization of the superior mesenteric and renal arteries from the infrarenal aorta was done, associated in two cases to a concomitant repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm. In the second stage, an endovascular graft was placed through the femoral artery, from the segment proximal to the aneurysm to the infrarenal aorta, above the origin of the visceral artery reconstructions, excluding the aneurysm from circulation. In one patient, both stages were concomitant and in three the second stage was delayed. One patient presented a postoperative bleeding that required reintervention without adverse consequences. No patient died, presented paraplegia or deterioration of renal function. After follow up of 6 to 20 months, there is no evidence of aneurysm growth or complications derived from the procedure.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la isquemia mesentérica crónica: Caso clínico / Surgical treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia: Report of one case

Although the classic therapy for chronic mesenteric ischemia is surgical revascularization, endovascular therapy is a new therapeutic option. We report a 55 year-old female, with a 2 years history of post prandial abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss, with occlusion of both mesenteric arteries and critical stenosis of the celiac artery. The initial treatment consisted in angioplasty and celiac artery stent placement in two occasions, with a brief symptomatic relief. Finally, a visceral artery bypass was performed, with good post operative outcome and complete symptomatic resolution at one year follow up. In our opinion endovascular therapy is a good therapeutic option for chronic mesenteric ischemia in high surgical risk patients, specially when dealing with stenotic injuries. It may also be a complement for patients who need to recover their nutritional status prior to revascularization surgery. On the other hand, due to the long term patency and symptomatic relief, surgical treatment is a good option in low risk patients.