Can preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate serve as an indicator for midterm adverse events after coronary bypass grafting?

OBJECTIVE: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may serve as a reasonably good indicator for coronary heart disease as usually ESR is elevated in these patients. The measurement of ESR is a very simple and cheap laboratory test that can be performed in routine blood examinations. In this study, we investigated the association between preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate and postoperative midterm adverse events after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: In the study, only male patients were included. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (preoperative sedimentation rate [<20 mm/h] normal [n = 232, 63.9%]) and group 2 (preoperative sedimentation rate [>20 mm/h] above normal [n = 131, 36.1%]). The hemogram and biochemistry panel values were measured one day before operation, on the postoperative first day, on the postoperative seventh day, and on the postoperative third month. RESULTS: Among the laboratory values, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to postoperative first-day ESR and postoperative third-month high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P < .05). In terms of postoperative morbidity, there was also a statistically significant difference (P < .05) between the two groups with regard to pleural effusion, infection of the soft tissue over the sternum, pulmonary infection, return to the intensive care unit, rehospitalization, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preoperative sedimentation rate is associated with postoperative adverse events in patients who undergo CABG. For this purpose, we suggest that patients with higher sedimentation rates undergo detailed examination to prevent mortality and morbidity.

Does mild renal failure affect coronary flow reserve after coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

INTRODUCTION: There are only a limited number of studies on the link between mild renal failure and coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of mild renal failure on the distal vascular bed by measuring the coronary flow reserve (CFR) in transthoracic echocardiography after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The study included 52 consecutive patients (12 women and 40 men) who had undergone uncomplicated CABG. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included patients with a preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 60-90 (mild renal failure), and group 2 included those with a GFR >90. The CFR measurements were carried out through a second harmonic transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean age was 60.08 ± 1.56 years in group 1 and 60.33 ± 1.19 in group 2. The mean preoperative CFR was 1.79 ± 0.06 in group 1 and 2.05 ± 0.09 in group 2. The mean postoperative CFR was 2.09 ± 0.08 in group 1 and 2.37 ± 0.06 in group 2. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups as to preoperative creatinine clearance, preoperative estimated GFR, postoperative day 7 creatinine clearance, postoperative month 6 creatinine clearance, postoperative day 7 estimated GFR, postoperative month 6 estimated GFR, preoperative CFR, and postoperative CFR (P < .05). CFR was found to be unaffected by the choice of on-pump or off-pump technique (P = .907). After bypass surgery, there was a significant increase in the mean postoperative CFR, when compared with the mean preoperative CFR (P = .001). CONCLUSION: In our study, we detected a decrease in CFR in patients with mild renal failure. We believe that in patients undergoing CABG for coronary artery disease, mild renal failure can produce adverse effects due to deterioration of the microvascular bed.

Management of a retained catheter in an arteriovenous malformation. Case report.

The long-term effects of retained catheters in patients are not well known; therefore, the clinical presentation may differ. The authors present the case of a 21-year-old man with a pseudoaneurysm of the left common femoral artery, which developed 3 months after a transfemoral microcatheter embolization of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in which the catheter was inadvertently glued into the AVM and was retained at the groin.

Prophylactic dialysis in elderly patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery.

Renal dysfunction is associated with markedly increased risk for both mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), especially in elderly patients. In the current study, we aimed to determine the impact of prophylactic preoperative hemodialysis on operative outcome in patients with mild renal dysfunction. Between March 2002 and May 2005 a total of 64 patients, all of whom were more than 70 years of age and with preoperative creatinine levels greater than 2 mg/dL, underwent primary elective on pump coronary artery bypass surgery. The mean age was 76.3 +/- 6.4 (range 70-83). The patients were prospectively allocated into two groups. Group A was the dialysis group (31 patients) and preoperative prophylactic hemodialysis was carried out in all patients. Group B (33 patients) was taken as a control group without preoperative hemodialysis. During the present study, 10 patients died (15.6%) in the hospital. In the postoperative period mean levels of creatinine were found to be decreased in dialysis group. (2.3 +/- 0.8 mg/dL vs. 3.4 +/- 0.2 mg/, P = 0.037). The incidence of overall morbidity (such as acute renal failure, need of postoperative dialysis, low cardiac output and multiple organ failure) were also found to be decreased in dialysis group. We conclude from the present study that preoperative renal dysfunction and advanced age increase the risk of mortality and morbidity after on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. We believe that perioperative prophylactic hemodialysis is an easy and effective method and it decreases both operative mortality and morbidity in elderly patients with renal dysfunction.

Interpleural versus epidural analgesia with ropivacaine for postthoracotomy pain and respiratory function.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of interpleural analgesia (IP) on postthoracotomy pain and respiratory function as an alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Tertiary-care military hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty young patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery (correction of aorta coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized into two groups to receive either IP or TEA for postthoracotomy pain management. MEASUREMENTS: Patients in the IP group (n = 30) had a catheter inserted between the parietal and visceral pleura by a surgeon, and 0.2% ropivacaine was given through this catheter. In the TEA group, ropivacaine was administered through a thoracic epidural catheter. The impact of both methods on pain control, respiratory function, and pulmonary complications was analyzed and compared. MAIN RESULTS: The frequency of atelectasis and pleural effusion was also significantly high in the IP group (P < 0.01). Respiratory function and postoperative pain scores were better in the TEA group (P < 0.01). Arterial blood gas analysis on the fifth postoperative day was significantly better in the TEA group. CONCLUSION: Thoracic epidural analgesia has more beneficial effects on respiratory function and postoperative pain after thoracotomy than does IP.

Does combination of antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia reduce coronary artery bypass grafting-related conduction defects?

BACKGROUND: Conduction disorders appearing after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) may have many different causes. In this study, we evaluated the postoperative conduction disorders after CABG with respect to the ante-grade blood cardioplegia and ante-grade plus continuous retrograde cardioplegia delivery methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 1824 patients undergoing CABG between January 2001 and December 2005. There were 694 female patients (38%) and 1130 male patients (62%). Myocardial protection was done by isothermic hyperkalemic blood cardioplegia. Patents in Group 1 (n = 704) were operated on using only intermittent antegrade cardioplegia and those in group 2 (n = 1120) were operated on using the antegrade plus retrograde continuous cardioplegia. The postoperative occurrences of a new right bundle branch block, left anterior hemiblock, left posterior hemiblock, left bundle branch block, or third-degree atrioventricular block were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Total mortality rate was 1.6% (29 patients) without significant difference between the groups. The preoperative and perioperative characteristics were statistically similar in the groups. The occurrence of conduction disorders was significantly higher in group 1 (P = .006, 55 versus 52 patients). The analysis of the patients with conduction disorders showed a significantly increased mortality rate (P < .001) in addition to a significantly increased period of intensive care unit follow-up and duration of postoperative hospitalization (P <.001). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the perioperative occurrence of conduction disorders after CABG was decreased by antegrade controlled and retrograde continuous combination cardioplegia.

Coronary artery anomalies: Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery and circumflex branch in two patients.

Coronary anomalies may be isolated defects or accompany congenital malformations of the heart. The determination of these anomalies is important in the treatment approach and the surgical procedure in bypass and valve surgery. The present article reports on clinical and angiographic findings in two patients with coronary artery anomalies -one patient with an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right aortic sinus, and another patient with an anomalous origin of the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery from the right coronary artery.

["Retro-sartorius bypass" an alternative method during graft infection due to gunshot wound: a case report]. / Atesli silah yaralanmasina bagli greft enfeksiyonlarinda alternatif yöntem "retro-sartorius baypas": Olgu sunumu.

Graft infections can be seen after the peripheric vascular operations using synthetic graft. The patient who had femoro-femoral bypass with synthetic graft after a gunshot wound admitted to our department with graft infection and wide tissue loss. The distal pedal pulses were palpable. At the fifth day, the patient had a bleeding on the graft site and underwent emergency operation. Firstly the infected graft material was excised. Then the proximal end of the PTFE graft anastomosed to the external iliac artery with the lomber incision. A tunnel was formed just medial to the superior crista iliaca and under the inguinal ligament. The PTFE graft was passed through this tunnel excluding the infected area behind sartorius muscle and anastomosed to superficial femoral artery. Control angiography revealed that anastomoses were patent. At the graft infections which are especially with wide tissue loss, the retro-sartorius bypass surgery can be performed successfully as an alternative procedure.

Novel variant of dual left anterior descending artery arising from single right coronary artery anomaly presenting with angina inversa.

A 55-year-old female without a history of coronary artery disease, hypertensive for the past 17 years, was admitted with resting chest pain. Electrocardiography revealed a negative T-wave in anterior chest leads. Coronary angiography visualised anomalous coronary anatomy, with a common origin of the right coronary artery and the left main coronary artery in the right sinus of Valsalva serving as a common coronary trunk. It should be emphasised that T-wave abnormalities and chest angina may be related to this congenital coronary anomaly.

Does tranexamic acid reduce desmopressin-induced hyperfibrinolysis?

OBJECTIVE: Desmopressin releases tissue-type plasminogen activator, which augments cardiopulmonary bypass--associated hyperfibrinolysis, causing excessive bleeding. Combined use of desmopressin with prior administration of the antifibrinolytic drug tranexamic acid may decrease fibrinolytic activity and might improve postoperative hemostasis. METHODS: This prospective randomized study was carried out with 100 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass operations between April 1999 and November 2000 in Gülhane Military Medical Academy. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Desmopressin (0.3 microg/kg) was administrated just after cardiopulmonary bypass and after protamine infusion in group 1 (n = 50). Both desmopressin and tranexamic acid (before the skin incision at a loading dose of 10 mg/kg over 30 minutes and followed by 12 hours of 1 mg.kg(-1).h(-1)) were administrated in group 2 (n = 50). RESULTS: Significantly less drainage was noted in group 2 (1010 +/- 49.9 mL vs 623 +/- 41.3 mL, P =.0001). Packed red blood cells were transfused at 2.1 +/- 0.5 units per patient in group 1 versus 0.9 +/- 0.3 units in group 2 (P =.0001). Fresh frozen plasma was transfused at 1.84 +/- 0.17 units per patient in group 1 versus 0.76 +/- 0.14 units in group 2 (P =.0001). Only 24% of patients in group 2 required donor blood or blood products compared with 74% of those in the isolated desmopressin group (group 1, P =.00001). Group 1 and group 2 findings were as follows: postoperative fibrinogen, 113 +/- 56.3 mg/dL versus 167 +/- 45.8 mg/dL (P =.0001); fibrin split product, 21.2 +/- 2.3 ng/mL versus 13.5 +/- 3.4 ng/mL (P =.0001); and postoperative hemoglobin level, 7.6 plus minus 1.2 g/dL versus 9.1 plus minus 1.2 g/dL (P =.0001). CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid administration significantly reduces desmopressin and bypass-induced hyperfibrinolysis. Combined use of tranexamic acid and desmopressin decreases both postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirement.

Vascular complications related to lumbar disc surgery.

OBJECT: Vascular complications related to lumbar disc operations are rare but extremely fatal conditions. The authors analyzed data retrospectively obtained in 13 patients with vascular complications that occurred during lumbar disc operations performed between January 1990 and January 2002. METHODS: One patient underwent an L5-S1 procedure and the remaining underwent L4-5 surgery. Missed injuries, which were found during the late postoperative period, included pseudoaneurysm in four cases and an arteriovenous fistula in one. In all cases except one in which complication occurred early in the postoperative period, the retroperitoneal area was reached via a transperitoneal approach. In eight patients with complications occurring early in the postoperative period. Dacron graft was placed in four with arterial injuries and saphenous vein graft in one. In three cases of arterial injury and five of venous injury, the lesion was repaired using the primer suture technique. The most commonly affected vessels were left common iliac arteries (76.9%) and left common iliac vein (30.8%). In eight early cases, shock or preshock due to hemorrhage developed during the early phase. During the late postoperative period, graft-related infection occurred in two cases in which Dacron graft was placed, and axillofemoral extraanatomical bypass surgery was later performed. There was no surgery-related death. During a mean follow-up period of 5.6 years, none of the patients suffered any problems related to vascular injury. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its low incidence, iatrogenic vascular injury related to lumbar disc surgery is a possible complication. During lumbar disc operations early diagnosis of vascular injuries and urgent transperitoneal surgery can save patients' lives.

Surgical therapy for acute superior mesenteric artery embolism.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric artery embolism has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are the most important factors associated with morbidity and mortality. METHODS: During the period between 1997 and 2002, 24 patients underwent superior mesenteric artery embolectomy. The patients were divided into three groups according to the onset of symptoms and operation time. Group I (n = 12) patients were operated on in the first 6 hours after onset of symptoms; group II (n = 9) patients were operated on between 6 and 12 hours after onset; and group III (n = 3) patients underwent embolectomy after 12 hours. Low-dose (5 to 10 mg) local tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) administration directly into the superior mesenteric artery was an additional procedure with the embolectomy in all patients. RESULTS: The macroscopic view of the intestine was normal in 15 patients (12 patients in group I and 3 patients in group II) 30 minutes after the administration of local t-PA. Segmental resection was necessary in 4 patients in group II. Extended resection was necessary in 2 patients in group II and 3 patients in group III, and all of the patients died during the early postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that explorative laparotomy should be done in patients with sudden abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, mild leukocytosis, and metabolic acidosis who have previous valvular heart disease or atrial fibrillation. Ultimately, selective low dose t-PA (5 to 10 mg) administration reduces the length of intestinal portion to be resected.

Surgical treatment of coronary artery fistulas: 15 years' experience.

We report our experience of surgical treatment of coronary artery fistula and focus on the electrocardiographic changes that may be seen postoperatively. Between 1988 and 2003, cardiac operations were carried out on 9,487 patients, of whom 21 had a coronary artery fistula. The mean age of these 21 patients was 36.8 +/- 4.9 years. The fistula originated from the right coronary artery in 9 cases and from the left side in 12. The fistulous connection was to the right ventricle in 5 patients, to the right atrium in 6, to the pulmonary artery in 8, and to the coronary sinus in 2. There was no operative mortality. Two patients (10%) had nonspecific electrocardiographic changes during the postoperative period. Repeat coronary angiography revealed normal coronary anatomy in both, and their electrocardiograms normalized within 2 months. Patients suspected to have myocardial ischemia related to the surgical procedure, with ST segment depression or T wave abnormalities on the electrocardiogram, should undergo repeat angiography to eliminate the possibility of coronary artery damage.

[The relationship between rhythm disturbances and incisions in adult sinus venosus atrial septal defects]. / Eriskin Sinüs Venozus Tip Atriyal Septal Defektlerde Kardiyak Insizyon ile Ritm Bozuklugunun Iliskisi.

OBJECTIVE: Sinus venosus type atrial septal defects (SVASD) differ from the secundum atrial septal defects by its location and high incidence of combination with other cardiac anomalies, which inherently increases the risk of postoperative complications. Right atriotomy is the most preferred approach for repairing the SVASD. Postoperative sinus node dysfunction or other rhythm disturbances can be observed. We compared the postoperative complications between lateral cavatomy and right atriotomy in patients who had SVASD. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who had SVASD (of 384 total ASDs) associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) underwent surgical repair during the period of January 1992 - December 2001 in Gülhane Military Medical Academy. Sinus venosus type atrial septal defect was repaired through right atrial incision by routine bi-caval cannulation in 14 patients (Group 1) and repaired through lateral caval incision by direct caval cannulation in 13 patients (Group 2). Lateral cavatomy was closed by pericardial patch in Group 2. We analyzed the relationship between incidence of rhythm disturbances and the technique in patients who had SVASD with or without partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection prospectively. RESULTS: All patients had a classical superior SVASD intraoperatively. Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) was observed in 5 patients (Group 1=3 patients, Group 2=2 patients). Postoperative mortality was seen in one patient in Group 1 due to pulmonary venous obstruction. In Group 1, one patient underwent re-operation for upper and middle lobectomy of the right lung. Ambulatory Holter monitorizations were done in all patients per 3 months periodically. In Group 1 sinus node dysfunction was observed in 4 patients and atrial fibrillation was observed in 2 patients, while in Group 2 only one patient had atrial fibrillation during follow-up period (p=0.037). CONCLUSION: Repair of SVASD in adult patients is associated with low operative mortality and morbidity. The closure of the defect by pericardial patch is the most preferred technique but obstruction of caval veins can be seen. We suggest that posterior cavatomy can be preferred to atriotomy because of low incidence of sinus node dysfunction and pulmonary or caval obstruction.

[Middle and late-term results of coronary artery bypass graft surgery in very young (20-29 years) patients]. / Cok genç hastalarda (20-29 Yas) koroner arter baypas greft cerrahisi orta ve geç dönem sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the etiologic factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) in very young patients. We want to indicate the importance of selection of the bypass graft materials and to investigate mid and long-term results of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in young patients. METHODS: Coronary artery bypass surgery was performed in 7734 patients in Gülhane Military Medical Faculty between April 1991-June 2001. The study group included 21 patients (0.027%). Mean age was 23.9+/-2.4 years. All risk factors were treated and control angiography was performed in 17 patients. RESULTS: Hyperlipidemia was found in 15 patients, smoking in 11, diabetes mellitus in 7, alcohol use in 6, obesity in 5 and, hypertension in 4 patients. We recognized Behçet's disease in two patients including complete form in one case and incomplete form in the other one. Left internal mammarian artery (IMA) was used in 21, left and right IMA in 4, and left and right IMA and radial artery grafts in 2 patients. Mean cross clamp time was 16.5+/-3.4 minutes and extubation time was 4.6+/-1.5 hours. Patients were discharged in 5.9+/-1.7 days. CONCLUSION: We determined a high graft patency rate in our patients during mid and long-term follow-up period due to the use of arterial grafts. To increase graft patency rate the importance of risk factors treatment should be taken into consideration.

[Rupture of operated celiac artery aneurysm]. / Opere Cöliyak Arter Anevrizmasi Rüptürü.

Celiac artery aneurysm is a rare and its rupture is the most frequent and serious complication. The patient who underwent aneurysmectomy and aorto - celiac artery synthetic prosthesis graft interposition in another cardiovascular surgery center two years ago, was admitted to our department with complaints of fever and abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography revealed an aneurysm with 1 cm of diameter at the beginning of celiac artery and intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Acute hematocrit descent was occurred and then cardiac arrest was taken place. So, emergency thoracotomy was done. Aorta was compressed with hand and at the same time internal cardiac resuscitation was done then cross clamp was placed onto aorta. Median abdominal incision was done and ruptured celiac artery aneurysm was observed. Infected graft was removed and PTFE graft was interposed from descending aorta to a. hepatica propria, away from the infected area. During 17 months of follow-up period graft no complication was observed. We believe that because of its rarity, tendency to be asymptomatic along with high incidence of rupture, celiac artery aneurysms should not be underestimated.

[The efficacy of local T-pa infusion in the treatment of axillary vein thrombosis]. / Aksiller ven trombozunda lokal t-PA infüzyon tedavisinin etkinligi.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the results of local tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) infusion in the treatment of axillary vein thrombosis. METHODS: Fourteen male patients (mean age 23+/-2 years) who presented with pain and swelling in the arm were diagnosed as having axillary vein thrombosis. Besides physical examination, diagnoses were made with the use of venous Doppler ultrasound, duplex scanning or venography. Complaints were localized in the right upper arm in 10 patients, and in the left upper arm in four patients. Time to presentation from the onset of complaints ranged 1-3 days, 3-7 days, 7-10 days, and 10-14 days in six, three, two, and three patients, respectively. Infusion of t-PA (0.25 mg/kg) was performed for one hour via a venous catheter inserted to the distal part of the brachial vein. Venous patency was evaluated using Doppler ultrasound and venography. RESULTS: Axillary vein was shown to be patent by venous Doppler ultrasound in eleven patients within a mean of 4.2 hours. Three patients who exhibited no improvement received another t-PA (0.05 mg/kg/h) infusion six hours after the initial treatment. Venous Doppler ultrasound showed almost complete patency of the lumen after six, seven, and 11 hours of the subsequent infusion, respectively. Following therapy, all the patients were administered prophylactic anti-aggregating treatment. On control examinations after three months, venous Doppler ultrasound and venography showed that the lumens were almost completely patent in 12 patients and two patients, respectively. No recurrences were detected. CONCLUSION: Fibrinolytic agents yield high efficacy in the treatment of axillary vein thrombosis.

Is crystalloid cardioplegia a strong predictor of intra-operative hemodilution?

INTRODUCTION: Complications due to hemodilution (hematocrit value less than 22%) after cardiopulmonary bypass inevitably resulted with significantly greater intensive care requirements, long hospital stays, more operative costs, and increased mortality rates. We tried to identify whether crystalloid cardioplegia is the strongest predictor of intraoperative hemodilution or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients were included into this randomized prospective study. Patients were divided into the two groups. Crystalloid cardioplegia were given to the odd-numbered patients (Group 1, n=50 patients) and blood cardioplegia were given to the even-numbered patients (Group 2, n=50 patients). St. Thomas-II solution was used in Group-1 and Calafiore cold blood cardioplegia was in Group-2. RESULTS: Average intraoperative hematocrit value was 18.4% ± 2.3 in crystalloid group 24.2% ± 3.4 in blood cardioplegia group (p<0.001). The lowest hematocrit value was 15% and 20% in two groups respectively (p<0.001). In crystalloid group average intraoperative packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was 2.3 ± 0.41 units, 0.7 ± 0.6 units blood cardioplegia group (p=0.001). Average transfused RBC was 2.7 ± 0.8 units in crystalloid group, 0.9 ± 0.4 units blood cardioplegia group (p<0.001). Multivariate analyses confirmed age (p = 0.005, OR = 3.78), female gender (p = 0.003, OR = 2.91), longer cross-clamp time (>60 minutes) (p = 0.001, OD = 0.97), body surface area <1.6 m2 (p = 0.001, OR = 6.01) and crystalloid cardioplegia (p < 0.001, OR = 0.19) as predictor of intraoperative hemodilution. CONCLUSION: Crystalloid cardioplegia, compared to blood cardioplegia not only causes much more intra-operative hemodilution but also increases the blood transfusion requirement. Hemodilution and increased transfusion increases the intensive care unit and hospital stay, in the early postoperative period.

A concealed penetrating cardiac injury.

We present the case of a 29-year-old man who had been the victim of a stab wound. The cardiac wound was localized in the left ventricular apex and the posterior side of the left ventricle. When he was brought to the emergency department, he had no significant symptoms related to the cardiac wound regardless of ECG changes in the V(2)-V(4) precordial derivation. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the importance of an accurate preoperative diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention to ensure a good outcome in this type of rare case.

Endovascular repair in management of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta are still potentially life-threatening situations. The conventional operation is still associated with morbidity. Endovascular stent graft repair offers an alternative to conventional operation for management of aortic diseases. Our aim was to report our experience with endovascular stent graft repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2002 and October 2005, endovascular stent graft repair was performed in 26 patients: post-traumatic aortic aneurysm (n=4), Type B dissection (n=3) and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (n=19). The deployed stent graft systems were Talent-Medtronic (n=14) and Excluder-Gore (n=12). RESULTS: Successful deployment of the stent grafts in the appropriate position was achieved in all patients. There was neither hospital mortality nor paraplegia. Late and non-procedure related death occurred in only one patient (3.8%). An average of 40% shrinkage of the aneurysmal space was observed. There was no early mortality and endoleaks. The median intensive care unit and hospital stay times were 1 and 7 days (range 4-13 days), respectively. Post-operative computed tomography scans were obtained in all patients and complete thrombosis was observed in the false lumen of dissecan aneurysms (n=3) and sac of saccular aneurysms in 25 patients. Mean follow up time was 17.1+/-5.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular stent graft treatment for treatment of thoracic aorta aneurysm, Type B dissection and traumatic disease of the thoracic aorta is technically feasible. Although the short and mid-term results are encouraging the long term results will determine the future of this treatment.