Mid-term results of endovascular treatment with the Gore TAG device for degenerative descending thoracic aortic aneurysms

PurposeTo confirm the validity of using Gore TAG for degenerative descending thoracic aneurysm repair, we evaluated the mid-term clinical outcomes in our single-center experience.MethodsFrom May 2008 to April 2011, elective thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with Gore TAG without left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage for a degenerative descending thoracic aneurysm was performed in 36 consecutive cases.ResultsThe procedural success rate was 100 %, and no patient died within 30 days of the operation. We observed no cases of paraplegia or stroke. The mean follow-up was 33.2 ± 13.0 months (the maximum follow-up was 58.0 months). The actuarial survival rate was 100, 97.2 and 94.4 % at 1, 2 and 3 years. There was no aorta-related death at 3 years. Two (5.6 %) late distal Type I endoleaks were observed. Freedom form aortic events rate was 97.2, 97.2, and 97.2 % at 1, 2, and 3 years respectively. In six cases with bird-beak configurations at the 2-year follow-up, the bird-beak length and angle had increased gradually.ConclusionsElective TEVAR using the Gore TAG for degenerative descending thoracic aortic aneurysms without LSA coverage is effective and provides satisfactory early and mid-term outcomes. However, since the bird-beak configurations progressed, a conformable and flexible device for the next generation of procedures will be needed.