Hybrid Repair of Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms (Mega Aortic Syndrome) with Lupiae Technique

Objective Several techniques have been described for the treatment of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms in patients with mega aortic syndrome (MAS), but the incidence of stroke, spinal cord injury, and endoleaks remains high. We present the midterm results of a new hybrid, multistep technique to treat patients with MAS. Methods From November 2005 to January 2011, 80 patients with MAS underwent hybrid repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms with the Lupiae technique. Forty-six patients presented with chronic aortic aneurysms, and 34 patients who had undergone aortic arch debranching with the Lupiae graft for acute aortic dissection presented with an expanding false lumen into the residual aorta. Sixty patients underwent ascending aorta and arch replacement with a Gelweave Lupiae prosthesis plus epiaortic vessel debranching (thoracic Lupiae procedure). Fourteen patients underwent a thoracic Lupiae procedure plus partial visceral debranching (celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery) through a mini-laparotomy. Six patients underwent a thoracic Lupiae procedure plus a complete visceral debranching (celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries) with the implant of a second Lupiae prosthesis to replace the abdominal aorta. After the surgical steps, all the surviving patients underwent an endovascular procedure to implant multiple stent grafts to exclude the residual segment of diseased aorta. Results In-hospital mortality was 8.4%, and the incidence of temporary renal failure was 5.2%. None of the patients had a stroke or a spinal cord injury, and none of the patients presented endoleaks immediately following the procedure or during the follow-up computed tomography scans. No deaths occurred during the 6-year follow-up after the hybrid procedure. Conclusions These preliminary results showed that the Lupiae technique is a safe and effective option for the treatment of patients with MAS. Indeed, the Lupiae technique achieves complete exclusion of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms with a low risk of paraplegia and endoleaks.