Intentional Targeted False Lumen Occlusion after Aortic Dissection: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND: Residual patent false lumen (FL) after chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) or type A aortic dissection (TAAD) treatment is independently associated with poor long-term outcomes. The aim of our study was to present endovascular techniques and the existing experience with targeted FL thrombosis after cTBAD or TAAD treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) searching in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Cochrane databases for studies reporting on targeted FL occlusion after cTBAD or TAAD treatment.

RESULTS: One hundred one patients either after open repair of a TAAD (n = 40; 3 case reports and 3 retrospective studies) or after cTBAD (n = 61; 13 case reports and 6 retrospective studies) underwent an endovascular procedure for intentional FL occlusion (2 studies reported on both procedures). Among TAAD patients, 27 of 40 (68%) had previous open repair, whereas 48 of 61 (79%) with cTBAD had a previous endovascular repair. Thirty-one (78%) patients with TAAD and fifty-one (83%) with cTBAD were treated electively. Four main techniques were used: (1) the candy-plug (19/101), (2) the knickerbocker (3/91), (3) the "cork in the bottle neck" technique (2/101), and (4) FL embolization with combined use of coils, onyx, plugs, and glue (77/101). The technical success rate was 100%, with a 30-day mortality rate of 2.5% (1/40) in TAAD and 0% in cTBAD patients. During follow-up (ranging: 2 to 63 months), the mortality rate was 0% (0/31) and 7.1% (4/61) in TAAD and cTBAD patients, respectively. The FL remained completely thrombosed in 78% (31/40) of TAAD and 62% (38/61) of cTBAD patients, whereas it was partially thrombosed in 3 and 2 patients, respectively (no report for 22 patients).

CONCLUSIONS: Intentional FL occlusion seems to be a feasible less invasive approach after cTBAD or TAAD treatment, which is not broadly used. Future larger studies with longer follow-up duration may demonstrate the apparent benefit in terms of aortic remodeling or stabilization of the disease progression.