Hybrid open-endoluminal technique for repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysm involving the celiac axis.

PURPOSE To describe a technique combining endoluminal and open approaches for the repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms involving the celiac axis. CASE REPORT Two patients with type I thoracoabdominal aneurysm and suboptimal cardiac reserve underwent transluminal stent-graft implantation. To achieve satisfactory distal seal, the caudal end of the endograft was circumscribed with a Dacron band that was sutured to the aorta and endograft through a midline incision. The patent celiac artery in both patients was ligated to stop retrograde filling of the aneurysm sac. The patients developed no problems perioperatively, and exclusion of the aneurysms was confirmed by follow-up imaging. Three years after endografting, both patients had excluded aneurysms without evidence of endoleak or device migration. CONCLUSIONS This combined approach is another treatment option for thoracic aneurysms that have an anatomically suitable proximal attachment zone with a compromised distal neck.