Elective sac perfusion to reduce the risk of neurologic events following endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms

Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a catastrophic complication of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. This article describes our early experience with a technique for maintaining perfusionof segmental vessels (intercostals and lumbars) in the early postoperative period after endovascular repair of a TAAA, with "sac perfusionbranches" added to custom-made stent grafts. These are closed 7 to 10 days after the first procedure to complete exclusion of the aneurysm. We have used this technique in 10 patients with type II TAAAs. One developed monoparesis of the right leg during a period of hypotension secondary to a cardiac event and died within 30 days. Two patients developed lower limb weakness after closure of the perfusionbranches, both with full recovery. Controlled perfusionof segmental vessels with perfusionbranches is feasible and may be a useful adjunct to prevent SCI, providing protection to spinal cord perfusionduring the immediate postoperative period when risk of SCI is greatest.