Abstract

Endovascular treatment of the aortic arch

Author(s): D Virvilis & MJ Eagleton

Aortic arch pathology remains a significant clinical challenge. Despite improvements in operative techniques and perioperative care, open repair of aortic arch aneurysms is still plagued by significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular approaches have significantly altered our approach to aortic arch disease, with the hopes of diminishing complications and mortality. With endovascular repair, however, there are many obstacles that must be overcome in order to achieve successful exclusion of aneurysms in this location. With growing experience the success rates are improving and the complication rates are declining, and with continued dedication toward device and procedure improvement endovascular arch repair will replace open surgery in many clinical scenarios.