Supra-aortic transposition for combined vascular and endovascular repair of aortic arch pathology.

Background: Supra-aortic transpositions in various extents followed by endovascular stent graft placement are now an established tool in the treatment of various pathologies affecting the aortic arch. Results remain to be determined.

Methods: From 1996 through 2007, 73 patients (median age, 71 years) presented with aortic arch pathology (atherosclerotic aneurysms, n = 42; type B dissections, n = 9; penetrating ulcers, n = 17; traumatic lesions, n = 2; aneurysms based on prior surgery for aortic coarctation, n = 3).