Total arch replacement in patients with aortic dissection with an isolated left vertebral artery.

Background: The presence of an isolated left vertebral artery requires changes in the aortic arch reconstruction techniques and cerebral protection methods in patients with total arch replacement. The best method for surgical repair of the isolated left vertebral artery is controversial. We retrospectively reviewed our experience of total arch replacement in patients with aortic dissection with this vessel anomaly.

Methods: Between August 2003 and December 2008, 21 patients with aortic dissection (type A dissection, n = 20; type B dissection, n = 1) with an isolated left vertebral artery underwent total arch replacement under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass combined with selective cerebral perfusion. Concomitant stented elephant trunk was implanted in 20 patients.

Results: There was no in-hospital death. Injury to the spinal cord occurred in 2 patients with chronic dissection using stented elephant trunk implantation. One had weakness in the left lower extremity, and the other patient had paraparesis: both recovered during the follow-up period. One patient experienced transient neurologic deficit, and acute renal failure was observed in 1 patient: both recovered completely before hospital discharge.

Conclusions: Acceptable results were obtained in patients with aortic dissection with an isolated left vertebral artery. Although there was no clear evidence that the spinal cord injury was related to the isolated left vertebral artery using stented elephant trunk implantation, the isolated left vertebral artery was constructed as soon as possible in patients with this vessel anomaly.