Long-term follow-up (8 to 17 Years) after thromboexclusion operation for thoracic aortic aneurysms

Background. It has been reported that the thromboexclusion operation is a good method for managing certain difficult thoracic aortic aneurysms. Methods. Forty-four patients underwent graft replacement (group 1) and 14, the thromboexclusion operation (group 2). We reviewed the long-term results of the thromboexclusion operation and compared them with those of graft replacement in our institutions. Results. The hospital mortality rate in groups 1 and 2 was 29.5% (13 patients) and 35.7% (4 patients), respectively. In group 1, the one late death (2.3%) was due to heart failure and in group 2, three of the four late deaths (28.6%) were due to rupture of the excluded thoracic aorta, and one late death was due to heart failure. Long-term follow-up was possible for 23 patients in group 1 and 5 patients in group 2. Survival 3 years after operation was significantly better in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.05). Long-term follow-up with blood pressure measurements, chest roentgenograms, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms showed no significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative findings. However, in group 2, left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension, which had not been present preoperatively, were found in all of the patients. Also, 1 patient has had persistent hemoptysis. Conclusions. The thromboexclusion operation has introduced unanticipated problems that were recognized at long-term follow-up.