Endovascular aortic arch repair

Abstract

The number of patients presenting with aortic arch pathologies is rising. Besides their usually advanced age, these patients suffer from significant comorbidities. Therefore, conventional aortic arch replacement is associated with substantial risk. As a consequence, alternative approaches were warranted and have been developed to enable treatment of these patients. Combined approaches of various kinds have induced a change of mind in aortic arch pathologies as the majority of patients today would have been refused any kind of treatment even a few years ago. Therefore, established limits have been transgressed. This article provides an overview of the current indications, surgical and endovascular approaches, results as well as a critical comment on all relevant issues concerning this exciting new field.