BACKGROUNDHybrid procedures including debranching of visceral and renal arteries followed by endovascular exclusion of the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) have recently been proposed as a less invasive alternative to conventional TAAA surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcomes of hybrid procedures for TAAA in high-risk patients.

METHODSBetween September 1998 and May 2012, 32 high-risk TAAA patients (five females, median age 61.5 years) underwent hybrid procedures at a single institution. Simultaneous approach and staged approach were performed on the basis of patients' conditions. Follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA) was routinely performed before discharge and at 6, 12 months and annually thereafter.

RESULTSProcedural success was achieved in all cases. The median hospital stay was (21.5 ± 2.3) days, and the median procedure time was (420 ± 31) minutes. Blood loss averaged (2100 ± 261) ml. A total of 124 visceral artery bypasses was performed. Two patients (6.3%) died within 30 days. One patient exhibited complete paraplegia (3.1%). The visceral graft patency was 96.1% at 3 years. All-cause survival rates were 93.8%, 87.5%, 81.3% and 53.1% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. No patient died due to aortic events. The freedom rates from aortic events were 96.9%, 93.6%, 87.5%, 68.8% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe results of visceral hybrid repair for high-risk patients with complex TAAAs are encouraging. However, the procedure is still a significant physiological insult to patients. Until branched and fenestrated endovascular repair become more common, hybrid procedure will continue to have a role in high-risk patients.