BackgroundThe introduction of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for total arch replacement (TAR) has revolutionized the field of aortivascular surgery by allowing hybrid repair of complex aortic pathologies in a single step through combining an open surgical approach with an endovascular one. FET has been associated with favorable aortic remodeling, however, its is also associated with development of distal stent graft induced new entry (dSINE) tears postoperatively. The rate of aortic remodeling and the incidence of dSINE have been linked together, in addition, there seems to be a relationship between these two variables and FET insetion length as well as graft size.AimsThe scope of this review is to highlight the rate of aortic remodeling as well the incidence of dSINE associated with different FET devices available commercially. This review also aimed to investigate the relationship between aortic remodeling, dSINE, FET insertion length and FET graft size.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature search using multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid, Scopus and Embase in order to collate all research evidence on the above mentioned variables.ResultsThoraflex™ Hybrid Plexus seems to yield optimum aortic remodeling by promoting maximum false thrombosis as well true lumen expansion. Thoraflex Hybrid™ is also associated with the lowest incidence of dSINE post-FET relative to the other FET devices on the market. Aortic remodeling and dSINE do influence each other and are both linked with FET graft length and size.ConclusionThe FET technique for TAR shows excellent aortic remodeling but is associated with a considerable risk of dSINE development. However, Thoraflex™ Hybrid has demonstrated itself to be the superior FET device on the aortic arch prostheses market. Since aortic remodeling, dSINE, FET insertion length and stent graft size are all interconnect, the choice of FET device length and size must be made with great care for optimum results.

BackgroundThe widespread adoption of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for total arch reconstruction (TAR) in aortic arch aneurysm and dissection has led to the development of numerous commercial single-piece FET devices, each with its own unique design features. One such device, Thoraflex™ Hybrid (Terumo Aortic, Glasgow, Scotland), has enjoyed widespread use since its introduction. We present and appraisal of its long-term clinical efficacy, based on international data.Materials and MethodsPre-, intra-, and postoperative data associated with Thoraflex™ Hybrid implantations for aortic arch dissection, aneurysm, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) up to April 2019 was gathered and is presented herein. Follow-up data at discharge, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, 60-, 72-, and 84- months post-implantation are included.ResultsData associated with 931 cases of Thoraflex™ Hybrid implantation are included. Mean age at implantation was 63 ± 12 years. 55% of patients included were male. Aortic dissection accounted for 48% (n = 464) of cases. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest durations were 202 +72 and 69 ± 50 min, respectively. 30-day mortality was 0.6% (n = 6), while overall mortality was 14 (1.5%). Freedom from adverse events at 84 months was 95% (n = 869). Postoperative complications included neurological deficit, multi-organ failure, cardiorespiratory compromise, and infection.DiscussionThoraflex™ Hybrid's unique design is advantageous in comparison to market alternatives. Our data is consistent with that reported in literature and suggests Thoraflex™ Hybrid is associated with favourable rates of mortality and morbidity.ConclusionThoraflex™ Hybrid remains a central player in the aortic arch prosthesis market. Its use it widespread and is associated with favourable design features and clinical outcomes relative to market alternatives.

Over the decades, the Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET) technique has gained immense popularity allowing simplified treatment of complex aortic pathologies. FET is frequently used to treat aortic conditions involving the distal aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta in a single stage. Surgical preference has recently changed from FET procedures being performed at Zone 3 to Zone 2. There are several advantages of Zone 2 FET over Zone 3 FET including reduction in spinal cord injury, visceral ischemia, neurological and cardiovascular sequelae. In addition, Zone 2 FET is a technically less complicated procedure. Literature on the comparison between Zone 3 and Zone 2 FET is scarce and primarily observational and anecdotal. Therefore, further research is warranted in this paradigm to substantiate current surgical treatment options for complex aortic pathologies. In this review, we explore literature surrounding FET and the reasons for the shift in surgical preference from Zone 3 to Zone 2.

Background: Type B aortic dissection (TBAD), is defined as a dissection involving the aorta distal to left subclavian artery with the ascending aorta and the aortic arch not affected. TBAD is classified due to the time frame and presence of complications. Complicated TBAD (co-TBAD) patients have a greater mortality rate than uncomplicated TBAD (un-TBAD) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is considered the gold-standard intervention for these clinical challenges.Methods: We undertook a systematic review of the literature regarding TEVAR intervention in co-TBAD and un-TBAD. A comprehensive search was undertaken across four major databases and was evaluated and assessed until June 2020.Results: A total of 16,104 patients were included in the study (7772 patients co-TBAD and 8352 un-TBAD). A significantly higher proportion of comorbidities were seen in co-TBAD patients compared with un-TBAD. Acute dissection was more frequent in the co-TBAD group (73.55% vs. 66.91%), while chronic dissection was more common in un-TBAD patients (33.8% vs. 70.73%). Postprocedure stroke was higher in co-TBAD (5.85% vs. 3.92%; p < .01), while postprocedural renal failure was higher in un-TBAD patients (7.23 vs. 11.38%; p < .01). No difference was observed in in-hospital mortality however the 30 days mortality was higher in the co-TBAD group. One-year survival was higher in the uncomplicated group but this difference was not observed in the 5-year survival. Conclusion:In our analysis we can appreciate that despite significantly higher comorbidities in the co-TBAD cohort, there was no difference in in-hospital mortality between the two groups and the 5-year survival did not have any difference.

Background and Aim of the Study The frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure became a popular entity for utilization in aortic arch aneurysm disease. However, its proper mortality and morbidities as well as the predictors of outcomes are poorly identified. This systematic review and meta‐analysis explore FET outcomes and its predictors with a focus on zone aortic proximalization. Methods We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from their beginning to June 2020 to find studies reporting the outcomes of the FET procedure for the total arch replacement (TAR). Results A total of 64 studies including 7967 patients were evaluated. The pooled estimates of cerebrovascular accidents, paraplegia, renal failure, and in‐hospital mortality were 7.104 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.691–8.661; I2 = 78.53%), 3.465 (95% CI, 2.852–4.136; I2 = 15.96), 14.969 (95% CI, 11.361–18.977; I2 = 91.26%), and 8.933 (95% CI, 7.128–10.919; I2 = 78.51%), respectively. Stratification by the geographical locations and by the aortic pathologies led to lower heterogeneity, but not for renal failure. The distal anastomosis in Zone 2 was associated with a lower rate of renal failure compared with Zone 3 (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36–0.81; p = .003; I2 = 0%). Conclusions The FET procedure for TAR can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidities among patients with complex aortic pathologies. Moreover, the distal anastomosis in Zone 2 was associated with lower renal failure compared to Zone 3.

We present a recapitulation of 15 years of experience starting with conception, inception, development, and clinical implementation and application of the E-vita open hybrid graft. Concomitantly, we delve into surgical techniques that shaped our clinical results. Introduced in February 2005, the novel "Essen I Prosthesis", was first-in-human surgically implanted. Follow on to this success, and within six months, eight further applications were performed. Once, the CE mark was attained, the prosthesis was branded as E-vita Open Prosthesis. In 2008, the blood-tight modification was introduced, and with time and clinical practice and application, the device's indications were expanded. Hence, the focus remained on managing complex thoracic aneurysmal disease and in particular acute and chronic type I aortic dissections. With the surge of our surgical experience and the integration of various surgical modifications, 30-days mortality was reduced to 12%, while morbidities such as stroke and spinal cord injury were reduced to 7% and 3%, respectively.The rate of re-intervention on distal aorta was significantly reduced; an attestation to the prosthesis's effectuated performance which contrasted proximal aortic repairs. With new additional device variations on the horizon, a wider range of patient-specific treatment options can now be offered.

Background The treatment of complex thoracic aorta pathologies remains a challenge for cardiovascular surgeons. After introducing Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET), a significant evolution of surgical techniques has been achieved. The present meta‐analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of FET in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) and the effect of circulatory arrest time on post‐operative neurologic outcomes. Methods A standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses search was conducted for all observational studies of patients diagnosed with ATAAD undergoing total arch replacement with FET reporting in‐hospital mortality, bleeding, and neurological outcomes. A random‐effect meta‐analysis was performed using STATA software (StataCorp, TX, USA). Results Thirty‐five studies were eligible for the present meta‐analysis, including 3211 patients with ATAAD who underwent total arch replacement with FET. The pooled estimate for in‐hospital mortality, postoperative stroke, and spinal cord injury were 7% (95% CI 5 – 9; I2 = 68.65%), 5% (95% CI 4 – 7; I2 = 63.93%), and 3% (95% CI 2 – 4; I2 = 19.56%), respectively. Univariate meta‐regression revealed that with increasing the duration of hypothermic circulatory arrest time, the effect sizes for postoperative stroke and SCI enhances. Conclusions It seems that employing the FET procedure for acute type A dissection is associated with acceptable neurologic outcomes and a similar mortality rate comparing with other aorta pathologies. Besides, increasing hypothermic circulation arrest time appears to be a significant predictor of adverse neurologic outcomes after FET.

There is abundant of literature emerging to support the use of the frozen elephant trunk prosthesis, but there is still a lack of clear consensus on the sizing of the hybrid prosthesis. There is a general consensus that the stent should not be oversized in acute aortic dissection and chronic aortic dissection. Some surgeons consider that only the true lumen has to be measured while others argue that the entire diameter of the aorta has to be measured, and a few measure the aorta intraoperatively. In regards to thoracic aortic aneurysm, most surgeons oversize the stent-graft by 10% to 20%. A small device may not provide adequate sealing, whereas a larger device may cause new entry points distally. Hence, an appropriate device has to be selected for the optimal outcome.