6533b7d4fe1ef96bd12633bf

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Endovascular treatment of acute bleeding complications in traumatic aortic rupture and aortobronchial fistula.

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Objective: Herein we report our experience in placement of endovascular stentgrafts in the descending aorta in patients with acute bleeding complications due to traumatic rupture or aortobronchial fistula. Methods: Six patients (one woman, five men, mean age 47 ^ 19 years) were treated from September 1995 to February 2000 by implantation of endovascular stentgrafts in the descending aorta. Indications included traumatic ruptures of the aortic isthmus (na 3) and aortobronchial fistulas (na 3). All procedures were performed under general anaesthesia. The implants were introduced under fluoroscopic guidance via the aorta (na 1), the iliac (na 4) or femoral (na 2) artery, respectively. Results: All aortobronchial fistulas and ruptures were sealed up successfully. There was no perioperative morbidity and no procedure-related morbidity except one patient who received aortofemoral reconstruction because of iliac occlusive disease. All patients are alive and well after a mean follow-up of 31 months (range 6‐60). Two patients had recurrent hemoptysis, in one case, the patient received a second implant (distal extension), the other patient was managed conservatively. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment by a stentgraft is a safe and reliable procedure in the management of acute bleeding complications in patients with aortic rupture or aortobronchial fistulas. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.