OCCLUSIONS OF THE INNOMINATE-ARTERY - LON G-TERM RESULTS AFTER INTRATHORACIC REPAIR

Hemodynamically relevant lesions of the innominate artery can be treat ed either by extraanatomic bypass or by intrathoracic repair. 32 patie nts were retrospectively evaluated after ascending aorta to innominate artery interposition graft. In all except 6 cases additional bypass-p rocedures to extracranial vessels were necessary for complete revascul arisation. The patency rate was 100% after a mean follow up period of 871 days. Only one patient suffered from a perioperative stroke with u pper extremity paresis which resolved after 2 weeks. There were 3 woun d complications which required reoperation. In conclusion we believe t hat direct intrathoracic repair for innominate artery occlusion can be recommended as a treatment of choice with a high long-term patency ra te.