Distal aortic replacement followed by endovascular repair for the management of severe intra-pleural adhesions accidentally detected during open surgery for chronic type B aortic dissection: a report of two cases

BACKGROUND: Open repair is the most promising curative treatment option for patients with chronic type B aortic dissection. However, based on our experience, following the accidental detection of intra-pleural adhesions during open surgery for chronic type B aortic dissection, complete replacement of the diseased aorta cannot be accomplished. To overcome this problem, we switched the procedure to create a distal landing zone for subsequent endovascular repair by replacing the distal aorta with a vascular graft. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases in which open repair was attempted; however, the proximal descending thoracic aorta could not be exposed due to the presence of severe adhesion in the pleural cavity. In these patients, we accessed the lower descending thoracic aorta or thoracoabdominal aorta and created a distal landing zone for subsequent endovascular repair by replacing the aorta with a vascular graft. Thereafter, endovascular repair was performed with good outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Replacement of the distal aorta, which is typically easy to access despite the presence of intra-pleural adhesions, with a vascular graft serves as a reliable distal landing zone for subsequent endovascular repair. This method may be a viable option for the management of severe adhesions accidentally detected in the pleural cavity during open repair for chronic type B aortic dissection.