The application of chimney technique in the endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic dissection

Objective To evaluate the indications, technique points and prevention of complication for chimney technique in the endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic dissection. Methods The clinical data of 4 patients with thoracic aortic dissection treated by endovascular treatment with chimney technique from 2010 to 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The tear of dissection involved the left common carotid artery in 1 case, while involved the left subclavian artery in 3 cases. Results All of the stents were released accurately and patency. 1 case was indicated a small amount of type I endoleak by angiography soon after eluting the stent, however, postoperative CT angiography didn’t show obvious endoleak. One case suffered a poor spirit, drowsines and strength loss of left limb muscle compared with the contralateral side on 2-day after operation. The condition recovered by using anticoagulant medication after one week. During the follow-up time of 6～12 months, no severe stenosis nor occlusion occurred. Conclusion Chimney technique is a minimally invasive treatment for endovascular reconstruction of branch arteries.