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Purpose: To evaluate obliteration of an experimental aortic dissection with a balloon-expandable intravascular stent., Materials and Methods: Fourteen adult dogs were divided into two groups. In group 1 (n = 6), a thoracoabdominal aortic dissection was surgically created to observe the natural course of this lesion. In group 2 (n = 8), a balloon-expandable intraluminal vascular graft was introduced via the femoral artery in a dissected aorta to try to obliterate the dissection. Angiography was performed postoperatively and again 6 weeks later before the aortae were explanted for pathologic evaluation., Results: In group 1, postoperative aortography depicted evidence of aortic dissection in all animals. Autopsy revealed persisting dissection with reentry tear near the celiac axis in five animals. In group 2, placement of a stent at only entry and reentry sites resulted in partial obliteration of the dissection (n = 3). When the entire length of dissected aorta was treated, the dissection was completely obliterated (n = 4)., Conclusion: An aortic dissection can be obliterated with a balloon-expandable stent if the entire dissected aorta is treated.

This study was designed to evaluate the potential obliteration of an experimental aortic dissection using an intravascular stent introduced via the femoral artery. Twenty-two adult dogs were divided into four groups: in group A (n = 6) a thoracoabdominal aortic dissection was surgically created to observe the natural course of this lesion; in group B (n = 6) a nitinol coil graft was introduced into the aorta via the femoral artery; in group C (n = 3) a nitinol coil graft was introduced via the femoral artery into a dissected aorta in an attempt to obliterate the dissection; and in group D (n = 7) an expandable intraluminal vascular graft (Palmaz stent) was introduced via the femoral artery into a dissected aorta in an attempt to obliterate the dissection. Arteriographic evaluation was performed postoperatively and again 6 weeks later before the aortas were explanted. Gross and light microscopic examinations were performed on all explanted aortas. In group A dissection was achieved and a postoperative aortogram demonstrated evidence of aortic dissection in all animals. Autopsy revealed persistence of dissection with a reentry tear near the celiac axis in five animals. In group B there was incomplete expansion of the nitinol coil graft in five dogs, resulting in aortic thrombosis in one. In group C the nitinol coil graft failed to obliterate the aortic dissection in all animals and resulted in aortic thrombosis in two. In group D placement of a balloon-expandable intraluminal stent solely at entry and reentry sites resulted in only partial obliteration of the dissection (n = 3), but when the entire length of the dissected aorta was treated, the dissection was completely obliterated (n = 3).