Aortic reinterventions after the frozen elephant trunk procedure

Abstract Objective The frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure has emerged as a potential single-step treatment for pathologies of the thoracic aorta, but the procedure's true potential to be a single-step treatment remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the need and outcomes of aortic reinterventions after previous FET implantation. Methods Patient characteristics and follow-up data of 107 patients following the FET procedure were evaluated and compared between patients with and without aortic reinterventions. A competing risk regression model was analyzed to identify independent predictors of aortic reintervention and to predict the risk for reintervention. Results Intended completion, anticipated reinterventions, and unexpected reinterventions were performed in 35 patients (33%). There was no difference in the underlying pathology between patients with or without aortic reintervention. An endovascular reintervention was performed in 24 patients (69%), open surgery in 7 patients (20%) and a hybrid approach in 4 patients (11%). No stroke or permanent spinal cord injuries were observed. In-hospital mortality after reintervention was 14% (5 patients), but there was no difference in survival during follow-up after FET implantation (log rank test, P = .58). No risk factors for aortic reinterventions were identified. The risk for aortic reintervention was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21%-42%), 49% (95% CI, 35%-62%), and 64% (95% CI, 44%-79%) after 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Conclusions Aortic reinterventions are common and likely after FET implantation, but this study did not identify independent predictors. Reinterventions are associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Close follow-up of all patients undergoing FET procedure is paramount.