Meta-analysis of the outcomes of revascularization after intentional coverage of the left subclavian artery for thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Abstract Objective Coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) is often required to achieve complete proximal sealing during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. However, whether LSA revascularization should be performed remains controversial. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched to identify all the relevant studies. A random-effects model was applied to pool the effect measures. Dichotomous data were presented using an odds ratio (OR). Results There were 32 studies included for qualitative analysis and 31 studies for quantitative analysis. We found that patients who underwent LSA revascularization had a significantly decreased risk of spinal cord ischemia (OR, 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.92; P  = .02; I 2  = 0%), cerebrovascular accident (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.95; P  = .03; I 2  = 22%), and left upper extremity ischemia (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.36; P I 2  = 0%). However, no significant differences were found in the risk of paraplegia (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.55-1.51; P  = .71; I 2  = 0%) and 30-day mortality (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.59-1.36; P  = .60; I 2  = 21%) between the groups of patients with and without LSA revascularization. Conclusions Revascularization of the LSA is associated with decreased risks of cerebrovascular accident, spinal cord ischemia, and left upper limb ischemia in thoracic endovascular aortic repair with LSA coverage at the cost of higher local complications, such as possible vocal cord paresis.