Staging TEVAR after FET — an exception or the rule?

Purpose: Frozen elephant trunk (FET) was born as an ideal one-step procedure to treat complex arch and descending thoracic aorta pathology. It was then proved that it frequently needs reintervention, which can often be performed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) extension since FET provides a safe proximal landing zone. We hereby describe our experience in TEVAR extension after FET, its main indications, technique, and outcomes. Methods: Between 2007 and 2022, 371 patients underwent FET at our center. Of these, 119 needed TEVAR extension. Some required more than one TEVAR, with a total of 154 procedures. The preoperative characteristics, indications, and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of 154 TEVAR procedures, 15 were performed in an urgent setting. Mean time from FET to TEVAR was 22,2 ± 28,73 months. Two patients died in the operating room; no others died during the hospital stay. Survival after 1, 2, 5, and 10 years was 96.2%, 93.9%, 90.1%, and 70.5% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of TEVAR extension for patients in which a Thoraflex™ vs E-vita™ graft was used, nor for zone 2 vs zone 3 anastomosis and stent length. Conclusion: Though TEVAR extension is often required after FET, it is a safe and effective procedure with excellent post-operative outcomes in the short-, mid-, and long-term and allows successful treatment of complex aortic pathologies. Rigorous and specialized follow-up after FET is central to identify the right moment to intervene.