A reliable guide is essential for implanting a stented graft safely into a recently
dissected, fragile aorta. In 4 patients with acute aortic dissection, the implantation
of a stented elephant trunk was done safely using an endoscope for direct visualization.
In all patients, the operation went well. The placement of a stent appears to enhance
the benefit of the elephant trunk, which itself reduces the complications of an arch
replacement in acute dissection.
Stent graft - Endoscope - Elephant trunk - Acute dissection