A stented elephant trunk procedure with retrograde cerebral perfusion for a rare type of pseudoaneurysm with an aberrant right subclavian artery

BackgroundAberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly that increases the risk of aortic dissection (AD). Although several treatment options for cases of AD with ARSA have been proposed, such as traditional surgery, thoracic endovascular aortic repair, and a hybrid procedure, a consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy has not yet been established. And there are no reported cases of pseudoaneurysm combined with ARSA.Case presentationA 44-year-old male was admitted with a 7-days history of chest pain. A physical examination was almost normal. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed an ARSA arose from the distal aortic arch and pseudoaneurysm located distal to the origin of the ARSA. The stented elephant trunk (SET) procedure with retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) was performed under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest. The postoperative CTA demonstrated a well-perfused ARSA, left subclavian artery (LSA), left common carotid artery (LCCA), and right common carotid artery (RCCA), and occluded pseudoaneurysm with no endoleaks. He was discharged on postoperative day 9 and was doing well during his 6-months follow-up.ConclusionsWith a smaller incision, a simple cannulation method, shorter surgical and circulatory arrest times, fewer blood transfusion requirements, and effective brain protection, the SET procedure with RCP can be a safe and feasible treatment option for complicated aortic arch anomalies with ARSA.