Impact of Reconstructing Intercostal Artery on Spinal Cord Circulation During Open Surgery for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

This study examines how reconstructing intercostal arteries affects spinal cord blood flow during open surgery for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. The study retrospectively reviewed 84 patients who underwent these repairs between 2004 and 2016, focusing on spinal cord injury prevention measures. The researchers assessed the patency of reconstructed arteries and their impact on spinal cord perfusion and injury prevention.

• 1
  Paraplegia occurred in 4.7% of patients, and the hospital death rate was 5.9%.
• 2
  Reconstruction of the Adamkiewicz artery, when patent postoperatively, was associated with no paraplegia.
• 3
  Univariate analysis did not identify significant risk factors for spinal cord injury, suggesting the need for larger studies.