Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic pathology

Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic pathology is an evolving and increasingly attractive alternative to open repair. Endograft technology and delivery systems have improved rapidly since their introduction in the 1990s, and early and mid-term results for currently available devices are promising. No individual device has proven to be superior as no comparative trials have been performed. However, each available device is unique in its characteristics to treat aortic disease: GORE (R) TAG (R) (WL Gore and Associates, AZ, USA), Zenith (R) (TX1 (R) and TX2 (R), Cook, IN, USA), and Talent (TM) (Medtronic Vascular, CA, USA). In addition to a prerequisite set of endovascular skills, a detailed knowledge of different graft designs and an understanding of aortic pathology significantly affect the efficacy of endovascular repair of thoracic aortic disease. This article focuses on the currently available devices, their characteristics and pivotal clinical trial results.