How to manage aortic arch complications after stenting of the descending aorta

Stenting of the descending aorta has become an effective new treatment method which, however, may have specific complications. In 2 patients of our cohort and 1 patient admitted from an external institution, we faced problems in the aortic arch due to overstenting of the great vessels, thrombus formation, or stent plication. To avoid severe subsequent complications, we treated these patients immediately using an open thoracic approach. The obstructing stent material was resected during deep hypothermic arrest, with an uneventful outcome in all patients.