Steal Phenomenon of Thoracic False Lumen: Imaging Insights From Postdissection Cases

Persistent thoracic false lumen flow and subsequent aortic expansion are common complications following thoracic endovascular aortic repair for type B aortic dissection, as well as aortic arch replacement with the elephant trunk technique for type A aortic dissection. Although thoracic false lumen-perfused branches are known to contribute to thoracic false lumen backflow, robust imaging evidence is still lacking. This review illustrates how these branches perpetuate thoracic false lumen flow through detailed imaging analysis, emphasizing the critical need for advancing rapid, accurate, and minimally invasive imaging techniques and novel therapeutic devices to address this persistent clinical challenge.