Transcarotid Artery Approach for Endovascular Aortic Repair in Treating Complex Descending Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm With Aortoiliac Occlusion: A Case Report

Background Endovascular aortic repair has emerged as the preferred treatment modality over open surgery for aortic diseases, primarily because of its association with lower perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. Current diagnostic and treatment guidelines generally advocate for endovascular aortic repair in most cases, with the femoral artery serving as the conventional access route. However, this approach may not be feasible for all patients, particularly those with aortoiliac artery occlusion, necessitating alternative access strategies. Case Summary This paper presents a complex case study of a patient with aortoiliac artery occlusion who underwent endovascular aortic repair via the left carotid artery approach for a pseudoaneurysm at the anastomotic site of a descending aortic prosthetic graft. This case underscores the potential value of utilizing the carotid artery as an alternative access route in anatomically challenging situations. Conclusion Research on transcarotid artery approach endovascular aortic repair is limited and predominantly consists of case reports, with a notable absence of randomized controlled trials. This case report suggests that endovascular aortic repair via the carotid artery approach may be a viable alternative for selecting patient groups when the conventional femoral artery approach is not feasible. While our single case demonstrated successful management with minimal complications, larger studies are needed to fully establish the safety profile and determine if perioperative complications and mortality rates are indeed manageable across diverse patient populations. Clinical Impact This study provides valuable insights into the feasibility of the carotid artery as an alternative access route for endovascular aortic repair in patients with aortoiliac artery occlusion. It offers clinicians a potential strategy for cases where the conventional femoral artery route is not feasible. The findings presented herein aim to demonstrate the practicality and relative safety of utilizing the carotid artery for endovascular procedures in anatomically challenging scenarios, contributing to the broader understanding of access alternatives in aortic repair interventions.