November 2014
In this Issue
Trends in TEVAR
Experts discuss the future directions of thoracic aortic disease management.
COVER STORIES
An Algorithmic Strategy for the Evaluation and Management of Type B Dissections
An experience- and data-based approach to this challenging and diverse thoracic pathology.
By Michael D. Dake, MD
The Value of TEVAR Trials
Do we need more trials to tell us how and when to treat descending thoracic aortic aneurysms?
By Benjamin O. Patterson, PhD, MRCS; and Matt M. Thompson, MD, FRCS
Endovascular Techniques for Treating Ascending Aortic Pathology
A review of the published data available to date for endovascular therapy in the unique anatomy of the ascending aorta.
By Gaspar Mestres, MD, PhD; Xavier Yugueros, MD; Clay Brinster, MD; and Vincent Riambau, MD, PhD

Total Endovascular Repair of the Aortic Arch
An overview of branched arch devices on the horizon.
By Stéphan Haulon, MD, PhD; Jonathan Sobocinski, MD, PhD; Rafaelle Spear, MD; Jarin Kratzberg, PhD; Blayne Roeder, PhD; Richard Azzaoui, MD; and Blandine Maurel, MD, PhD
Debate: Aortic Arch Aneurysms

Arch Debranching Is Best
Without sufficient long-term data on the use of chimney or branched grafts, arch debranching is the preferred treatment modality.
By Stephen W. K. Cheng, MD
Is Pure Endovascular Treatment the New Frontier?
Chimney and sandwich techniques offer promising options for aneurysm exclusion.
By Armando C. Lobato, MD, PhD; Marcelo Cury, MD; Fabio Luiz Costa Pereira, MD; Vasco Gama Ribeiro, MD; and Luciana Camacho-Lobato, MD, PhD
Why an Optimal BTAI Grading System Is Needed
Creating and implementing a grading system that can direct practice algorithms for blunt thoracic aortic injury treatment.
By Joseph DuBose, MD, FACS, FCCM; and Ali Azizzadeh, MD, FACS
Neurologic Protection During TEVAR
Reducing the incidence of devastating neurologic complications and minimizing their impact when they do occur.
By Sharif H. Ellozy, MD

Penetrating Aortic Ulcer and Intramural Hematoma
An update on how to differentiate and manage two potentially devastating diagnoses.
By Foeke Nauta, MD; Arnoud Kamman, MD; and Santi Trimarchi, MD, PhD
Ask the Experts
How do you manage uncomplicated type B dissections?
With Mark K. Eskandari, MD; Edward Y. Woo, MD; and Ian M. Loftus, MD, FRCS
What are the options for treating chronic type B dissections with aneurysmal enlargement?
With Joseph V. Lombardi, MD, FACS; Eric Verhoeven, MD, PhD; Tara M. Mastracci, MD; and Gustavo S. Oderich, MD
FEATURED TECHNOLOGY
Sponsored by Phraxis™, Inc.
Minimally Invasive Sutureless Anastomosis of an AV Hemodialysis Graft
An overview of the InterGraft™ Vascular Anastomotic Connector System and a case report from the first-in-human study.
By Adrian Ebner, MD; John Ross, MD; and Alexander Yevzlin, MD
CODING & REIMBURSEMENT

Coding Changes for 2015
Reviewing the changes and additions to endovascular coding effective January 1.
By Katharine L. Krol, MD, FSIR, FACR
An Interview With Sebastian Sixt, MD
Dr. Sixt discusses the role of drug-coated balloons in peripheral lesions and how this technique is applied in Germany.