Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of open surgery and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients undergoing repeat thoracic aortic repair from previous anastomosis site.

Methods: From January 2009 to December 2017, 68 patients needed repeat aortic surgery from previous anastomosis site. Twenty-three patients had dissected distal aorta and 45 patients had non-dissected distal aorta. Early and long-term outcomes of open surgery and TEVAR were compared in both groups.

Results: There were no significant differences in patient background between the two treatments in both groups. Open surgery was associated with longer intensive care unit stay, but there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality in both groups. In patients with dissected distal aorta, there was no significant difference in long-term mortality (p=0.73). However, TEVAR was associated with higher risk of reintervention (p=0.038). In non-dissected distal aorta patients, acute kidney injury (p=0.002) and prolonged ventilation (p=0.032) were more often observed in open surgery. However, there were no significant differences in long-term mortality (p=0.23) and freedom from reintervention (p=0.13).

Conclusions: Long-term outcomes were similar between open surgery and TEVAR in both groups. However, TEVAR in patients with dissected distal aorta was associated with higher risk, for reintervention.