GORE (R) TAG (R) conformable thoracic stent graft for the treatment of descending aortic pathologies

Endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta has gained widespread acceptance as a primary treatment modality for thoracic aortic disease due to its minimally invasive approach and improved survival rates. GORE (R) TAG (R) Conformable Thoracic Stent Graft was designed for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, penetrating ulcers, aortic transections and type B aortic dissections, which are accepted indications for endovascular therapy. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical literature, focusing mainly on the publications that came from manufacturer's pre-market and post-market studies. Including the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT), sponsored by WL Gore & Associates (Flagstaff, AZ, USA), which is a large database of endovascular repair of various thoracic, abdominal and thoraco-abdominal aortic pathologies to identify and evaluate only those with isolated thoracic aortic pathology (arch and descending thoracic). Lay abstract: Endovascular repair is a technique used by vascular surgeons to help treat the pathology of the blood vessels. This is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeons to access the major vessels of the body, in this case the descending thoracic aorta, and place an endograft. Endografts are a hollow, fabric-covered tube, surrounding a mesh metal cylinder (or stent). This device remains inside the vessel to provide support and keep the lumen open. Traditionally, prior to the invention of endovascular stents the treatment of descending thoracic aorta pathologies was limited to open surgical repair or medical treatment. GORE (R) TAG (R) Conformable Thoracic Stent Graft was designed to help repair many descending thoracic aortic pathologies. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical literature, focusing mainly on the publications that came from manufacturer's pre-market and post-market studies.