Preoperative percutaneous carotid artery recanalization in a patient with aortic dissection type A

Management of patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) presenting with cerebral malperfusion due to carotid artery obstruction is still a major challenge and often associated with poor prognosis despite successful surgical aortic repair, due to prolonged cerebral perfusion deficit. Here, we present the first report regarding successful percutaneous recanalization of an internal carotid artery occlusion in the setting of an ATAAD prior to open surgical aortic repair with excellent clinical outcome after three year follow-up, including almost full neurological recovery.