Uncovered stent insertion for isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection

The aim of this study is to describe our clinical outcomes in isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SMAD) patients that underwent uncovered stent insertion. Between January 2016 and August 2019, consecutive isolated SMAD patients at our center were treated via uncovered stent insertion. Both short- and long-term outcomes in these patients were analyzed. Over the course of the study period, 11 total isolated SMAD patients meeting the criteria for stent insertion at our hospital were treated via uncovered stent insertion. Stent placement across the SMAD site was successful in all patients, with 1 stent being used per patient. There were no instances of procedure-related complications, and the median operative duration was 60 minutes. Patency of the distal superior mesenteric artery and branches thereof was achieved in all cases. Patients experienced progressive SMAD-related symptom relief and were followed for 6 to 49 months (median: 22 months). Over this follow-up period, the obliteration of the dissection was observed within 3 months in all patients. We did not detect any instances of stent occlusion, bowel ischemia, or anti-platelet-related bleeding during the follow-up period. Uncovered stent insertion can achieve favorable short- and long-term outcomes in isolated SMAD patients.