Editor's Choice - Spinal Cord Ischaemia in Endovascular Thoracic and Thoraco-abdominal Aortic Repair: Review of Preventive Strategies

Low overall transient and permanent SCI rates are achieved during endovascular thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic repair. Based on the presented data, the use of selective spinal fluid drainage in high risk patients seems justified. Peri-operative hypotension should be avoided and treated where possible. The use of mild hypothermia is promising in small cohorts, but requires further evaluation. Further high quality data are essential to establish a definitive preventive strategy.