Professor Tim Buckenham is a specialist vascular radiologist at Christchurch Public Hospital, New Zealand and Clinical Professor and Head of the Academic Department of Radiology. Professor Buckenham has had a long interest in endoluminal repair of the thoracic aorta and has published widely on the topic. He has established a national database of thoracic repairs in New Zealand in response to the need for further data collection on this evolving technique. Professor Buckenham has an active unit undertaking endoluminal repair of the thoracic aorta at Christchurch Hospital and has contributed to the modification of the technique of endoluminal repair based on ultrasound-guided placement. He is currently in the UK for a 6-month sabbatical that commenced in July 2004.

Tim Buckenham
Department of Radiology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

Address for correspondence:
Professor Tim Buckenham
Radiology Department
Christchurch Public Hospital
Private Bag 4710, Christchurch 8001
New Zealand
Tel: +64 (0)3 364 0028 Fax: +64 (0)3 365 0620
E-mail: TimB2@cdhb.govt.nz

Abstract
Endoluminal repair of thoracic aortic dissections is an evolving technique used to exclude acute dissections where the entry point lies distal to the left subclavian. The technique is limited by paucity of data and uncertainty about long-term outcomes. It has certainly proved to be an attractive option in patients who would otherwise be considered for surgery due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with operative repair. The expansion of this new technology has led to a number of controversies about its use, which include the lack of level one data, compounded by a lack of equipoise precluding a randomised controlled trial. Some investigators have suggested its use in uncomplicated dissection, but its role in improving survival is unclear. However, this application may have equipoise.

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