The wrapping technique as an alternative method for the treatment of ascending aortic dilatation

Abstract

Abstract Background The natural history of Ascending Aorta Dilatations (AAD) is unpredictable because acute dissections and ruptures have been observed even at aortic diameter sizes as small as 40s mm. Current data are unclear in terms of the simultaneous treatment of Ascending Aorta Aneurysms (AAD) with a coexisting surgical pathology requiring open heart surgery (OHS). To overcome the aforementioned complications in patients with ADD and a concomitant indication for OHS, we have applied a less invasive technique, in contrast to the conventional method of replacement of the ascending aorta with a supracoronary synthetic tubular graft interposition. Purpose The safety and efficacy of the Wrapping Ascending Aorta Dilatation (WAAD) technique that is based on the wrapping of the dilated ascending aorta with a synthetic graft from the sinotubular junction to the origin of innominate artery. Methods We studied 254 patients who underwent ascending aorta surgery from 2000 to 2020 at a Euroclinic Hospital Greece, from the same senior Cardiac Surgeon. Patients with an AAD with a diameter of 40–45mm in combination with a coexisting cardiac surgical pathology requiring OHS were treated with the wrapping technique, while patients with AAD diameter more than 45mm were treated with replacement. The WAAD technique was applied during patient's rewarming period using a longitudinally opened synthetic tubular Dacron graft around the AAD, without increasing the patient's time on extracorporeal circulation. The mean follow-up interval was 12.2±4.5 years. Results Two hundred and three patients (80%) were treated with OHS with replacement of the ascending aorta. Fifty one patients (20%) had an AAD with a diameter of 40–45mm (mean diameter 43±3.3mm) in combination with a coexisting cardiac surgical pathology requiring OHS and were treated with the WAAD technique. due to concomitant aortic valve surgery in 34 patients (67%), coronary artery bypass Graft in 10 patients (19.6%) and mitral valve surgery in 7 (14%). One of the patients who underwent mitral valve surgery exhibited AAD as well as dilation of the common pulmonary trunk extending to the right pulmonary artery and had both treated with the wrapping technique. During follow up no AAD recurrence or any other event concerning the ascending aorta or pulmonary artery were observed. Conclusion In patients with AAD undergoing OHS for a different cardiac pathology, WAAD is safe and effective and may be beneficial for patients with AAD with an aortic diameter of 40–45mm. Further randomized control studies are needed to confirm our results. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.