Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Research Articles

Effects of a frozen elephant trunk on postoperative renal dysfunction in acute type A aortic dissection extending into the renal artery.

We investigated the effects of frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation on clinical outcomes in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) extending into the renal artery (RA). Between May 2016 and April 2021, 136 patients underwent surgery for ATAAD at our hospital. Patients who died within 7 days postoperatively and those without preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) data were excluded from the study. The remaining 125 patients were included in this study. A preoperative CT-documented RA abnormality was found in 53 patients. Clinical outcomes, including renal dysfunction and CT findings, were compared between 29 patients with and 24 patients without the FET prosthesis. Among the 53 patients with RA abnormalities, origin of the RA from the false lumen was the most common type of abnormality. The percentage of men and rate of arch repair were higher, and the operation, cardiopulmonary bypass, and lower body hypothermic circulatory arrest times were longer in the FET than in the non-FET group. Early mortality rates were similar between groups. The incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) was lower in the FET group (35% vs. 67%, p = 0.028). Multivariable analysis showed that FET implantation was associated with a low incidence of AKI (odds ratio: 0.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.96; p = 0.043). Among the 125 patients with or without RA abnormalities, no predictor of AKI was identified. FET implantation protected against postoperative AKI in patients with ATAAD extension into the RA.

Aortic root replacement in bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic valve patients.

BackgroundConcomitant replacement of the aortic root and aortic valve is a widely used treatment strategy in elective patients with aortic valve stenosis and root aneurysm. It is also a strategy frequently employed in patients with acute aortic dissection type A (AADA), involving the aortic root. Although more patients have undergone valve sparing procedures over the past decades, the classic ‘modified Bentall technique’ remains a valid option, particularly for patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). We aimed to compare the results of elective and emergency modified Bentall procedures in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves (TAVs).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed our database for patients undergoing either elective or emergency modified Bentall procedures between 2000 and 2018 and identified 827 elective cases (44% BAV) and 258 emergency cases (15% BAV). Analysis of intra- and postoperative outcomes and early mortality was performed. Due to inequality of the groups, a matching analysis was performed.ResultsWe found BAV patients to be significantly younger (elective: 58±18 vs. 65±14, P<0.001; emergency: 49±17 vs. 62±19, P<0.001) and healthier at time of surgery. In the AADA cohort, malperfusion rate was not different between bicuspid and tricuspid patients, however bicuspid AADA patients presented more often with an entry in the aortic root. After matching, procedure times and early outcomes did not differ between the groups, except for significantly higher rates of respiratory failure in elective TAV patients (10% vs. 5%, P=0.033). The 30-day mortality was 2% in elective cases and 22% in emergency AADA surgery. A subgroup analysis of elective patients with aortic diameter <55 mm also showed excellent outcomes.ConclusionsAfter adjustment for preoperative inequalities, no differences in early mortality and outcomes were found between bicuspid and tricuspid patients receiving elective or emergency modified Bentall surgery.

Distal Reoperations after Repair of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection-Incidence, Causes and Outcomes.

In patients with acute type A aortic dissection (A-AAD) whether initial repair should include also aortic arch replacement is still debated. We aimed to assess if extensive aortic repair prevents from reoperations patients with A-AAD. Outcomes after distal reoperation following repair of A-AAD (n = 285; 1977 to 2018) were analysed in 22 of 226 who underwent ascending aorta/hemiarch replacement (Group ) and 7 of 59 who had ascending aorta/arch replacement (Group ). Distal reoperation was more common in Group (n = 22) than in Group (n = 0) (p 0.001) while thoracic endovascular stenting was more frequent in Group (7 vs 3, p 0.001). Indications for reoperation were pseudoaneurysm at distal anastomosis (n = 4, 18%) and progression of aortic dissection (n = 18, 82%) in Group . Indication for thoracic endovascular stenting was progressive aortic dissection in 3 patients of Group and in 6 of Group . Second reoperation was required in 2 patients from Group (2%) during a mean follow-up of 5 years. Median follow-up was 4 years in Group and 7 years in Group (p = 0.36). Hospital mortality was 14% in Group and 0% in Group (p = 0.3). Actuarial survival is 68 10%, and 62 11% for Group and 100% for Group at 5 and 10 years (p = 0.076). Distal reoperations after A-AAD repair have an acceptable mortality. An extensive initial repair has lower rate of reoperation and better mid-term survival and should be indicated especially for young patients in experienced centers.

High-Dose Tranexamic Acid in Patients Underwent Surgical Repair of Aortic Dissection Might Reduce Postoperative Blood Loss: A Cohort Analysis.

IntroductionWhile tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) who undergo surgical repair to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirement, the optimal dosage of TXA is unknown in these patients.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study that compared high-dose (>50 mg/kg) and low-dose TXA (≤50 mg/kg) in patients with ATAAD who underwent surgical repair. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed between the two groups and results were analyzed in matched cases. The primary outcome was postoperative blood loss within 3 days after surgery. The secondary outcomes were total blood loss after surgery and perioperative blood transfusion, and safety outcomes were also assessed.ResultsThrough medical record screening, 529 patients were identified. After PSM, 196 patients in the high-dose group and 196 patients in the low-dose group were matched and included in the final analysis. Postoperative blood loss in 3 days after surgery was 940 mL (710–1,010 mL) in the low-dose group and 695 mL (620–860 mL) in the high-dose group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Total postoperative blood loss was also statistically less in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group (1,890 mL (1,410–2,100 mL) vs. 2,040 mL (1,460–2,320 mL), P = 0.032). No difference was found between the two groups in transfusion and safety outcomes.ConclusionIn ATAAD patients who underwent surgical repair, high-dose TXA significantly reduced postoperative blood loss compared to low-dose TXA, while no difference in transfusion or adverse events was found.

Metabolic syndrome and its components are associated with hypoxemia after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection: an observational study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore whether or to what extent metabolic syndrome (METs) and its components were associated with hypoxemia in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients after surgery.MethodsThis study involved 271 inpatients who underwent surgery. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Subgroup analysis, mixed model regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed, and a scoring system was evaluated.ResultsThe 271 inpatients were assigned to the hypoxemia group (n = 48) or no hypoxemia group (n = 223) regardless of METs status. Compared to the no hypoxemia group, the hypoxemia group had a higher incidence of METs. Hypoxemia was present in 0%, 3.7%, 19.8%, 51.5%, 90.0% and 100% in the groups of individuals who met the diagnostic criteria of MetS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 times, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, BMI quartile was still a risk factor for hypoxemia after adjustment for other risk factors. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, METs was an independent risk factor for hypoxemia in several models. After assigning a score for each METs component present, the AUCs were 0.852 (95% CI 0.789–0.914) in all patients, 0.728 (95% CI 0.573–0.882) in patients with METs and 0.744 (95% CI 0.636–0.853) in patients without METs according to receiver operating characteristic analysis.ConclusionsMETs, especially body mass index, confers a greater risk of hypoxemia in ATAAD after surgery.

In-Hospital Mortality of Patients With Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Hospitalized on Weekends VersusWeekdays.

In acute aortic dissection, weekend admissions are reported to be associated with increased mortality compared with weekday admissions. This study aimed to determine whether patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) admitted on weekends had higher in-hospital mortality than those admitted on weekdays in the Tokyo metropolitan area, where we developed a patient-transfer system for aortic dissection. Data were collected during the first year after our transfer system began (cohort I) and in the subsequent years from 2013 to 2015 (cohort II). We studied 2,339 patients (500 in cohort I; 1,839 in cohort II) with ATAAD. Patients with weekend admissions had higher in-hospital mortality than those with weekday admissions in cohort I. In association with increased interfacility transfer during weekends and reduced mortality at non-high-volume centers, the in-hospital mortality in the weekend group improved from 37.2% in cohort I to 22.2% in cohort II (P< 0.001). After inverse probability weighting adjustment, weekend admission was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in cohort I (odds ratio: 2.28; 95%confidence interval: 1.48 to 3.52; P< 0.001), but not in cohort II (odds ratio: 0.96; 95%confidence interval: 0.75 to 1.22; P=0.731). On multivariable analyses, weekend admission was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in combined cohort I+II; the associations between weekend admission and mortality were not significant in cohort II. We found a significant reduction in in-hospital mortality in patients with weekend admissions for ATAAD. No mortality difference between weekend and weekday admissions was observed in the later years of the study.

Sex differences in acute type A aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive comparison of outcomes following acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair in males and females. PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were systematically searched by two authors for studies published from January 1st, 2000, to May 10th, 2021. Overall, 2405 articles were screened, and 16 were included in this review. Meta-analysis of the compiled data was performed. Pooled estimates indicated no difference in operative (odds ratio (OR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-1.67, P=0.99, I2=52%), in-hospital (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.56-1.08; P=0.13, I2=57%), and 30-day mortality (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.83-1.43, P=0.52, I2=45%) between the sexes. However, males had significantly reduced 5-year mortality rates (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-1.00, P=0.05, I2=45%). There was no difference between sexes in rates of postoperative stroke (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.86-1.33, P=0.54, I2=0%), atrial fibrillation (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.82-1.19, P=0.92, I2=0%), as well as mesenteric or limb ischemia (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.22-2.43, P=0.61, I2=77%; OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.30-2.30, P=0.72, I2=76%, respectively). Males did experience significantly increased rates of acute renal failure and reoperation (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16-1.56, P=0.0001, I2=29%; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.09-1.81, P=0.010, I2=42%). Composite analysis indicates that early mortality does not differ between the sexes; however, late outcomes favor males. Differences in preoperative presentation and subsequent procedure selection between the sexes likely contribute to the disparity in late outcomes. Decision-making for surgical treatment of ATAAD should account for sex-specific risk factors.

The impact of age and sex on in-hospital outcomes in acute type A aortic dissection surgery.

BackgroundOlder age and female sex are thought to be risk factors for adverse outcomes after repair of acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD). The aim of this study is to analyze age- and sex-related outcomes in patients undergoing AAAD repair.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients undergoing emergency AAAD repair. Patients were divided in Group A, patients aged ≥75 years and Group B <75. Intraoperative and postoperative data were compared between groups before and after propensity score matching. Sex differences were analyzed by age group.ResultsBetween January 2006 and December 2018, 638 patients underwent emergency AAAD repair. Group A included 143 patients (22.4%), Group B 495 (77.6%). More patients in Group A presented with circulatory collapse (Penn C 26.6% vs. 9.7%, P=0.001) while Group B presented with circulatory collapse-branch malperfusion (Penn BC 29.3% vs. 15.4% P=0.001). After propensity score matching, Group B patients received more complex aortic root (33.6% vs. 23.2%, P=0.019) and concomitant bypass surgery (12.3% vs. 6.3%, P=0.042). There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between age groups (18% vs. 12% P=0.12). In Group B, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in females (22.2% vs. 8.2%, P=0.028). Differences in mortality disappeared after the age of 75 (18.3% vs. 19.4% P=0.87).ConclusionsMorbidity and mortality are comparable between patients under and over 75 years after AAAD repair. Female patients <75 had higher in-hospital mortality than their male counterparts.

Early outcomes of Sun's procedure in elderly patients with acute aortic dissection: a single-center retrospective study.

ObjectiveThe effect of patient age on the outcome of Sun’s procedure for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains controversial. We retrospectively investigated the early outcomes of Sun’s procedure in elderly patients with ATAAD in our single center.MethodsThis study involved 106 patients who underwent Sun’s procedure. The patients were divided into the elderly group (≥70 years, n = 17) and younger group (<70 years). Baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared between the groups.ResultsThe mean age in the elderly and younger groups was 75.7 and 50.7 years, respectively. The type of aortic root operations were not significantly different between the groups. Concomitant surgeries were more frequently performed in the elderly group, but without statistical significance. All intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass variables as well as the in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were similar between the groups. The incidences of most postoperative complications were also similar except for a higher incidence of sepsis in the elderly group.ConclusionsEmergency performance of Sun’s procedure for patients with ATAAD characterized by dissection and/or entry tear in the aortic arch should not be denied on the basis of advanced age alone. Comparable early in-hospital outcomes can be achieved in elderly patients.

Impact of COVID-19 on Emergency Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center Historic Control Study.

The present study aimed to clarify the impact of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on emergency management of acute type A aortic dissection. We consecutively enrolled 337 acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients at emergency room in Fuwai Hospital (Beijing, China) from January to June during the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic (n = 148) and the same period in 2019 as the historical control (n = 189). The primary outcome was defined as in-hospital death. Other outcomes included automatic discharge during emergency admission. The factors with significant differences before and after the epidemic were compared and analyzed by stages with the study endpoint to clarify their changes in different stages of the epidemic. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality (35 (20.5%) vs. 23 (17.4%), p = 0.472). Compared with year 2019, proportion of patients receiving surgical treatment decreased significantly (74 (50.0%) vs. 129 (68.25%), p 0.001). The surgery time of ATAAD patients in 2020 was significantly shorter (6.46 [5.52, 7.51] vs. 7.33 [6.00, 8.85] hours, p = 0.01). The length of stay in the emergency department significantly differed at each stage. Our study demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of ATAAD patients and surgical treatment during COVID-19 outbreak. The surgical strategy of patients changed, but the overall mortality was largely the same. Patients undergoing surgery had a trend toward longer interval from the onset to the operating room, but they tended to be normal at the end of the epidemic. Proper epidemic prevention policies may avoid COVID-19 hitting patients who are not infected with the virus to the greatest extent.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair: Current evidence and challenges.

In 1987 Nikolay Volodos performed the world's first endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms. Endovascular technology has progressed significantly since then. There are now many thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) systems commercially available. By applying them, we can treat many pathologies: aneurysms, dissections, aortic ruptures, and penetrating aortic ulcers. However, TEVAR technology still has its limitations, namely the risk of a retrograde type A dissection, the issue of precise landing in the distal landing zone, and the risk of air embolism and paraplegia. Furthermore, there are no appropriate stent grafts widely available to treat acute dissections. Those currently used are designed for aneurysms, not for dissections. As a result, there are several challenges facing the future TEVAR surgical community, such as the need to develop new and more precise systems with retrograde deployment for the distal landing zone, as well as to introduce flexible stent grafts to treat dissections. The endo-Bentall is being developed as an alternative treatment method for acute type-A aortic dissection.

Is Exercise Blood Pressure Putting the Brake on Exercise Rehabilitation after Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery?

(1) Background: Exercise is recommended to improve physical fitness in patients recovering from acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). However, surgery corrects the diseased blood vessels and reduces the risk of ATAAD, but it does not redefine a safe exercise blood pressure (BP) threshold. This review aimed to discuss whether the safe threshold of exercise BP can be upregulated after ATAAD surgery to increase exercise intensity with additional benefits. (2) Data sources: The PubMed databases were searched with the keywords “type A acute aortic dissection surgery”, “exercise”, “BP”, “stress”, and variations of these terms. (3) Study selection: Data from clinical trials, guidelines, and recent reviews were selected for review. (4) Results: Regular exercise can be considered a cardioprotective intervention for aortic dissection patients by attenuating hemodynamic responses at rest and during exercise. Previous studies have mainly focused on moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. In practice, the exercise systolic BP of some patients was higher than 160 mm Hg without adverse events, which indicates that the training intensity may be underestimated for patients after ATAAD surgery. Limited studies suggest a light-to-moderate resistance training for selected patients because it may cause a greater increase in BP. (5) Conclusions: Moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise supplemented by low-intensity resistance training is appropriate for cardiac rehabilitation after ATAAD surgery. The BP increase based on the normal exercise BP response, corresponding to the moderate-intensity is relatively safe. For high-risk post-ATAAD patients, considering the overall volume of training, personalizing the exercise regimen to remain within “safe” BP limits, and avoiding excessive fluctuations in BP should be the primary considerations for exercise training.

Impact of GERAADA score in patients with acute type A aortic dissection

BackgroundDespite continuous developments and advances in the perioperative management of patients suffering from acute aortic dissection type A (AADA), the associated postoperative morbidity and mortality remain high and strongly depend on the preoperative clinical status. The associated postoperative mortality is still hard to predict prior to the surgical procedure. The so-called German Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection Type A (GERAADA) score uses very basic and easily retrievable parameters and was specifically designed for predicting the 30-day mortality rate in patients undergoing surgery for AADA. This study evaluated impact of the GERAADA score in the authors’ institutional results.MethodsAmong 101 acute type A aortic dissection patients treated at our hospital during August 2015–March 2021, the GERAADA was calculated individually and retrospectively. Predicted and actual mortalities were assessed, and independent predicted factors were searched. The primary endpoint was defined as comparison of GERAADA scores and early mortality, and the secondary endpoints were defined as comparison of GERAADA scores and other postoperative results, and comparison of preoperative factors and postoperative results regardless to GERAADA scores.ResultsWhile the overall 30-day mortality for the entire study cohort calculated by the GERAADA score was 14.3 (8.1–77.6)%, the actual mortality rate was 6%. However, the GERAADA score was significantly high in some postoperative complications and showed significant correlation with some peri- and post-operative factors. In addition, factors not belonging to GERAADA score such as time from onset to arrival at the hospital, time from onset to arrival at the operation room, spouse presence, and hemodialysis were significantly associated with 30-day mortality.ConclusionsAlthough the actual mortality was lower than predicted, GERAADA score may impact on the postoperative course. In addition, it would be desirable to add parameters such as the time from onset to arrival, family background, and hemodialysis for further accuracy.

Outcomes of patients with acute type A aortic dissection and concomitant lower extremity malperfusion

ObjectiveThe occurrence of acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) is a serious risk within the context of aortic dissection repair. The aim of the present study was to examine the outcomes of patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAD) and concomitant lower extremity malperfusion. MethodsWe performed a retrospective medical record review at our tertiary referral center of patients who underwent ATAD repair from January 2002 to June 2018. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to compare the outcomes of patients with and without lower extremity malperfusion. The primary outcomes were 30-day and 1-year mortality. ResultsA total of 378 patients underwent ATAD repair during the study period. Their mean age was 57 years, 68% were men, and 51% were White. A total of 62 patients (16%) presented with concomitant ALLI, including 35 (9%) who presented with isolated ALLI and 27 (7%) who presented with ALLI and concomitant malperfusion of at least one other organ. Of the 62 patients with ALLI, 46 underwent only proximal aortic repair. Of the 378 patients, 6 died within the first 24 hours, and their limb perfusion was not assessed. Among the 40 patients who underwent isolated proximal repair and survived >24 hours, 34 (85%) had resolution of their ALLI. Of the 16 patients who underwent concomitant lower extremity peripheral vascular procedures, 10 had bypass procedures and 1 died within 24 hours due to refractory coagulopathy and hypotension. All six patients with adequate follow-up imaging studies had asymptomatic occlusion of the bypass graft with recanalization of the occluded native arteries. Patients who presented with any organ malperfusion had increased 30-day (odds ratio, 1.8; P = .04) and 1-year (odds ratio, 1.8; P = .04) mortality and decreased overall survival (P < .01). For the patients with isolated ALLI, no significant differences were found in 30-day or 1-year mortality or overall survival (P = .57). ConclusionsProximal repair of ATAD resolves most cases of associated ALLI, and isolated ALLI does not affect short- or long-term survival. All patients with follow-up in our study who underwent extra-anatomic bypass developed asymptomatic graft occlusion, which could be attributed to competitive flow from the remodeled native arterial system. We believe that rapid and aggressive restoration of flow to the lower extremity is the best method to treat ALLI malperfusion syndrome. Close monitoring for the development of compartment syndrome is recommended.

Extending Aortic Replacement Beyond the Proximal Arch in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Meta-Analysis of Short Term Outcomes and Long Term Actuarial Survival

The extent of aortic replacement during surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is an important matter of debate. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the short and long term outcomes of a proximal aortic repair (PAR) vs. total arch replacement (TAR) in the treatment of ATAAD.

The long-term impact of acute renal failure after aortic arch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection.

To determine the long-term impact of developing acute renal failure (ARF) on survival after open aortic arch reconstruction for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). This was an observational study of consecutive aortic surgeries from 2007 to 2021. Patients with ATAAD were identified via a prospectively maintained institutional database and were stratified by the presence or absence of postoperative ARF (by RIFLE criteria). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed. A total of 601 patients undergoing open surgery for ATAAD were identified, of which 516 (85.9%) did not develop postoperative ARF, while 85 (14.1%) developed ARF, with a median follow-up time of 4.6 years (1.6, 7.9). Baseline characteristics were similar across each group, except for higher rates of branch vessel malperfusion and lower preoperative ejection fraction in the ARF group. Patients with ARF underwent more total arch replacement and elephant trunk procedures, with longer cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest times than patients without ARF. ARF was associated with worse short-term outcomes, including increased in-hospital mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, higher rates of sepsis, more blood transfusions, and longer length of hospital stay. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were significantly lower in the ARF group, compared to the group without ARF (p < .001, log-rank test). After multivariable adjustment, the development of postoperative ARF was significantly associated with an increased hazard of death over the study's follow-up time-period (hazard ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.95, 3.86, p < .001). ARF is a highly morbid postoperative event that may adversely impact long-term survival after aortic surgery.

Acute renal failure after acute type A aortic dissection repair. Insidious postoperative complication with poor short- and long-term prognosis.

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening aortic disease. Many systems and organs are affected by malperfusion which presents preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative acute renal failure after ATAAD constitutes a severe and insidious complication. Acute renal damage is observed in many patients with ATAAD preoperatively and it burdens the renal function postoperatively. Renal replacement therapy represents an additional risk factor for short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes after ATAAD repair. Brown et al.'s present study highlight the clinical significance of this complication. Also, they remind us of the importance of optimizing perioperative renal protective strategies in patients undergoing ATAAD repair.

Specialization in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair: The Outcomes and Challenges

With increasing specialization within the field of cardiac surgery and a positive relationship between case volume and surgical outcomes in many areas, the concept of dedicated aortic surgeons performing acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair was investigated. From 1996 to 2014, 436 patients underwent open surgical repair of an ATAAD and were subsequently divided based on surgeon subspecialization, aortic-surgeon (AS, n=401) vs non-aortic-surgeon (NAS, n=35). Each aortic surgeon performed an average of 13 ATAAD repair operations per year. Preoperative comorbidities were similar between groups. Intraoperatively, the AS group had 36% aortic root replacement vs 23% in the NAS group, P=0.12, and 36% zone 1/2/3 arch replacement vs 26% in the NAS group, P=0.20). Postoperatively, the AS group had significantly better outcomes, including intraoperative mortality (1.2% vs 5.7%), 30-day mortality (6.5% vs 17%), and composite outcomes (23% vs 46%). Multivariable logistic regression showed NAS was a risk factor for 30-day mortality with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.4 (P=0.03), as were COPD (OR=4.0, P=0.046) and cardiogenic shock (OR=13.4, P < 0.0001). The 10-year survival was 66% in the AS group vs 46% in the NAS group, P=0.02. NAS (HR=2.2), Age (hazard ratio (HR)=1.05), COPD (HR=1.96), acute stroke (HR=3.0), and New York Heart Association class III or IV (HR=1.75) were significant risk factors for long-term mortality. Managing ATAAD by subspecialized aortic surgeons resulted in improved short- and long-term outcomes. Our specialty could consider ATAAD repair by high-volume aortic surgeons for better patient outcomes.

Unilateral versus bilateral anterograde cerebral perfusion in acute type A aortic dissection repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the study is to compare the safety and efficacy of unilateral anterograde cerebral perfusion (UACP) and bilateral anterograde cerebral perfusion (BACP) for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). A systematic review of the MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases (last search: August 7th, 2021) was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Studies directly comparing UACP versus BACP for ATAAD were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Eight retrospective cohort studies were identified, incorporating 2416 patients (UACP: 843, BACP: 1573). No statistically significant difference was observed regarding in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]:1.05 [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI):0.70-1.57]), permanent neurological deficit (PND) (OR: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.52-1.70]), transient neurological deficit (TND) (OR: 1.37 [95% CI: 0.98-1.92]), renal failure (OR: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.70-1.32]), and re-exploration for bleeding (OR: 0.77 [95% CI: 0.48-1.22]). Meta-regression analysis revealed that PND and TND were not influenced by differences in rates of total arch repair, Bentall procedure, and concomitant CABG in UACP and BACP groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass time (Standard Mean Difference [SMD]: -0.11 [95% CI: -0.22, 0.44]), Cross clamp time (SMD: -0.04 [95% CI: -0.38, 0.29]), and hypothermic circulatory arrest time (SMD: -0.12 [95% CI: -0.55, 0.30]) were comparable between UACP and BACP. Intensive care unit stay was shorter in BACP arm (SMD:0.16 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.31]); however, length of hospital stay was shorter in UACP arm (SMD: -0.25 [95% CI: -0.45, -0.06]). UACP and BACP had similar results in terms of in-hospital mortality, PND, TND, renal failure, and re-exploration for bleeding rate in patients with ATAAD. ICU stay was shorter in the BACP arm while LOS was shorter in the UACP arm.

Effect of nadir hematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass on the early outcomes after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection

Although hemodilution during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) had been thought to improve microcirculation and reduce blood viscosity, there has been no report investigating the effect of low nadir hematocrit (Hct) values caused by severe hemodilution on the surgical outcomes of patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). We retrospectively reviewed 112 consecutive patients who emergently underwent emergency surgical repair of ATAAD at our institution. The patients were classified into the high Hct (nadir Hct ≥ 21% during CPB; n = 51) and low Hct (nadir Hct < 21% during CPB; n = 61) groups. After propensity score matching of preoperative characteristics, surgical outcomes were compared between the groups. Although there was no difference in the surgical procedure, longer CPB time and more blood transfusion during surgery were needed in the low Hct group than in the high Hct group. After surgery, estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower (p = .015), lactaic acid was higher (p = .045), and intubation time was longer (p = .018) in the low Hct group than in the high Hct group, although there was no difference in hospital mortality between the groups. The AUC of the nadir Hct during CPB as a prognostic indicator of prolonged postoperative ventilator support was 0.8, with the highest accuracy at 16.7% (sensitivity 88%, specificity 76.9%). In all cohorts, female sex was an independent risk factor for a lower nadir Hct value of <21% during CPB. A lower nadir Hct value of <21% during CPB may be associated with postoperative renal dysfunction and prolonged ventilator support in patients with ATAAD.