Distal Aortic Dissection Research Articles

Staging reinterventions for remodeling of residual aortic dissection: a single-center retrospective study.

Inadequate remodeling of residual aortic dissection (RAD) following repair of Stanford A or B aortic dissections has been identified as a significant predictor of patient mortality. This study evaluates the short- to mid-term outcomes of staged reinterventions for RAD at a single center with prospective follow-up. Data were retrospectively collected from patients with RAD who underwent staged reinterventions or received none-surgery treatment in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of our hospital between July 2019 and December 2021. The cohort included 54 patients with residual distal aortic dissection post-primary surgery, comprising 28 who underwent open surgery and 26 who received thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent staged stent interventions for distal dissection [staged reintervention (SR) group] and those who did not undergo surgery (non-surgery group). For the SR group, second or third staged stent interventions were performed. The study assessed distal remodeling of aortic dissection between the groups, focusing on endpoints such as mortality (both general and aortic-specific), occurrences of visceral branch occlusion, necessity for further interventions, and significant adverse events. Morphological changes were analyzed to determine the therapeutic impact. The study encompassed 54 participants, with 33 in the SR group and 21 in the non-surgical control group. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were statistically comparable across both groups. During an average follow-up of 31.5 ± 7.0 months, aortic-related mortality was 0% in both groups; all-cause mortality was 3% (one case) and 5% (one case) in the SR and control groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference noted. In the SR group, a single patient experienced complications, including renal artery thrombosis, leading to diminished blood flow. An increased true lumen (TL) area and a decreased false lumen area at various aortic planes were observed in the SR group compared to the control group. The staged reintervention strategy for treating RAD is safe and provides promising early results.

Acute-on-Chronic Aortic Dissection: Management and Outcomes of the Unstable “Triple-Lumen” Aorta

BackgroundThe impact of acute aortic dissection of the chronically dissected distal aorta is unknown. This study sought to describe the incidence and characteristics of the triple-lumen aortic dissection and its impact on survival. MethodsFrom 2010 to 2021, a query of a single-institution aortic database identified 1149 patients with chronic distal aortic dissection. Thirty-three (2.9%) patients with at least 3 distinct lumens and 2 separate “primary” intimal tears were identified by analysis of contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging. Triple-lumen patients were exactly matched with a cohort of double-lumen patients on a 1:1 ratio using 5 preoperative variables, and outcomes between the groups were assessed. ResultsThe median age at time of initial dissection in patients with a triple-lumen dissection was 46 years. Initial dissection was a type A in 33% and a type B in 67% of patients. The median time from initial dissection to triple-lumen diagnosis was 4.2 years. On diagnosis of the triple-lumen aorta, 85% of patients required urgent aortic repair for rapid growth (36%), aortic diameter ≥55 mm (30%), malperfusion (6%), intractable pain (6%), and rupture/type A (6%). Thirty-day mortality after triple lumen dissection was 12%. ConclusionsAcute-on-chronic distal dissection resulting in a triple-lumen aorta should be classified as a “complicated” type B dissection as these patients typically have large aneurysms and a high incidence of rapid false lumen expansion requiring urgent surgical repair.

A case of stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination of distal remaining aortic dissection after the ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement for acute aortic dissection

BackgroundThe early survival rate of patients with acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) has improved remarkably over the past two decades. However, a false lumen may remain after proximal aortic repair and is a potential risk factor for aortic diameter enlargement, aortic rupture, and death in the chronic phase. In the stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination of aortic dissection (STABILISE) technique, a stent graft is implanted at the proximal part of the aortic dissection, followed by bare-metal aortic stent placement over the distal aortic dissection. Next, an aortic balloon catheter is dilated inside the stent graft and the bare stent to disrupt the intima and collapse the false lumen, immediately restoring uniluminal thoracoabdominal aortic flow. This report describes our experience with the STABILISE technique for a residual aortic dissection after an ascending aorta, and partial aortic arch replacement for acute TAAD resulted in complications.Case presentationA 60-year-old man presented to our hospital with chest pain, paresthesia, and left lower-limb paralysis. He was diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) and malperfusion of the left lower limb by computed tomography (CT), and an emergent ascending aorta and partial aortic arch replacement were performed. Immediately after surgery, the left femoral arterial pulse improved, and left lower limb revascularization was deferred. The postoperative course was good; however, back pain and intermittent claudication recurred on the 9th day after surgery. A CT examination revealed persistent antegrade false lumen flow in the descending thoracic aorta through the left subclavian artery dissection and retrograde false lumen flow from the thoracoabdominal segment, resulting in aortic diameter enlargement and narrowing of the true lumen. The symptoms did not improve, and the STABILISE technique was performed on the 12th day after the initial aortic surgery. The patient’s subsequent course was good; the back pain and intermittent claudication resolved. The patient was discharged on the 8th day after the STABILISE technique.ConclusionsThe STABILISE technique can obliterate the false lumen and resolve symptoms associated with a residual false lumen after proximal aortic repair for acute TAAD.

Cardiovascular Events After Aortic Root Repair in Patients With Marfan Syndrome

BackgroundThe usefulness of aortic valve sparing operations to treat aortic root aneurysm in patients with Marfan syndrome (MS) remains controversial. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with MS who have undergone valve-preserving aortic root replacement. MethodsPatients with MS who had aortic valve sparing operations (reimplantation of the aortic valve or remodeling of the aortic root) from 1988 through 2019 were followed prospectively for a median of 14 years. Pertinent data from clinical, echocardiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance images of the aorta were collected and analyzed. ResultsThere were 189 patients whose mean age was 36 years, and 67% were men. Ten patients presented with acute type A dissection and 29 had mitral regurgitation. There were 52 patients at risk at 20 years. Mortality rate at 20 years was 21.5% (95% CI: 14.7%-30.8%); advancing age and preoperative aortic dissections were associated with increased risk of death by multivariable analysis. At 20 years, the cumulative incidence of moderate or severe aortic insufficiency was 14.5% (95% CI: 9.5%-22.0%), reoperation on the aortic valve was 7.5% (95% CI: 3.9%-14.7%), and new distal aortic dissections was 19.9% (95% CI: 13.9%-28.5%). Remodeling of aortic root was associated with greater risk of developing aortic insufficiency and aortic valve reoperation than reimplantation of the aortic valve. ConclusionsAortic valve sparing operations provide stable aortic valve function and low rates of valve-related complications during the first 2 decades of follow-up but aortic dissections remain problematic in patients with MS.

Short-Term Follow-up of Endovascular Electrocautery Septostomy and Fenestration for Distal Landing Zone Optimization in Chronic Distal Aortic Dissections

Short-Term Follow-up of Endovascular Electrocautery Septostomy and Fenestration for Distal Landing Zone Optimization in Chronic Distal Aortic Dissections

Reimplantation of the aortic valve in patients with tricuspid aortic valve: the Toronto General Hospital experience.

Aortic valve sparing operations were introduced three decades ago but controversy remains regarding its appropriateness, reproducibility and durability. This article describes the long-term outcomes of patients who had reimplantation of the aortic valve. All patients who had reimplantation of a tricuspid aortic valve at Toronto General Hospital from 1989 through 2019 were selected for this study. Patients were followed prospectively with periodical clinical assessments and imaging of the heart and aorta. Four hundred and four patients were identified. The median age was 48.0 [interquartile range (IQR), 35.0-59.0] years and 310 (76.7%) were men. There were 150 patients with Marfan syndrome, 20 with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and 33 with acute or chronic aortic dissections. The median follow-up was 11.7 (IQR, 6.8-17.1) years. There were 55 patients alive and without reoperation at 20 years. The cumulative mortality at 20 years was 26.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.6-34.2%], the cumulative incidence of reoperation on the aortic valve was 7.0% (95% CI: 4.0-12.2%) and the development of moderate or severe aortic insufficiency was 11.8% (95% CI: 8.5-16.5%). We could not identify variables associated with reoperation on the aortic valve or with the development of aortic insufficiency. New distal aortic dissections were common in patients with associated genetic syndromes. Reimplantation of the aortic valve in patients with tricuspid aortic valve provides excellent aortic valve function during the first two decades of follow-up. Distal aortic dissections are relatively common in patients with associated genetic syndromes.

Aortic dissection in a patient with novel frameshift COL5A1 variant of classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is one of the 13 subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which has the major clinical criteria of hyperextensibility skin, atrophic scars, and generalised joint hypermobility. The occurrence of aortic dissection has been described in some subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos, but it has a rare association with the cEDS subtype. This case report discusses a 39-year-old female with a past medical history of transposition of great arteries with a Senning repair at the age of 18 months and controlled hypertension with medication, who presents a spontaneous distal aortic dissection. The diagnosis of cEDS was made using the major criteria, and a novel frameshift mutation in COL5A1 was discovered. The reported case emphasises that in patients with cEDS, vascular fragility may be a complication.

Aortic Root and Distal Arch Management During Type A Aortic Dissection Repair: Expanding Horizons.

The management of Type A aortic dissection has evolved over a period of a decade or so, and contemporary reports are suggesting a paradigm shift from a conservative approach to complete excision of the diseased aorta including root and distal arch. Improved cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion techniques, better understanding of the cerebral perfusion, and wide-ranging obtainability of prosthetic conduits gave surgical teams numerous choices. With improving outcomes and maturing surgical techniques, surgeons are performing extensive resections of the diseased aorta, but there is no standard protocol as far as the extent of the proximal and distal diseased aortic tissue resection is concerned. Aortic root replacement is associated with good early- and long-term outcomes and proffered solution in young and stable patients, for that reason many busy centres are endorsing total arch replacement in complex distal aortic dissections. This systemic review is discussing contemporary literature and associated pros and cons during surgical decision-making for these high-risk cases.

Alternative management of proximal aortic dissection: concept and application

Open surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for acute type A aortic dissection and should be offered to most patients. However, there are elderly patients in which surgical treatment may be deemed extremely high risk or futile. Endovascular treatment approaches have been applied to a small number of these patients and data are limited to case reports and small series. The application of endovascular therapies to ascending aorta is currently limited by anatomical and technical challenges posed by the dynamic motion of the ascending aorta and the proximity of vital structures to intended landing zones (aortic valve, coronary arteries, and supra-aortic branches) and lack of specially designed endografts to address these issues. While thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has replaced open aortic repair for a suitable lesion in distal aortic dissection, some selected patients with type A aortic dissection at high surgical may be candidates. Hence, there is potential because, in proximal (Stanford type A) dissections, 10–30% of patients are not accepted for surgery, and 30–50% are technically amenable for TEVAR. Recent experience has shown that carefully selected patients with favorable anatomical characteristics may be subject to endovascular stent-graft treatment as a last resort with mixed results. Technical improvement is necessary to offer. satisfactory endovascular options in non-surgical candidates.

Hybrid repair of aberrant right subclavian artery with aortic dissection caused by Kommerell diverticulum

BackgroundAberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) with associated Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is a rare congenital aortic disease. KD patients have a high risk of rupture, dissection, and compression of adjacent structures. Although several treatment options have been proposed (traditional surgery, hybrid operation, and endovascular intervention), a consensus regarding optimal surgical management has not yet been established.Case presentationA case of successful hybrid repair of distal aortic arch dissection aneurysm by dissecting KD and ARSA with debranching of right and left common carotid arteries, left subclavian artery, and stent grafting was presented.ConclusionsThe hybrid operation is suitable for elderly patients or those with high risks. Along with intervention, the hybrid operation needs to be developed as a minimally invasive method.

Open repair of chronic type B aortic dissection

: Open repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in the setting of chronic aortic dissection is a complex procedure that requires a thorough understanding of the physiology of aortic dissection and cardiopulmonary bypass, efficient reperfusion of vital organs and meticulous surgical technique. Open surgery on the descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta is high risk and has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Alternatively, endovascular repair of chronic distal aortic dissection using the currently available thoracic endovascular devices is less invasive and can have low mortality. However, reintervention is quite common, the durability of the repair is questionable and aortic remodeling is uncommon in the abdominal aorta. Endovascular repair is not likely to be durable in the young patient with a genetically triggered or familial aortopathy. For these reasons, we believe that open repair of chronic distal aortic dissection is the definitive and durable solution in the appropriately selected patient. We have a greater than 20-year experience using deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest for repair of complex thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Morbidity and mortality in our hands using this perfusion technique in chronic distal aortic dissection is comparable to endovascular procedures with rates of mortality 3.6%, permanent neurological deficit 2.6%, permanent requirement for hemodialysis 0% and cerebrovascular accident 1%. The following article describes, in detail, the intraoperative technique and postoperative management of patients who are suitable for descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair of chronic distal aortic dissection with deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome on the perioperative and long-term outcome in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection

Objective: To confirm the impact of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on perioperative and long-term outcome in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection. Methods: From June 2010 to July 2017, the clinical data of 91 patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection were analyzed. Among them, 51 patients with OSAHS were included in the study group and 40 patients without OSAHS were included in the control group. After 36 months follow-up, all-cause death was regarded as the end event. The clinical baseline data, perioperative period and 36 months survival rate of the two groups were compared. Kanplan-Meier method was used to describe the 36 month survival curve of the two groups. Cox proportional risk model was used to evaluate the risk ratio (HR) and 95%CI of 36 month survival rate. Results: The mortality rate during hospitalization was 5.9% (3 cases) in the study group and 5.0% (2 cases) in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ~2=0.03, P>0.05). The actual follow-up was (36.2±1.5) months, 88 cases were followed up and 3 cases were lost. The all cause mortality rate of 36 months was 27.5% (14/51)in the study group and 10.0%(4/40) in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (χ~2=4.30, P<0.05).By Cox proportional risk model analysis, 36 months after operation, the study group was compared with the control group after adjusting for age, male, bicuspid of aortic valve, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anemia, preoperative pericardial tamponade, postoperative organ dysfunction, preoperative LVEF, emergency operation, Sun's operation, coronary artery bypass grafting, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, and advanced avulsion of distal aortic dissection The survival rate was lower, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).In addition to OSAHS, coronary artery bypass grafting and preoperative pericardial tamponade were also risk factors for the increase of 36 month mortality rate (HR=11.28,95%CI: 1.98-46.25, P=0.009; HR=9.08, 95%CI: 2.22-41.3, P=0.032). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in mortality during hospitalization in patients with Stanford A aortic dissection combined with OSAHS. The survival rate of 36 months after operation was lower than that of the control group.

Immediate outcomes of simultaneous and step-by-step reconstruction of aortic dissection: a single-center study

The aim. To evaluate the immediate outcomes after complete single-stage or step-by-step reconstruction of the primary and secondary distal aortic dissection using implantation of bare metal stents in the thoracoabdominal aorta.Materials and methods. A prospective study was performed involving 21 patients (19 male) with aortic dissection: 8 had secondary distal dissection (group 1) and 13 had primary distal dissection (group 2). In all patients, indications for intervention were signs of malperfusion in one or more vascular regions. The following factors were evaluated: 30-day survival after surgery, causes of fatal outcomes, frequency and characteristics of non-fatal complications.Results. The average age in group 1 was 43.0 ± 3.1 years, in group 2: 56.0 ± 3.9 years (p &lt; 0.05). The most common cause of dissection in group 1 was connective tissue dysplasia, in group 2 – atherosclerosis in combination with arterial hypertension (p &lt; 0.05). In group 1, 1 (13%) lethal outcome was registered, in group 2 – 4 (31%), the difference between the groups was not significant. Lethal complications were: multiple organ failure, stent implantation in the false aortic canal, aortic rupture, and thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery. Non-fatal complications developed in group 1 in 3 (38%), in group 2 – in 3 (23%) patients, the difference between the groups is not significant. Among the non-lethal complications, malperfusion of the upper and lower extremities was diagnosed, requiring stent placement, prosthetics or bypass surgery; cerebrospinal circulation disorder, acute cerebrovascular accident, multiple organ failure, conservatively treated.Conclusion. The survival rate for 30 days after a complete single-stage or step-by-step reconstruction of the primary and secondary distal aortic dissection using implantation of bare metal stents in the thoracoabdominal aorta is 76%, the frequency of non – fatal complications is 28%.

Efficacy of endovascular treatment of distal aortic dissection involving abdominal visceral segment with bare-metal stents related technique

Objective: To investigate the effect of bare-metal stent related technique on distal aortic dissection involving abdominal visceral segment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 33 patients with distal aortic dissection involved abdominal visceral segment, who hospitalized in the Vascular Surgery Department of Shanghai Changhai Hospital from July 2012 to September 2019. The effect of the treatment was evaluated according to the clinical and preoperative, intraoperative and follow-up imaging data derived from (aorta computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA)) as well as the changes of the maximal diameter of the aorta and the thrombosis of the false lumen of the dissection. The criteria were as follows: the maximum diameter change of aortic dissection<5 mm was defined as stable; the maximum diameter decrease of aortic dissection≥5 mm was defined as effective reduction; the maximum diameter increase of aortic dissection≥5 mm was defined as expansion; the definition of diameter change of false lumen was the same as above. The hospital complications, clinical symptoms and survival were recorded. Results: There were 28 male patients in this cohort, the mean age was (57.6±4.9) years old. Twenty-one patients were treated with bare-metal stent and coils technique, of which 8 patients were jointly treated with stent grafts. Twelve patients were treated with multi-layer bare-metal stent technique, of which 4 patients were jointly treated with stent grafts. Intraoperative DSA image results showed that the visceral arteries were patent during the treatment, and the blood flow velocity of the false lumen was reduced in all 33 patients. There were no adverse events such as distal outflow tract embolism and coil displacement during the operation. During the period of hospitalization, one patient developed intimal rupture of subrenal abdominal aortic dissection on the fourth day after operation and emergency endovascular graft exclusion was performed for abdominal aortic dissection, and the patient recovered well from the emergency operation. The follow-up time was (16.7±14.0) months. One patient died 1 year after surgery due to non-disease-related factors. Follow-up CTA imaging results showed that the maximum diameter of the aorta in abdominal visceral segment tended to be smaller ((39.1±13.4) mm vs. (41.3±11.9) mm, P=0.469), and the maximum diameter of the false lumen was significantly reduced ((16.2±12.9) mm vs. (23.5±10.7) mm, P=0.014). The maximum diameter of the aortic dissection was reduced in 12 cases, stable in 19 cases, expanded in 2 cases. The maximum diameter of the false lumen was effectively reduced in 22 cases, stable in 10 cases, and expanded in 1 case. Four patients developed small endoleak in the false lumen, one of them was nearby the renal artery stent, and the remaining patients experienced complete thrombosis of the false lumen. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of distal aortic dissection involving abdominal visceral segment with bare-metal stents related technique could promote the shrink and the thrombosis of the false lumen, and slow down the blood flow from the tear into the false lumen in the setting of patency of visceral arteries.

UNEXPECTED ACUTE AORTA DISSECTION WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE

Introduction: Both acute aorta dissection and ruptured aorta aneurism are prominent causes of death in cardiovascular diseases. The frequency of developing neurological complications in aortic dissections is reported to be between 2 to 8%. Stroke is more common in dissections involving the proximal aorta, but paraparesis is more common in distal aortic dissections due to circulatory impairment in the spinal arteries. Case: The 70-year-old male patient was referred to our emergency service from an external center with diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. The patient had experienced loss of strength on his left side and had syncope one hour before. After his physical examination, the patient received computerized brain tomography and diffusion MR imaging with the pre-diagnosis of acute stroke. For the patient who had an appearance of acute diffusion restriction in the right parietal region in the diffusion MRI and had a chance of thrombolytic treatment, thrombolytic treatment was planned. However, the general status of the patient was worsened in this checkup examination, and his GCS score regressed down to 7. The poor current condition of the patient could not be explained by the acute ischemic stroke in the right parietal region. Aorta dissection, which may progress with clinical signs of stroke, was considered for the patient, and as an advanced test, dynamic thorax CT angiography was taken. In the dynamic thorax CT angiography of the patient, aneurism in the ascending aorta, dissection and fluid around the pericardium and left lung (hemorrhage?) were observed. The echocardiography of the patient revealed that the fluid around the pericardium caused tamponade. Discussion: Cardiovascular system diseases are the most common cause of natural sudden deaths and are mostly seen in middle and older ages. Acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease are the most common cardiovascular diseases, however, sudden deaths due to aortic dissection and rupture have been reported less frequently. The most typical symptom is the sudden start of severe chest or back pain. Patients typically visit with complaints of tearing chest and back pain, while they may visit with atypical clinical pictures wementioned in our cases such as abdominal pain, syncope, stroke. Sensory loss may also be seen in patients, and this is a neurological symptom which may extend from falling as leep to deep coma. Conclusion: Patients who visit emergency services with symptoms that are not expected for aorta dissection such as syncope, altered consciousness, hypotension, atypical abdominal pain and loss of strength in the extremities.

A progress report on reimplantation of the aortic valve

ObjectiveTo examine the late outcomes of reimplantation of the aortic valve (RAV) in patients followed prospectively since surgery. MethodsAll 465 patients who had RAV from 1989 to 2018 were followed prospectively with periodic clinical and echocardiographic assessments. Mean follow-up was 10 ± 6 years and 98% complete. ResultsPatients' mean age was 47 ± 5.1 years, and 78% were men. The aortic root aneurysm was associated with Marfan syndrome in 164 patients, Loeys–Dietz syndrome in 13, bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) in 67, and type A aortic dissection in 33. Aortic insufficiency (AI) was greater than mild in 298 patients. Concomitant procedures were performed in 105 patients. There were 5 operative and 51 late deaths. At 20 years, 69.1% of patients were alive and free from aortic valve reoperation, and the cumulative probability of aortic valve reoperation with death as a competing risk was 6.0%, and the cumulative probability of developing moderate or severe AI was 10.2%. Only time per 1-year interval was associated with the development of postoperative AI by multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, >1.02-1.10; P = .006). Gradients across preserved BAV increased in 5 patients, and 1 required reoperation for aortic stenosis. Distal aortic dissections occurred in 22 patients, primarily in those with associated genetic syndromes. ConclusionsRAV provides excellent long-term results, but there is a progressive rate of AI over time, and patients with BAV may develop aortic stenosis. Patients with genetic syndromes have a risk of distal aortic dissections. Continued surveillance after RAV is necessary.

Outcomes after Surgical Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Distal Aortic Dissection:DeBakey Type Ⅰ versus Type Ⅲ

Objective To evaluate the early and mid-term results after surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm(TAAA)in patients with DeBakey typeⅠor Ⅲ aortic dissection. Methods The clinical data of 130 patients who underwent TAAA repair for chronic DeBakey typeⅠ(groupⅠ, n=47)or type Ⅲ(group Ⅲ, n=83)aortic dissections in our center between January 2009 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.Early postoperative results,midterm survival,and re-interventions were compared between these two groups. Results The 30-day mortality rate was 6.9%(n=9)in the overall cohort,with no statistic difference between groupⅠand group Ⅲ(10.6% vs. 4.8%;χ2=0.803, P=0.370).The incidence of major adverse events(38.3% vs. 51.8%;χ2=2.199, P=0.138),5-year actuarial survival rate [(81.7±5.9)% vs.(87.2±4.2)%;χ2=0.483, P=0.487],and 5-year actuarial freedom from all reinterventions [(84.5±6.7)% vs.(85.5±4.8)%;χ2=0.010, P=0.920] showed no significant differences between these two groups. Conclusions The early and mid-term outcomes after surgical repair of TAAA are similar for DeBakey typeⅠ and type Ⅲ patients.However,studies with larger sample sizes are still required.

Stent-assisted balloon dilatation of chronic aortic dissection

BackgroundThe treatment of complicated chronic aortic dissection remains controversial. We previously reported encouraging early results with the stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination of aortic dissection (STABILISE) technique for treating complicated acute aortic dissections. However, to date there have been no specific reports on the treatment of complicated chronic aortic dissections with this technique. The aim of this study was to assess the results of the STABILISE technique to treat complicated chronic aortic dissection. MethodsA single-center prospectively maintained database enrolled all patients hospitalized for aortic dissection at our institution. Inclusion criteria for the STABILISE procedure at the chronic stage of dissection (>3 months) were postdissection aneurysm with a diameter >55 mm or rapid aortic diameter growth >5 mm/6 months. We reviewed all patients treated for complicated chronic aortic dissection with the STABILISE technique. Patients were monitored at 3, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter with clinical, imaging, and laboratory studies. Outcome analyses included survival, rupture, spinal cord ischemia, endoleak, morbidity (cardiac, renal, or pulmonary), reinterventions, false lumen patency, and aneurysm growth. ResultsBetween September 2015 and December 2018, 17 patients underwent a STABILISE procedure for complicated chronic aortic dissection of the descending aorta. Fifteen patients were treated for remaining chronic distal thoracoabdominal aortic dissection after acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection repair, and 2 patients were treated for chronic type B aortic dissection. The median patient age was 61 years (range, 46-67 years). The median interval between the onset of acute symptoms and the procedure was 9 months (range, 3-67 months). Indications for the STABILISE procedure were a rapidly growing dissected aortic diameter >5 mm/6 months in 13 patients and aneurysmal evolution of the descending thoracic aorta >55 mm in 4 patients. There were no cases of in-hospital death, stroke, spinal cord ischemia, ischemic colitis, or renal failure necessitating dialysis. The median duration of follow-up was 17 months (range, 5-28.5 months). At the last computed tomography scan, 15 patients (88%) had complete false lumen thrombosis of the treated thoracoabdominal aorta down to the renal arteries. None of the patients had aortic growth at treated thoracoabdominal aorta level. One patient developed a proximal type 1 endoleak and required reintervention. Regarding the untreated aortoiliac level below the renal arteries, 11 patients had persistent false lumen patency, and 1 patient developed a common iliac artery aneurysm. All the other patients had stable infrarenal aortoiliac diameters. No late deaths were reported during follow-up. ConclusionsThe STABILISE technique is a safe and effective means of performing immediate, complete aortic remodeling of the thoracoabdominal aorta in patients with complicated chronic aortic dissection, stabilizing the diameter of the dissected aorta.

An Unusual Presentation of Right Common Iliac Artery Occlusion Secondary to Dissection of the Descending Aorta

Aortic dissection is a catastrophic condition which presents as an acute emergency with high morbidity in the vent of treatment delay or misdiagnosis. Aortic dissection may manifest in different forms depending on location and may mimic other disorders. 6.4 % to 17 % of dissections have been reported as painless. Uncommon presentations include syncope, lower extremity weakness and pain, mesenteric ischemia, peripheral ischemia, and congestive heart failure. In this case report, a 60-year-old man with a history of hypertension and heavy smoking was admitted from the emergency department. He presented with a four-hour history of pain and weakness in his right lower limb. The patient was found to have a distal aortic dissection complicated by right common iliac artery occlusion, hence surgical correction was performed. The condition was promptly recognized and treatment was initiated without delay.

Immediate of Impact Prosthetic Graft Replacement of the Ascending Aorta on Circumferential Strain in the Descending Aorta

Prosthetic replacement of the ascending aorta (AA) can potentially modify energy propagation to the distal aorta and contribute to adverse aortic remodelling. This preliminary study employed intra-operative transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) to assess the immediate impact of prosthetic graft replacement of the AA on circumferential strain in the descending aorta. Intra-operative TOEs in patients undergoing AA graft replacement were analysed for circumferential strain, fractional area change (FAC), dimensions (end diastolic area [EDA], and end systolic area [ESA]) in the descending aorta immediately before and after graft replacement. Deformation was assessed via global peak circumferential aortic strain (CAS), together with pulse pressure corrected strain, time to peak strain (TTP), and aortic distensibility. Forty-five patients undergoing AA replacement with prosthetic graft (91% elective) were studied. Following grafting, descending thoracic aortic circumferential strain increased (6.3 ± 2.8% vs. 8.9 ± 3.4%, p = .001) paralleling distensibility (5.7 [3.7–8.6] 10−3 mmHg vs. 8.5 [6.4–12.4] 10−3 mmHg, p < .001). Despite slight increments in post graft left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (52.3 ± 10.8% vs. 55.0 ± 11.9, p < .001), stroke volume was similar (p = .41), and magnitude of increased strain did not correlate with change in stroke volume (r = −.03, p = .86), LVEF (r = .18, p = .28), or pulse pressure (r = .28, p = .06). Descending aortic size (EDA 4 [2.7–4.6] cm2vs. 3.7 [2.5–5] cm2, p = .89; ESA 4.3 [3.2–5.3] cm2vs. 4.5 [3.3–5.8] cm2, p = .14) was similar pre- and post graft. In subgroup analysis, patients with cystic medial necrosis had a significantly higher post procedure CAS than patients with atherosclerotic aneurysms (9.7 ± 3.5% vs. 7.0 ± 2.3%, p = .03). Prosthetic graft replacement of the AA increases immediate aortic circumferential strain of the descending aorta, particularly in patients with cystic medial necrosis. Our findings suggest that grafts augment energy transfer to the distal aorta, a potential mechanism for progressive distal aortic dilation and/or dissection.