Management Of Thoracic Aortic Disease Research Articles

Genetic aortopathies: a case-based approach to multidisciplinary program development.

The incorporation of genetic counseling and testing is essential to evaluation and management of thoracic aortic disease in patients under 60 years of age and those with family histories suspicious for heritable thoracic aortic disease and disorders associated with increased risk for acute type-A aortic dissection. As many as 20% of individuals with thoracic aortic disease under the age of 60 years have autosomal dominant patterns of inheritance. A considerable number of heritability factors remain undefined for these families. Genetic aortopathy programs require a collaborative approach including cardiovascular specialists and surgeons, medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and allied healthcare professionals. Comprehensive evaluation and management of these patients includes collection of detailed phenotypic data to inform the broader community and identify new associated and causative genes of interest, genetic modifiers, and other risk factors. These programs optimize outcomes and reduce the overall burden in the population of acute aortic dissection and related comorbidities.

The Impact of Pregnancy in Patients with Thoracic Aortic Disease: Epidemiology, Risk Assessment, and Management Considerations.

Thoracic aortic disease (TAD) poses substantial risks during pregnancy, particularly for women with genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. This review examines the epidemiology, risk assessment, and management of TAD in pregnancy. Preconception counseling is vital considering the hereditary nature of TAD and potential pregnancy-related complications. Genetic testing and imaging surveillance aid in risk assessment. Medical management, including beta-blockade and strict blood pressure control, is essential throughout pregnancy. Surgical interventions may be necessary in certain cases. A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, obstetricians, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists with expertise in cardio-obstetrics is essential for optimal outcomes. Patient education and shared decision-making play vital roles in navigating the complexities of TAD in pregnancy and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair with physician-manufactured partial micropore stent grafts for aortic arch pathologies

ObjectiveThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been used extensively in the management of thoracic aortic diseases. Numerous efforts have been made to enhance clinical outcomes through the use of stent grafts. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of physician-manufactured partial micropore stent grafts (PSMGs) in TEVAR. MethodsBetween December 2017 and June 2022, data were collected from 56 patients who underwent TEVAR using physician-manufactured PSMGs. The evaluation encompassed technical success, perioperative and follow-up morbidity and mortality, stroke incidence, and branch artery patency. ResultsIn this investigation, 56 patients received treatment with physician-manufactured PSMGs. Of these patients, 46 were male, with a mean age of 62.1 ± 11.2 years. Aortic pathologies comprised aortic dissection (n = 31 [55.4%]), aortic aneurysms (n = 10 [17.9%]), penetrating aortic ulcer (n = 8 [14.3%]), and intramural hematoma (n = 7 [12.5%]). During a median follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range, 13-25 months), the stroke rate, supra-aortic branch patency rate, and endoleak rate were 0%, 100%, and 7.1%, respectively. There were no occurrences of all-cause mortality, stroke, or the necessity for open conversion. ConclusionsTEVAR with physician-manufactured PSMGs is a viable alternative for addressing aortic arch pathologies in proficient medical centers. The approach demonstrates favorable branch patency, a low complication rate, and minimal postoperative mortality.

The Clinical Impact of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in the Management of Thoracic Aortic Diseases.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been described to be superior to an open surgical approach, and previous studies have found superiority in TEVAR by reducing overall morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of TEVAR for patients with thoracic aortic disease at a high complexity. Descriptive study, developed by a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. Patients aged above 18 years who underwent TEVAR between 2012 and 2022 were included. Patient demographics, perioperative data, surgical outcomes, morbidity, and mortality were described. Statistical and multivariate analyses were made. Statistical significance was reached when p values were <0.05. A total of 66 patients were included. Male patients were 60.61% and the mean age was 69.24 years. Associated aortic diseases were aneurysms (68.18%), ulcer-related (4.55%), intramural-related hematoma (7.58%), trauma-related pathology (1.52%), and aortic dissection (30.30%). The mean hospital stay was 18.10 days, and intensive care unit was required for 98.48%. At 30 days, the mortality rate was 10.61% and the reintervention rate was 21.21%. Increased intraoperative blood loss (p=0.001) and male sex (p=0.04) showed statistical relationship with mortality. Underweight patients have 6.7 and 11.4 times more risk of complications and endoleak compared with higher body mass index values (p=0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.82-7.21) and (p=0.02, 95% CI=1.31-12.57), respectively. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair seems to be a feasible option for patients with thoracic aortic pathologies, with adequate rates of mortality and morbidity. Underweight patients seem to have an increased risk of overall morbidity and increased risk for endoleak. Further prospective studies are needed to prove our results. Obesity and BMI are widely studied in the surgical literature. According to our study, there is a paradox regarding the outcomes of patients treated with TEVAR in terms of postoperative complications and mortality related to the body mass index. And shouldn't be considered as a high-risk feature in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality in this procedure.

Antegrade Endograft Deployment with Supra-Aortic Debranching to Treat Arch and Descending Thoracic Aortic Lesions. A Single-Center Experience

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a widely used procedure that has drastically changed the management of thoracic aortic diseases. We assess the effectiveness of supra-aortic debranching during antegrade TEVAR procedures with a retrospective analysis of our clinical experience. Between December 2005 and April 2017, 55 patients underwent 64 TEVAR procedures. Among them, there were 8 male patients, mean age 72, who underwent hybrid antegrade stent-graft deployment. Particularly, for degenerative aneurysms of the aortic arch, 3 patients for aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta 3, for post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm 1, and for penetrating aortic ulcer 1 which had resulted in an aortoesophageal fistula. Proximal landing zones were Z0:1, Z1:3 and Z2:4. Type I hybrid aortic arch repair was performed in 1 case, carotid-carotid bypass in 2, carotid-subclavian in 5 and aorto-carotid in1. The 30-day postoperative mortality was 12.5%. One patient suffered a temporary right hemiplegia which resolved after left aorto-carotid bypass. No endoleaks were observed postoperatively and in follow-up period. In the long term and a mean follow-up of 4.9years, there were no deaths related to the stent-graft implantation or to revascularization procedures. Regarding the aortic arch rerouting procedure, there were no pseudoaneurysm or other anastomotic events. Antegrade delivery of the endograft, combined with hybrid and revascularization procedures of the supra-aortic vessels is a safe treatment modality, in complex hostile anatomies. However, further improvements are recommended due to the presence of neurologic complications and reinterventions.

Extracellular Tuning of Mitochondrial Respiration Leads to Aortic Aneurysm.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder of the connective tissue caused by mutations in the FBN1 (fibrillin-1) gene encoding a large glycoprotein in the extracellular matrix called fibrillin-1. The major complication of this connective disorder is the risk to develop thoracic aortic aneurysm. To date, no effective pharmacologic therapies have been identified for the management of thoracic aortic disease and the only options capable of preventing aneurysm rupture are endovascular repair or open surgery. Here, we have studied the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of thoracic aortic aneurysm and mitochondrial boosting strategies as a potential treatment to managing aortic aneurysms. Combining transcriptomics and metabolic analysis of aortas from an MFS mouse model (Fbn1c1039g/+) and MFS patients, we have identified mitochondrial dysfunction alongside with mtDNA depletion as a new hallmark of aortic aneurysm disease in MFS. To demonstrate the importance of mitochondrial decline in the development of aneurysms, we generated a conditional mouse model with mitochondrial dysfunction specifically in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) by conditional depleting Tfam (mitochondrial transcription factor A; Myh11-CreERT2Tfamflox/flox mice). We used a mouse model of MFS to test for drugs that can revert aortic disease by enhancing Tfam levels and mitochondrial respiration. The main canonical pathways highlighted in the transcriptomic analysis in aortas from Fbn1c1039g/+ mice were those related to metabolic function, such as mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial complexes, whose transcription depends on Tfam and mitochondrial DNA content, were reduced in aortas from young Fbn1c1039g/+ mice. In vitro experiments in Fbn1-silenced VSMCs presented increased lactate production and decreased oxygen consumption. Similar results were found in MFS patients. VSMCs seeded in matrices produced by Fbn1-deficient VSMCs undergo mitochondrial dysfunction. Conditional Tfam-deficient VSMC mice lose their contractile capacity, showed aortic aneurysms, and died prematurely. Restoring mitochondrial metabolism with the NAD precursor nicotinamide riboside rapidly reverses aortic aneurysm in Fbn1c1039g/+ mice. Mitochondrial function of VSMCs is controlled by the extracellular matrix and drives the development of aortic aneurysm in Marfan syndrome. Targeting vascular metabolism is a new available therapeutic strategy for managing aortic aneurysms associated with genetic disorders.

Management of Descending Thoracic Aortic Diseases: Similarities and Differences Among Cardiovascular Guidelines

Cardiovascular societies have developed recommendations regarding the management of thoracic aortic diseases. While improvements in treatment have been observed during the past decade in regard to patient selection, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and associated techniques, and high-volume centralization, the broad expansion of TEVAR has raised considerations about its indications, appropriateness, limitations, and application. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the similarities and differences among current cardiovascular societies’ guidelines for the management of thoracic aortic diseases. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 2009 to May 2020. The initial search identified 990 articles. After exclusion of duplicate or inappropriate articles, the final analysis included 5 articles from cardiovascular societies published between 2010 and 2020. Selected controversial topics were analyzed, including diagnosis, imaging, spinal cord ischemia prevention, and management of the most important thoracic aortic pathologies. The analysis included data concerning the therapeutic approach in acute and chronic type B aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer, intramural hematoma, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and traumatic aortic injury, as well a discussion of inflammatory aneurysms, aortitis, and genetic syndromes. The review presents consistent and controversial recommendations, as well as “gray zone” issues that need further investigation. There was significant overlap and agreement among the 5 societies regarding the management of thoracic aortic diseases. Especially in dissection and aneurysm management, TEVAR has established its role as the treatment of choice. However, robust evidence is still needed in many aspects of the management of thoracic aortic pathologies.

Commentary: The aggregation of marginal gains for spinal cord protection

Commentary: The aggregation of marginal gains for spinal cord protection

A paradigm shift in the management of thoracic aortic disease

A paradigm shift in the management of thoracic aortic disease

Single-Stage Hybrid Aortic Arch Repair is Associated With a Lower Incidence of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury Than Conventional Aortic Surgery

The authors compared the renal outcomes of single-stage hybrid aortic arch repair without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest versus conventional total arch replacement in management of thoracic aortic diseases. A retrospective review from January 2013 to December 2016 in Fuwai Hospital of 757 consecutive patients who underwent aortic arch repair: conventional total arch replacement (CTAR, 651), and hybrid arch repair (HAR, 106), with propensity matching (95 pairs). The primary end-point was postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) defined using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome criteria. The secondary end-point was short-term outcomes such as in-hospital mortality and paraplegia determined by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The patients in the HAR group were older (60.20 ± 9.95 v 46.43 ± 10.79, p < 0.0001) and exhibited a greater rate of diabetes (11.3% v 2.0%, p = 0.0004), hyperlipidemia (47.2% v 25.4%, p < 0.0001), and coronary artery disease (13.2% v 4.3%, p < 0.0001) than those in the CTAR group. Following propensity score matching of 95 matched pairs, the difference in preoperative risk diminished. The HAR group led to a shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (133.33 ± 41.47 v 179.62 ± 40.79, p < 0.0001) and avoided circulatory arrest. The incidence of postoperative AKI between HAR and CTAR groups was significantly different (before match: 75.5% v 59.45%, p = 0.0046; after match: 78.9% v 57.9%, p = 0.0008). In the management of thoracic aortic diseases, HAR is associated with a significantly lower incidence of postoperative AKI, and showed equivalent short-term outcomes despite the older age compared with the CTAR group.

IPC03. Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in Patients With Connective Tissue Disorders

Management of thoracic aortic disease in patients with connective tissue disorders is traditionally performed with open surgery. Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) remains controversial given the underlying connective tissue disorder, and concern for durability. We report on the largest series to date on outcomes of patients with thoracic aortic disease and connective tissue disorders treated with TEVAR. The Vascular Quality Initiative registry identified 12,207 patients treated with TEVAR from January 2010 to December 2018, including 102 with either Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos, or Loey-Dietz syndrome. Outcomes were analyzed per the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. The median age was 50.6 years (interquartile range, 57.0-75.0 years), and 62 patients (60.7%) were male. Eighty-eight patients (86.3%) had Marfan, 9 (8.8%) had Ehlers-Danlos, and 5 (4.9%) had Loey-Dietz syndrome. Twenty-six patients (25.5%) were treated for degenerative aneurysmal disease and 76 patients (74.5%) were treated for type B dissections. Of the type B dissections, 33 were acute and 31 were chronic. Most common indications for interventions in patients with type B dissection were pain (n = 41), aneurysmal degeneration (n = 16) and malperfusion (n = 8), with three patients who presented ruptured. There was no significant difference in terms of rates of overall perioperative complications between the subgroups of acute/chronic dissections and aneurysms (Table; P = .14). Percutaneous access was used in 61.7% of patients, with a 2.9% rate of arterial injury requiring reintervention. Follow-up data were available for 75 patients (73.3%) at a mean follow-up of 15.6 months. Overall mortality was 5.3%. There were 30 patients with follow-up endoleak data, and 8 (26.7%) endoleaks were identified. All endoleaks were in patients treated for acute type B dissection, and all resolved after a mean of 2.1 reinterventions. Three patients treated for acute TBAD had retrograde dissections requiring intervention. TEVAR for patients with connective tissue disorders and thoracic aortic pathology can be performed safely with low perioperative mortality, spinal cord ischemia or cerebrovascular accident. On follow-up, acute type B aortic dissections represent a higher risk subgroup with increased rates of endoleak and retrograde dissection. Closer follow-up for these patients and early reintervention may be beneficial.TablePerioperative complicationsOverall (n = 102)DissectionAneurysm (n = 26)Acute (n = 33)Chronic (n = 31)Mortality3 (2.9%)1 (3.0%)1 (3.2%)0 (0%)Endoleak13 (12.7%)0 (0%)4 (12.9%)7 (26.9%) Type I4022 Type II4013 Type III1001 Type IV1001 Indeterminate3011SCI2 (2.0%)2 (6.1%)0 (0%)0 (0%)Limb ischemia4 (3.9%)3 (9.1%)0 (0%)0 (0%)RTOR for aortic intervention3 (2.9%)2 (6.1%)1 (3.2%)0 (0%)Arterial injury3 (2.9%)1 (3.0%)1 (3.2%)0 (0%)RTOR, Return to operating room; SCI, spinal cord ischemia. Open table in a new tab

Sex-Related Differences in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Aortic Surgery.

Contemporary outcomes after surgical management of thoracic aortic disease have improved; however, the impact of sex-related differences is poorly understood. A total of 1653 patients (498 [30.1%] female) underwent thoracic aortic surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest between 2002 and 2017 in 10 institutions of the Canadian Thoracic Aortic Collaborative. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital death, stroke, and a modified Society of Thoracic Surgeons-defined composite for mortality or major morbidity (stroke, renal failure, deep sternal wound infection, reoperation, prolonged ventilation). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of these outcomes. Women were older (mean±SD, 66±13 years versus 61±13 years; P<0.001), with more hypertension and renal failure, but had less coronary disease, less previous cardiac surgery, and higher ejection fraction than men. Rates of aortic dissection were similar between women and men. Rates of hemiarch, and total arch repair were similar between the sexes; however, women underwent less aortic root reconstruction including aortic root replacement, Ross, or valve-sparing root operations (29% versus 45%; P<0.001). Men experienced longer cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, but similar durations of circulatory arrest, methods of cerebral perfusion, and nadir temperatures. Women experienced a higher rate of mortality (11% versus 7.4%; P=0.02), stroke (8.8% versus 5.5%; P=0.01), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons-defined composite end point for mortality or major morbidity (31% versus 27%; P=0.04). On multivariable analyses, female sex was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio, 1.81; P<0.001), stroke (odds ratio, 1.90; P<0.001), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons-defined composite end point for mortality or major morbidity (odds ratio, 1.40; P<0.001). Women experience worse outcomes after thoracic aortic surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest. Further investigation is required to better delineate which measures may reduce sex-related outcome differences after complex aortic surgery.

Descending threshold for ascending aortic aneurysmectomy: Is it time for a “left-shift” in guidelines?

Current guidelines on the management of thoracic aortic disease recommend that the ascending aorta be replaced when it reaches the size of 5.5 cm. Recently emerging data suggest that this criterion may need to be shifted to the left, signifying a recommendation to operate on patients with smaller aortic sizes. The data that support the need for a leftward shift in the guidelines include (1) novel and more granular data on the natural history of ascending aortic aneurysm between 5 and 6 cm showing that 2 hinge risk points exist—one at 5.25 cm, and the other at 5.75 cm; (2) aortic diameter before the moment of aortic dissection is at least 7 mm smaller than postdissection aortic size; (3) the advent of a semiautomated centerline method of imaging assessment seems to underestimate true ascending aortic size; (4) aortic surgery in the present era is very safe and its benefits outweigh the associated risks; (5) genetic testing via high-throughput next-generation sequencing identifies genetic defects responsible for aortic catastrophes at smaller aortic sizes; and (6) familial aortic dissection occurrence suggests that family members of an aortic dissection victim who harbor a sizable aneurysm should be operated on regardless of aortic size.

Guidelines for the management of thoracic aortic disease in 2017.

This review provides a general overview of the consensus statement from the 2010 more recent updates AHA/ACC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Thoracic Aortic Disease, and highlights current practice patterns. The suggestions herein are intended to facilitate clinical decision making in the management of thoracic aortic disease. The main intent of this report is to highlight screening, surveillance, initial and definitive management of thoracic aortic disease, and special populations that should be considered.

A Practical Guide to Clinical Management of Thoracic Aortic Disease

Physicians and surgeons faced with patients with thoracic aortic disease (TAD) need to determine the underlying diagnosis to facilitate decisions regarding appropriate investigations as well as which other specialists to involve, when to start medical therapy, when to refer for surgery, and how to plan follow-up and family screening. Increased understanding of conditions predisposing to thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) provides the opportunity for more personalized care. However, given advances in the genetics of TAD, clinicians are now faced with an expanded and often confusing list of associated differential diagnoses. We present a practical guide to managing patients with TAD based on current knowledge and guidelines. Important “flags” on history taking and “tips” to diagnosis on physical examination along with what investigations to order and what referrals to request are discussed. Need for medical therapy, indications for surgical repair, and planning long-term follow-up of TAD are determined by age, the underlying TAD diagnosis, previous vascular history in the patient or other family members (or both), aortic dimensions and growth rate, and any coexisting cardiovascular disease. Although medications may slow the progression of TAA, effective aortic surveillance and timely elective surgical repair remain the mainstays of prevention of acute aortic complications. Emergent repair of acute aortic dissection carries a far worse prognosis. Taking a practical approach to the management of TAD allows for standardized assessment and implementation of current best practice clinical guidelines. Ongoing discovery of new genes, better medical therapies, and innovative surgical techniques necessitate constantly adapting knowledge and integrating it into everyday clinical practice.

Diagnosis and Management of Thoracic Aortic Disease.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms are typically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on an imaging study ordered for other indications. Small aneurysms are managed with antihypertensive therapy and surveillance imaging, using either echocardiography, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Aneurysms are repaired when the risk of rupture or dissection exceeds the risk of repair; size thresholds for repair are determined by the underlying etiology of the aneurysm, with lower thresholds for those with genetic aortopathies. In contrast to the silent and asymptomatic nature of aneurysms, acute aortic syndromes-which include aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer-are usually associated with recognizable symptoms and signs. Acute aortic syndromes involving the ascending aorta are treated with emergent surgery, whereas those involving the descending aorta are now often treated with endovascular stent-grafting techniques. After acute aortic syndromes have been successfully treated, prognosis is favorable with close follow-up that includes optimal medical management and regular surveillance imaging.

Congenital anomalies of the aortic arch in acute type-a aortic dissection: implications for monitoring, perfusion strategy, and surgical repair.

To assess whether management of acute Stanford type-A aortic dissection differs in patients with congenital anomalies of the aortic arch compared with standard institutional practice. Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients from 2001 through 2011. Quaternary referral center for surgical management of thoracic aortic disease. All patients with arch anomalies who underwent surgery for acute Stanford type-A aortic dissection during the study period (n = 43). Surgical management, anesthetic monitoring, and perfusion strategy were analyzed in a retrospective fashion. No new interventions were undertaken as part of this study. Management differed most in patients with an aberrant right subclavian artery (n = 5), because the institutional standard of right axillary artery cannulation with left upper extremity arterial pressure monitoring was not possible. In patients with one of two "bovine" arch patterns (n = 32), management differed in the conduct of selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, which could include clamping above or below the takeoff of the left common carotid artery (and, therefore, produced unilateral or bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion). All patients with a connective tissue disorder exhibited a bovine arch pattern. Management of patients with a right arch (n = 3) reflected the opposite of management for normal anatomy (for patients with traditional mirror-image branching) or opposite that of the aberrant right subclavian group (for patients who had a corresponding aberrant left subclavian artery). Rational management reflected the anatomic variations observed. These results support the importance of interdisciplinary planning, especially in an emergency, to optimize outcome.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society Position Statement on the Management of Thoracic Aortic Disease

This Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement aims to provide succinct perspectives on key issues in the management of thoracic aortic disease (TAD). This document is not a comprehensive overview of TAD and important elements of the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management of acute aortic syndromes are deliberately not discussed; readers are referred to the 2010 guidelines published by the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and other stakeholders. Rather, this document is a practical guide for clinicians managing adult patients with TAD. Topics covered include size thresholds for surgical intervention, emerging therapies, imaging modalities, medical and lifestyle management, and genetics of TAD. The primary panel consisted of experts from a variety of disciplines that are essential for comprehensive management of TAD patients. The methodology involved a focused literature review with an emphasis on updates since 2010 and the use of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology to arrive at specific recommendations. The final document then underwent review by a secondary panel. This document aims to provide recommendations for most patients and situations. However, the ultimate judgement regarding the management of any individual patients should be made by their health care team.

Hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease.

IntroductionThe management of thoracic aortic disease involving the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta are technically challenging and is an area in constant development and innovation.ObjectiveTo analyze early and midterm results of hybrid treatment of arch aortic disease.MethodsRetrospective study of procedures performed from January 2010 to December 2012. The end points were the technical success, therapeutic success, morbidity and mortality, neurologic outcomes, the rate of endoleaks and reinterventions.ResultsA total of 95 patients treated for thoracic aortic diseases in this period, 18 underwent hybrid treatment and entered in this study. The average ages were 62.3 years. The male was present in 66.7%. The technical and therapeutic success was 94.5% e 83.3%. The perioperative mortality rate of 11.1%. There is any death during one-year follow- up. The reoperation rates were 16.6% due 2 cases of endoleak Ia and one case of endoleak II. There is any occlusion of anatomic or extra anatomic bypass during follow up.ConclusionIn our study, the hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease proved to be a feasible alternative of conventional surgery. The therapeutic success rates and re- interventions obtained demonstrate the necessity of thorough clinical follow-up of these patients in a long time.

The 2010 AHA/ACC/AATS Guidelines on the Management of Thoracic Aortic Disease: What they say and why

The AHA/ACC/AATS Guidelines on the Management of Thoracic Aortic Disease were published in 2010 as a consensus statement designed to assist health care providers with clinical decision making when caring for patients with potentially lethal thoracic aortic diseases. This document discusses the guidelines and related works as they pertain to patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms.