Surgery For Acute Type Research Articles

From Court to Couch: Exercise and Quality of Life after Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Background Acute Type A aortic dissection can be physically and mentally stressful with little known about survivors' postrepair activity levels, exercise habits, and quality of life (QOL). This study was aimed to describe pre- and postdissection changes regarding exercise, understand physician recommendations, quantify use of cardiac rehabilitation, and assess QOL in dissection survivors. Methods A total of 295 acute Type A aortic dissection survivors were surveyed about exercise, cardiac rehabilitation, QOL, sexual activity, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with 137 (46%) respondents. Results Respondents were less likely to participate in competitive athletics after than before dissection (1/131 [0.76%] vs. 26/131 [20%], p [McNemar test] < 0.0001) or lift heavy objects (11/111 [9.9%] vs. 41/111 [37%], p < 0.0001). Forty-eight of 132 respondents (36%) did not participate in cardiac rehabilitation. Compared with general population norms, respondents reported lower median QOL physical component scores (40 [26, 51; 15th, 85th percentile], p < 0.0001); these were lower in respondents who did not exercise (Hodges–Lehmann [HL; 95% confidence interval (CI)]: –6.8 [–11, –2.4], p = 0.002), limited sexual activity (–8.0 [–13, –4.3], p = 0.0002), or screened positive for PTSD (–10 [–14, –5.3], p = 0.0002). Median mental component scores were similar to general population norms (HL [95% CI]: 55 [34, 61], p = 0.24) but were lower among respondents who did not exercise (–4.2 [–7.8, –1.0], p = 0.01), limited sexual activity (–5.5 [–10, –1.8], p = 0.003), or screened positive for PTSD (–16 [–22, –10], p < 0.0001). Conclusion Physicians should prescribe cardiac rehabilitation, encourage appropriate exercise, promote resumption of sexual activity, and identify and treat PTSD after surgery for acute Type A aortic dissection.

The effect of postoperative anticoagulation on false lumen patency after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection

BackgroundPatent false lumen has been shown to have a negative impact on prognosis after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). We aimed to assess the effect of postoperative anticoagulation on false lumen patency and clinical outcomes in relation to false lumen status.MethodsPostoperative computed tomographies of 156 patients undergoing ATAAD DeBakey type I surgery were retrospectively evaluated for false lumen patency. The patients were divided into groups determined by anticoagulation treatment at discharge. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression was used for analysing the effect of anticoagulation on the false lumen, and Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to assess the association of a patent false lumen with the incidence of reoperation and long-term survival.ResultsA patent false lumen was present in 81% of the patients. Postoperative anticoagulants were not associated with a patent false lumen (p = 0.48) in univariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, both hemiarch replacement (OR 0.15, CI95% 0.05–0.49, p = 0.001) and the use of betablockers had a protective effect (OR 0.29, CI95% 0.10–0.85, p = 0.023). The Kaplan–Meier estimates for survival and the composite endpoint of survival and freedom from distal reintervention indicated no difference in outcome between patients in regard to anticoagulation treatment (survival p = 0.43, composite p = 0.82) or false lumen status (survival p = 0.21, composite p = 0.09).ConclusionThis study could not show negative effects from the postoperative use of anticoagulants on false lumen status, nor that false lumen patency was associated with poorer prognosis. A hemiarch procedure was shown to be associated with reduced risk of false lumen patency.

The prognosis and risk factors for acute kidney injury in high-risk patients after surgery for type A aortic dissection in the ICU.

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication of cardiac surgery, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the incidence and prognosis of AKI in high-risk patients before and after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study from April 2018 to April 2019. The primary end points of this study were morbidity due to AKI and risk factors for incidence, and the secondary end points were mortality at 28 days and risk factors for death.ResultsWe enrolled 60 patients, 52 (86.67%) patients developed postoperative AKI, 28 (53.84%) patients died. Preoperative lactic acid level (P=0.022) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration (P=0.009) were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative AKI. The 28-day mortality for postoperative patients with TAAD was 46.67%, 53.84% for those with TAAD and AKI, 67.5% for those who required continue renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The risk factors for 28-day mortality due to postoperative AKI for patients requiring CRRT were CPB duration (P=0.019) and norepinephrine dose upon diagnosis of AKI (P=0.037).ConclusionsMorbidity due to AKI in postoperative patients with TAAD was 86.67%, and preoperative lactic acid level and CPB duration were independent risk factors. The 28-day mortality of postoperative patients with TAAD was 46.67%, 53.84% for those with TAAD and AKI, and 67.5% for those requiring CRRT. CPB duration and norepinephrine dose upon diagnosis of AKI may influence patients’ short-term prognosis.

Decade-long trends in surgery for acute Type A aortic dissection in England: A retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundLittle is known about variations in care and outcomes of patients undergoing surgical repair for type A aortic dissection(TAAD). We aim to investigate decade-long trends in TAAD surgical repair in England.MethodsRetrospective review of the National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit, which prospectively collects demographic and peri‑operative information for all major adult cardiac surgery procedures performed in the UK. We identified patients undergoing surgery for TAAD from January 2009-December 2018, reviewed trends in operative frequency, patient demographics, and mortality.FindingsOver the 10-year period,3,680 TAAD patients underwent surgical repair in England. A doubling in the overall number of operations conducted in England was observed (235 cases in 2009 to 510 in 2018). Number of procedures per hospital per year also doubled(9 in 2009 to 23 in 2018). Overall, in-hospital mortality was 17.4% with a trend toward lower mortality in recent years(23% in 2009 to 14.7% in 2018). There was a significant variation in operative mortality between hospitals and surgeons. We also found that most patients presented towards the middle of the week and during winter.InterpretationSurgery is the only treatment for acute TAAD but is associated with high mortality. Prompt diagnosis and referral to a specialist center is paramount. The number of operations conducted in England has doubled in 10 years and the associated survival has improved. Variations exist in service provision with a trend towards better survival in high volume centers.FundingBritish Heart Foundation and NIHR Biomedical Research center(University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol).

Avoiding anticoagulation drugs for postoperative atrial fibrillation enabled successful conservative treatment of left atrial dissection: a case report

BackgroundLeft atrial dissection is a rare complication of cardiac surgery, most commonly associated with mitral valve surgery. Herein, we report on the successful conservative treatment of left atrial dissection while avoiding anticoagulation therapy.Case presentationA 64-year-old man developed left atrial dissection during operation for acute type A aortic dissection, most likely due to retrograde cardioplegia cannulation. As there was no connection between the left atrial dissection cavity and the left atrium on enhanced computed tomography, we did not administer anticoagulants to prevent expansion of the left atrial dissection cavity. However, the patient developed atrial fibrillation, which was successfully managed by beta-blocker and amiodarone administration. Follow-up imaging showed gradual left atrial dissection reduction, and the patient was started on anticoagulation therapy.ConclusionWe were able to resolve left atrial dissection by preventing the use of anticoagulation therapy in the acute stage by managing the atrial fibrillation with antiarrhythmic drugs.

Impact of ABO blood group on bleeding complications after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

Excessive bleeding is a serious complication associated with impaired survival after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Different ABO blood groups are associated with variable levels of circulating von Willebrand factor and therefore potentially altered risks of surgical haemorrhage. The current study aimed to assess the impact of blood group on bleeding complications after ATAAD surgery. This was a retrospective cohort study including 336 patients surgically treated for ATAAD between January 2004 and January 2019. Patients with blood group O were compared with non-O patients. In total, 152 blood group O patients were compared with 184 non-O patients. There were no differences in rates of massive bleeding (27.0 vs. 25.5%, P = 0.767) or re-exploration for bleeding (16.4 vs. 13.0%, P = 0.379) in blood group O and non-O patients, respectively. Median chest tube output 12 h after surgery was 520 ml (350-815 ml) in blood group O and 490 ml (278-703 ml) in non-O patients (P = 0.229). Blood group O patients received more fibrinogen concentrate (6.1 ± 4.0 vs. 4.9 ± 3.3 g, P = 0.023) but administered units of packed red blood cells [5 (2-8) vs. 4 (2-9) U, P = 0.736], platelets [4 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-5) U, P = 0.521] or plasma [4 (1-7) vs. 4 (0-7) U, P = 0.562] were similar. This study could not demonstrate any association between blood group and bleeding after surgery for ATAAD. It cannot be ruled out that potential differences were levelled out by blood group O patients receiving significantly more fibrinogen concentrate.

Comparative outcomes of total arch versus hemiarch repair in acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection: the impact of 21 years of experience.

With the goal of evaluating the impact of experiences at our centre on comparative outcomes between total arch and hemiarch repairs, we reviewed our 21 years of experience with operations for acute type I aortic dissection. Between 1999 and 2019, a total of 365 patients (177 women; 56.8 ± 12.9 years) with acute type I aortic dissection who had a hemiarch (n = 248) or a total arch replacement (n = 117) were evaluated, and the trends in comparative outcomes were analysed. Over time, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion were replaced by moderate hypothermia and antegrade cerebral perfusion with the introduction of dedicated aortic surgeons. Overall, operative deaths decreased from 11.0% in time quartile 1 to 2.2% in time quartile 4 (P = 0.090). After adjustment with the use of inverse probability weighting, the total arch group compared with the hemiarch group was at a similar risk of mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-2.43; P = 0.71] but at a greater risk of neurological deficit (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.23-8.98; P = 0.017) in the earlier half period (1999-2009). In the later period (2009-2019), however, both the risks of mortality (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.03-1.59; P = 0.23) and of neurological injuries (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.12-1.18; P = 0.13) were comparable between the 2 groups (P for interaction in terms of neurological deficit = 0.007). The multivariable logistic regression model revealed that dedicated aortic surgeons independently contributed to decreased risk of death (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09-0.84; P = 0.036). These findings indicate that accumulating institutional experiences, along with resultant improvements in surgical strategies and outcomes, may neutralize the surgical risk gap between total arch and hemiarch repair in acute type I aortic dissection.

Research on clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after surgery for acute type a aortic dissection

PurposeThe present study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection and perform a relevant prognostic analysis.MethodsAfter continuous observation and analysis of 204 patients who underwent acute type A aortic dissection, we found that blood platelets decreased significantly after surgery and that these patients can be suspected to suffer HIT based on relevant 4Ts scores. For these suspected HIT patients, a latex particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay was conducted to detect heparin-induced antibodies. Perioperative clinical data of patients in HIT and non-HIT groups were recorded as were blood platelet counts, HIT antibody test results, 4Ts scores, thromboembolic complications, clinical prognosis and outcomes.ResultsIn the present study, 38 suspected HIT patients, 16 HIT patients and 188 non-HIT patients were selected in the clinical setting. Among them, HIT patients were found to have prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (223 min on average vs. 164 min) and delayed aortic cross-clamp time (128 min on average vs. 107 min), and these differences between HIT patients and non-HIT patients were significant (P < 0.05). Additionally, the HIT group required longer operation time and higher dose of heparin, but showing no statistical differences (P > 0.05). The transfusions of blood platelets in the HIT group and non-HIT group were 18.7 ± 5.0u and 15.6 ± 7.34 u, respectively. In the HIT group, the mechanic ventilation time and the length of ICU stay were longer comparing the non-HIT group(P < 0.05), though no significant differences in total length of stay or In-hospital mortality were observed (P > 0.05). The incidence of continuous renal replacement therapy in HIT group was higher than the non-HIT group (P < 0.05). Additionally,there were no significant differences in 24-h postoperative drainage or reoperation for bleeding in both group(P > 0.05). However, the HIT antibody titer in the HIT group was significantly higher than that in the Suspected HIT group (2.7 ± 0.8 U/mL vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 U/mL) (P < 0.05). Among patients diagnosed with HIT, the incidence of thromboembolism reached 31.5%.For example, two HIT patients newly developed thromboembolism in both lower extremities,and three patients experienced cerebral infarction.ConclusionsAfter surgery for acute type A aortic dissection, HIT patients developed postoperative complications, the duration of ventilatory support and length of ICU stay were extended, and the incidence of thromboembolism increased. HIT antibody detection and risk classification should be implemented for high-risk patients showing early clinical characteristics.

Influence of Age on Postoperative Neurological Outcomes after Surgery of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) is considered a fatal disease which requires an emergent surgical intervention. This study focuses onthe neurological outcome after surgical repair in cases of AAAD in comparison between elderly and young patients. Methods: a retrospective analysis of 368 consecutive patients who underwent emergency surgery of ascending aorta in moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) (20–24 °C) and antegrade cerebral perfusion after AAAD between 2001 and 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: those aged 75 years and older (68 (18.5%)) and those younger than 75 years (300 (81.5%)). Results: Comparing both groups, average age was 79.0 ± 3.2 vs. 59.2 ± 10.7 years (p < 0.001); female gender represents 58.8% of elderly patients vs. 28.7% in younger patients (p < 0.001). Intraoperatively, cardiopulmonary bypass time (155 min (131; 187) vs. 171 min (137; 220); p = 0.012), cross-clamping time (79 min (60; 105) vs. 93 min (71; 134); p = 0.001] and circulatory arrest time (29 min (22; 40) vs. 33 min (26; 49); p = 0.011) were significantly shorter in elderly than younger group. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in delirium (11.8% vs. 20.5%; p = 0.0968) or stroke (11.8% vs. 16.1%; p = 0.369). The 30-day mortality was satisfactory for both groups but significantly higher in the elderly group (27.9% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.007). Conclusion: The current study concluded that surgical treatment of AAAD in elderly patients can be applied safely without increasing risk of neurological complication. However, minimizing operation time may help limit the occurrence of postoperative neurological complication.

Differences among sexes in presentation and outcomes in acute type A aortic dissection repair.

Female sex is a known risk factor in most cardiac surgery, including coronary and valve surgery, but unknown in acute type A aortic dissection repair. From 1996 to 2018, 650 patients underwent acute type A aortic dissection repair; 206 (32%) were female, and 444 (68%) were male. Data were collected through the Cardiac Surgery Data Warehouse, medical record review, and National Death Index database. Compared with men, women were significantly older (65 vs 57years, P<.0001). The proportion of women and men inverted with increasing age, with 23% of patients aged less than 50years and 65% of patients aged 80years or older being female. Women had significantly less chronic renal failure (2.0% vs 5.4%, P=.04), acute myocardial infarction (1.0% vs 3.8%, P=.04), and severe aortic insufficiency. Women underwent significantly fewer aortic root replacements with similar aortic arch procedures, shorter cardiopulmonary bypass times (211 vs 229minutes, P=.0001), and aortic crossclamp times (132 vs 164minutes, P<.0001), but required more intraoperative blood transfusion (4 vs 3 units) compared with men. Women had significantly lower operative mortality (4.9% vs 9.5%, P=.04), especially in those aged more than 70years (4.4% vs 16%, P=.02). The significant risk factors for operative mortality were male sex (odds ratio, 2.2), chronic renal failure (odds ratio, 3.4), and cardiogenic shock (odds ratio, 6.8). The 10-year survival was similar between sexes. Physicians and women should be cognizant of the risk of acute type A aortic dissection later in life in women. Surgeons should strongly consider operations for acute type A aortic dissection in women, especially in patients aged 70years or more.

Impact of time between diagnosis to treatment in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

There is a paucity of data describing the effect of time interval between diagnosis and surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection. We describe our 8-year experience and investigate the impact of time interval between symptom onset, diagnosis and surgery on outcomes. Retrospective single-center study utilizing our Society of Thoracic Surgeons registry and patient records. Subjects were grouped by time interval between radiographic diagnosis and surgical treatment: Group A (0–4 h), Group B (4.1–8 h), Group C (8.1–12 h), and Group D (12.1 + h). Data were analyzed to identify factors associated with mortality and outcomes. 164 patients were included. Overall mortality was 21.3%. Group C had the greatest intervals between symptom onset to diagnosis to surgery, and also the highest mortality (66.7%). Preoperative tamponade, cardiac arrest, malperfusion, elevated creatinine, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and blood transfusions were associated with increased mortality, while distance of referring hospital was not. Time intervals between symptom onset, diagnosis and surgery have a significant effect on mortality. Surgery performed 8–12 h after diagnosis carries the highest mortality, which may be exacerbated by longer interval since symptom onset. Time-dependent effects should be considered when determining optimal strategy especially if inter-facility transfer is necessary.

Aortic dissection assessment by 4D phase-contrast MRI with hemodynamic parameters: the impact of stent type.

To explore the diagnostic performance of 4-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (4D PC-MRI) in evaluating aortic dissection in different clinical scenarios. The study group comprised 32 patients with a known aortic dissection who each underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA), and then 4D PC-MRI with a 1.5-T MR scanner. The 4D PC-MRI images were compared with the CTA images to evaluate the aortic size, branch identification, and iliac and femoral arterial access. The patients were divided into three groups: (I) patients diagnosed with Type B aortic dissection but did not undergo intervention (n=8); (II) patients with residual aortic dissection after open repair of Type A dissection (n=7); (III) patients who underwent endovascular aortic repair with or without open surgery (n=17). Without radiation or contrast media injection, 4D PC-MRI provided similar aortic images for patients in Group 1 and most of those in Group 2. In Group 3, stainless steel stents affected image quality in three patients. High-quality 4D PC-MRI images were obtained for the remaining 14 patients in Group 3, who had non-stainless steel stents, and provided major aortic information comparable to that provided by CTA with contrast media. The hemodynamic parameters of true and false lumens were evaluated between three patients with Type B aortic dissections and three patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for their aortic dissection. The stroke volume was higher in the true lumen of the patients with stent-grafts than in the patients with Type B aortic dissection without intervention. The regurgitant fraction, an indicator of nonlaminar flow, was higher in the false lumens than in the true lumens. All 32 patients in this study tolerated 4D PC-MRI without adverse events. 4D PC-MRI is radiation- and contrast media-free option for imaging aortic dissection. It not only provided images comparable in quality to those obtained with CTA but also provided information on hemodynamic parameters, including endoleak detection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. 4D PC-MRI was safe and accurate in evaluating chronic Type B aortic dissection and residual aortic dissection after surgery for acute Type A aortic dissection. Therefore, it could be a potential tool in treating pathology in aortic dissection, especially for patients with malperfusion syndrome of visceral vessels and in young patients with renal function impairment. However, certain endograft materials, especially stainless steel, may prevent the further application of 4D PC-MRI and should be avoided.

Decade-Long Trends in Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Background: Little is known about unwarranted variations in care, with regional differences and outcomes of patients who undergo surgical repair for type A acute aortic dissection (TAAD) in England. We aim to investigate decade-long trends in TAAD surgical repair in England using national-level data. Method: Retrospective review of the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR) National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit (NACSA) registry, which prospectively collects demographic, as well as pre-, peri- and post-operative clinical information, including mortality, for all major adult cardiac surgery procedures performed in the UK. We identified patients undergoing surgery for TAAD from January 2009 to December 2018 and reviewed trends in operative frequency and mortality. Findings: Over the 10-year period,3,686 TAAD patients underwent surgical repair in England. A steady doubling in the overall number of operations conducted in England was observed from 237 cases recorded in 2009 to 510 in 2018. Number of procedures per hospital per year also doubled, from 10 in 2009 to 21 in 2018. The risk profile of the operated patients remained unchanged. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 17.4% with a trend toward lower mortality in the most recent years (from 22.8% in 2009 to 14.7% in 2018). There was a significant variation in operative mortality across regions with a trend towards lower mortality in regions with a high-volume hospital. Interpretation: Surgery is the only treatment for acute TAAD but is associated with high mortality. Prompt diagnosis and referral to a specialist center is paramount. The number of operations conducted in England has doubled in 10 years and the associated survival following surgery has improved. Regional variations exist in service provision with a trend towards better survival in high volume centers. Funding Statement: British Heart Foundation and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol. Declaration of Interests: Authors have no conflict of interests to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: This study is part of research approved by the Health Research Authority (HRA) and Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) (IRAS ID: 278171).

Risk stratification on admission for predicting death or need for surgery in patients with acute type A intramural hematoma receiving medical therapy – validation cohort

Abstract Background There has been continuing discussion regarding the treatment strategy for acute type A intramural hematoma (IMH). We previously examined the risk factors of death or need for surgery for acute type A IMH in patients receiving medical treatment using clinical findings on hospital arrival and developed a simple risk score using the factors. Purpose We examined the accuracy of the risk score in the validation cohort. Methods From 2009 to 2014, 57 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute type A IMH who were receiving initial medical treatment were retrospectively included for derivation cohort. Primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death and operation within 1 year after onset. On admission, the primary endpoint could be predicted with 89.7% sensitivity and 75% specificity if the patient had ulcer-like projection (ULP) and/or ≥2 of the following factors: systolic blood pressure (SBP) &amp;lt;120 mmHg, ascending aorta diameter&amp;gt;45 mm, and pericardial effusion (PE). In the current study, validation cohort study was performed from 2015 to 2020 in 73 consecutive patients who met the same inclusion criteria for derivation cohort to evaluate the risk factors and the accuracy of the risk score. Result Mean age of onset was 74 years old. Mean SBP on arrival was 134 mmHg. Computed tomography (CT) on arrival showed a mean ascending aorta diameter of 46 mm. ULP and PE were seen in 27% and 41% of cases, respectively. Thirty-three patients (45.2%) reached the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death, 8 cases [11%]; operation, 25 cases [34.2%]). In univariate analysis of admission values, the primary endpoint group had significantly lower SBP (116±29 vs 147±35 mmHg), higher ascending aorta diameter (49±8 vs 45±9 mm), and higher frequency of ULP (50% vs 10%) and PE (56% vs 29%) than did the event-free group. Multivariate analysis showed that ULP and SBP were significant predictors of the primary endpoint. The total risk score ≥2 could predict the primary endpoint with 87.5% sensitivity and 71.7% specificity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.791). Conclusion The risk score was useful to predict cardiovascular death and the need for surgery in patients with acute type A IMH receiving medical therapy in the validation cohort study. ROC curve for the risk score Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Impact of the collateral network on central-repair-first strategy in superior mesenteric artery occlusion with type A acute aortic dissection.

Surgery for acute type A aortic dissection with mesenteric malperfusion is challenging. Although the peripheral-reperfusion-first strategy has shown good results, more discussion regarding indicated patients is needed. This study aimed to describe the imaging features and surgical outcomes of mesenteric malperfusion and to clarify which cases should be considered for the peripheral-reperfusion-first strategy. A total of 200 patients underwent emergent aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection at our institution between October 2011 and July 2019. Superior mesenteric artery occlusion on preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography was detected in 12 patients, who were categorized into two groups based on enhancement (n = 7) or non-enhancement (n = 5) of the superior mesenteric artery peripheral branches. Operative outcomes after central repair were compared between groups. Four patients in the enhanced group had no postoperative abdominal complications, and three patients required superior mesenteric artery bypass grafting with the central-repair-first strategy. However, all patients in the enhanced group survived and did not require intestinal resection. In contrast, four patients (80%) in the non-enhanced group had intestinal necrosis, three patients required intestinal resection, and one patient died from multiple organ failure. The presence or absence of an enhancement of the peripheral superior mesenteric artery by the collateral network could be helpful for decision-making. The central-repair-first strategy may be permitted in patients with enhanced peripheral branches. Conversely, in patients with non-enhanced peripheral branches, a more invasive assessment should be considered before central aortic repair, and peripheral-reperfusion-first strategy may be required.

The Incidence, Risk Factors and In-Hospital Mortality of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients After Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of 335 Patients.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cardiac surgery, which could lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) is a life-threatening cardiac disease and can be closely related to post-operative AKI. However, data on the incidence of AKI defined by the newest Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria and in-hospital mortality of a homogeneous population who underwent AAAD are limited. We aimed to investigate the incidence of AKI defined by the KDIGO criteria and the risk factors associated with the outcomes among AAAD-induced AKI patients.Methods: We reviewed 335 patients who underwent surgical treatment for AAAD between March 2009 and June 2016. We screened the patients' AKI status and analyzed probably risk factors of AKI and in-hospital mortality. Independent-sample t-test or Chi-square test was performed to identify differences between AKI and non-AKI groups and survivors with AKI and non-survivors with AKI, respectively. The logistic regression model was applied to identify independent risk factors.Results: AKI occurred in 71.94% of AAAD patients, including 85 stage 1 (35.26%), 77 stage 2 (31.95%), and 79 stage 3 (32.78%) patients. The in-hospital mortality rate was 21.16%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the body mass index, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, red blood cell transfusion, and hypoproteinemia were the independent significant risk factors of the occurrence of post-operative AKI. The risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality among AAAD-induced AKI patients included AKI stage (odds ratio (OR), 3.322), deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (OR, 2.586), lactic acidosis (OR, 3.407), and continuous renal replacement therapy (OR, 3.156).Conclusion: For AAAD patients undergoing surgery, AKI was a common complication, and it increased patients' mortality risk. Therefore, identifying the risk factors of AKI and preventing post-operative AKI are important for improving the post-operative outcomes of AAAD patients.Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900021290. Registered 12 February 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=35795.

Making hay while the sun shines: Do outcomes after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection depend on when it is performed?

Ibrahim Sultan receives institutional research funding from Atricure and Medtronic.

Acute Kidney Injury After Acute Repair of Type A Aortic Dissection

The aim of this study was to examine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) using the Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection registry. Patients who underwent ATAAD surgery at 8 Nordic centers from 2005 to 2014 were analyzed for AKI according to the RIFLE criteria. Patients who died intraoperatively, those who had missing baseline or postoperative serum creatinine, and patients on preoperative renal replacement therapy were excluded. AKI occurred in 382 of 941 patients (40.6%), and postoperative dialysis was required for 105 patients (11.0%). Renal malperfusion was present preoperatively in 42 patients (5.1%), of whom 69.0% developed postoperative AKI. In multivariable analysis patient-related predictors of AKI included age (per 10 years; odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.48), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.51-3.09), renal malperfusion (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 2.23-9.07), and other malperfusion (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.55-2.86). Perioperative predictors were cardiopulmonary bypass time (per 10 minutes; OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07) and red blood cell transfusion (OR per transfused unit, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.06-1.10). Rates of 30-day mortality were 17.0% in the AKI group compared with 6.6% in the non-AKI group (P < .001). In 30-day survivors AKI was an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 1.86; 95% CI; 1.24-2.79). AKI is a common complication after surgery for ATAAD and independently predicts adverse long-term outcome. Of note one-third of patients presenting with renal malperfusion did not develop postoperative AKI, possibly because of restoration of renal blood flow with surgical repair. Mortality risk persists beyond the perioperative period, indicating that close clinical follow-up of these patients is required.

Global cerebral infarction after aortic arch replacement surgery in a patient with postoperatively revealed factor XII deficiency: a case report

BackgroundThis case report presents a case of a patient with global cerebral infarction of uncertain etiology following an emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. As a result, factor XII deficiency was revealed postoperatively. To date, there have been several reports of cardiovascular surgery in patients with factor XII deficiency. However, all previous reports were of patients whose factor XII deficiency had been detected preoperatively; therefore, before this, there had been no reports of complications associated with factor XII deficiency following cardiovascular surgery.Case presentationWe report a case of emergency aortic arch replacement surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in a 57-year-old Japanese man. A blood test prior to the surgery showed coagulopathy, a platelet count of 117 × 109/L, a prothrombin time–international normalized ratio of 1.78, an activated partial thromboplastin time of 69.7 seconds, and fibrinogen < 50 mg/dl. A smaller-than-usual dose of heparin (8000 IU) was administered because the patient’s activated clotting time was extremely prolonged (> 999 seconds). After the heparin administration, the activated clotting time, measured every 30–60 minutes, remained unchanged (> 999 seconds); therefore, additional heparin was not administered during the surgery, and there was no clinical problem during cardiopulmonary bypass. However, a diagnosis of global cerebral infarction was made on the first postoperative day. An additional blood coagulation test performed on postoperative day 9 revealed factor XII deficiency (8.0%). Regarding the reason that global cerebral infarction occurred in the present case, two reasons were considered: One was factor XII deficiency itself, and the other was low-dose heparin administration during the cardiopulmonary bypass due to excessively prolonged activated clotting time caused by factor XII deficiency.ConclusionsFactor XII deficiency should be considered in patients with prolonged activated clotting time and spontaneous thrombosis in vascular surgeries. Moreover, the present case emphasizes that management of heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass should not be performed on the basis of activated clotting time monitoring alone, especially in a case with prolonged activated clotting time.

Perioperative risk factors predict one-year mortality in patients with acute type-A aortic dissection

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to analyze perioperative risk factors to predict one- year mortality after operation for acute type A aortic dissection (AAD).MethodsA total of 121 consecutive patients undergoing Stanford type A AAD surgery in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled. Preoperative clinical and laboratory data from patients were collected.ResultsMultivariable Cox regression analysis showed that significant factors associated with increased one-year mortality were elder age (year) (hazard ratio (HR) 1.0985; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0334–1.1677), intraoperative blood transfusion ≥2000 mL (HR 8.8081; 95% CI 2.3319–33.2709), a higher level of serum creatinine (μmol/L) at postoperative one day (HR 1.0122; 95% CI 1.0035–1.0190) and oxygenation index (OI) < 200 (mmHg) at the end of surgery (HR 5.7575; 95% CI 1.1695–28.3458).ConclusionIn this study, perioperative risk factors to predict one-year prognosis are age, intraoperative blood transfusion ≥2000 mL, postoperative OI < 200 mmHg and level of postoperative serum creatinine. The results aid in the comprehension of surgical outcomes and assist in the optimization of treatment strategies for those with perioperative risk factors to decrease one-year mortality.