Outcomes Of Total Arch Replacement Research Articles

Six-Year Outcomes of Total Arch Replacement vs Debranching With TEVAR for Aortic Arch Pathologies: Meta-Analysis of Kaplan-Meier-Derived Data From Propensity Score-Matched Studies.

Total arch replacement (TAR) and debranching plus thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) serve as significant therapeutic options for aortic arch pathologies. It remains unclear whether one of these approaches should be considered preferable. Our study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of these 2 approaches. We carried out a pooled meta-analysis of time-to-event data extracted from studies published by December 2023. Eligibility criteria included populations with any aortic arch pathology who underwent debranching plus TEVAR or TAR, propensity score-matched (PSM) studies (prospective/retrospective; single-center/multicentric), and the outcomes included follow-up for overall survival/mortality and/or reinterventions. Eleven PSM studies met our eligibility criteria, including a total of 1142 patients (571 matched pairs). We did not observe any statistically significant difference in the risk of all-cause death between the groups (hazard ratio [HR]=1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.91-1.56, p=0.202), but patients who underwent TAR had a significantly lower risk of late aortic reinterventions compared with patients who underwent debranching plus TEVAR (HR=0.38, 95% CI=0.23-0.64, p<0.001). Our meta-regression analyses for all-cause mortality identified statistically significant coefficients for age (coefficient=-0.047; p=0.012) and type A aortic dissections (coefficient=0.012; p=0.010). Debranching plus TEVAR and TAR demonstrate no statistically significant differences in terms of survival in patients with aortic arch pathologies, but TAR is associated with lower risk of late aortic reinterventions over time. Although older patients may benefit more from debranching plus TEVAR rather than from TAR, patients with dissections may benefit more from TAR. Although the 2 strategies seem to be equally valuable in terms of survival, total aortic arch replacement (when compared with debranching plus TEVAR to treat patients with aortic arch pathologies) is associated with reduction of late aortic reinterventions over time in patients with and without aortic dissections. However, we should consider debranching plus TEVAR in older patients as it is associated with lower risk of death in this population. The novelty of our study lies in the fact that, instead of comparing study-level effect estimates, we analyzed the outcomes with reconstructed time-to-event data. This offered us the opportunity of performing our analyses with a mathematically appropriate model which consider events and time; however, these findings might be under the influence of treatment allocation bias.

Early outcomes of total arch replacement in the treatment of aortic dissection

Abstract: Overview: Aortic dissection are severe pathologies with high mortality and complication rates post-surgery despite significant advancements in both diagnosis and surgical treatment. Aortic arch replacement surgery is a classic and highly effective treatment method at Cho Ray Hospital. Objectives: Describe clinical, paraclinical characteristics, postoperative results, general complications and early hospital mortality. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study. Results: 102 patients underwent aortic arch replacement surgery due to aortic dissection. Males predominated at 72.5%. The male:female ratio was 2.5:1. The average age was 56.45 ± 11.79 years. A history of hypertension was present in 81.4% of cases. Most patients with aortic dissection were admitted in an acute condition, accounting for 95%. Patients with type A aortic dissection accounted for 87.3%, with the entry tear in the ascending aorta at 27.5%. Isolated aortic arch replacement was performed in 46.1% of patients, while 53.9% underwent aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique. 7 patients required aortic root replacement, 7 needed aortic valve surgery, and 10 required CABG. Most patients were cooled to 25 degrees C with cerebral perfusion to three branches. Ascending aorta cannulation was established in 45.2% of cases. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 257.7 minutes, with selective cerebral perfusion time at 115.9 minutes and lower body circulatory arrest time averaging 57.2 minutes. Postoperative neurological complications occurred in 10.8%, and the rate of renal failure requiring dialysis was 17.8%. The mortality rate was 9.6%. Longer cardiopulmonary bypass times and body temperatures above 25 degrees significantly increased the rate of postoperative renal failure requiring dialysis. Patients with postoperative renal failure requiring dialysis had a statistically significant increase in postoperative mortality rates. Aortic root intervention surgery combined with arch replacement did not affect the rate of postoperative complications. Aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique did not affect cardiopulmonary bypass time, clamping time, or the rate of postoperative complications. Conclusions: Total arch replacement at Cho Ray Hospital initially showed a safe and effective with acceptable mortality rate.

Long-term outcomes of total arch replacement with bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion using the "arch first" approach.

To report outcomes of total arch replacement (TAR) with hypothermic circulatory arrest and bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (bACP) using an "arch first" approach for acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). The "arch first" approach involved revascularization of the aortic arch branch vessels with uninterrupted ACP, before lower body circulatory arrest, while the patient was cooling. This was an observational study of aortic surgeries from 2010 to 2021. All patients who underwent TAR with bACP for ATAAD were included. Short-term and long-term outcomes were reported utilizing descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival estimation. A total of 215 patients were identified who underwent TAR + bACP for ATAAD. Age was 59.0 [49.0-67.0] years and 35.3% were female. 73 patients (34.0%) underwent a concomitant aortic root replacement, 188 (87.4%) had aortic cannulation, circulatory arrest time was 37.0 [26.0-52.0] minutes, and nadir temperature was 20.8 [19.4-22.5] degrees Celsius. 35 patients (16.3%) had operative mortality (STS definition), 17 (7.9%) had a new stroke, 79 (36.7%) had prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24h), 35 (16.3%) had acute renal failure (by RIFLE criteria), and 128 (59.5%) had blood product transfusions. One-year survival was 77.1%, while 5-years survival was 67.1%. During follow-up, there were 23 (10.7%) reinterventions involving the descending thoracic aorta - either thoracic endovascular aortic repair or open thoracoabdominal aortic replacement. Among patients with ATAAD, short-term postoperative outcomes after TAR + bACP using the "arch first" approach are acceptable. Moreover, this operative strategy may furnish long-term durability, with a reasonably low reintervention rate and satisfactory overall survival.

One-year outcomes of total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk using the E-vita Open NEO.

In this cohort study, we aimed to assess the 1-year clinical outcomes of using the E-vita Open NEO™ hybrid prosthesis for total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk (FET) to repair extensive aortic pathologies. We reviewed individuals who underwent thoracic aortic surgery between April 2021 and March 2023 from the Gangnam Severance Aortic Registry. Exclusion criteria included ascending aortic replacement, 1 or 2 partial arch replacement, descending aortic replacement and total arch replacement without an FET. Finally, all consecutive patients who underwent total arch replacement and FET with E-vita Open NEO for aortic arch pathologies between April 2021 and March 2023 were included in this cohort study. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on their pathology: acute aortic dissection, chronic aortic dissection and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality. The secondary end points during the postoperative period comprised stroke, spinal cord injury and redo sternotomy for bleeding. Additionally, the secondary end points during the follow-up period included the 1-year survival rate, 1-year freedom from all aortic procedures and 1-year freedom from unplanned aortic interventions. The study included 167 patients in total: 92 patients (55.1%) with acute aortic dissection, 20 patients (12.0%) with chronic aortic dissection and 55 patients (32.9%) with thoracic aortic aneurysm. The in-hospital mortality was 1.8% (n = 3). Strokes occurred in 1.8% (n = 3) of the patients, spinal cord injury in 1.8% (n = 3) and redo sternotomy for bleeding was performed in 3.0% (n = 5). There were no significant differences between the pathological groups. The median follow-up period (quartile 1-quartile 3) was 198 (37-373) days, with 1-year survival rates of 95.9%. At 1 year, the freedom from all aortic procedures and unplanned aortic interventions were 90.3% and 92.0%, respectively. The 1-year clinical outcomes of total arch replacement with FET using the E-vita Open NEO were favourable. Long-term follow-up is required to evaluate the durability of the FET.

Abstract 18441: Long-Term Outcomes of Total Arch Replacement With Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure for Patients With Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction: Total arch replacement (TAR) with frozen elephant trunk (FET) is an extensive surgical procedure for patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). This study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of TAR with FET procedure for patients with ATAAD. Methods: A total of 670 patients with ATAAD who underwent TAR with FET procedure between January 2013 and December 2018 were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: the early group (n=245, 2013-2015) and the modern group (n=425, 2016-2018). In-hospital and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: The average age and gender distribution were similar between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). The modern group had a higher prevalence of preoperative coma (P&lt;0.001). Patients in the modern group had a shorter mean duration of surgical procedure, including cardiopulmonary bypass time (189.8 ± 53.0 vs 176.0 ± 53.0 min, P=0.001) and hypothetical cardiac arrest time (22.8 ± 5.2 vs 15.1 ± 6.2 min, P&lt;0.001). Although the in-hospital mortality was lower in the modern group, the difference was not statistically significant (6.1% vs 3.3%, P=0.064). The modern group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative major adverse outcomes compared to the early group (33.9% vs 20.2%, P&lt;0.001). The mean follow-up period was similar between the two groups. The overall long-term survival rate of patients undergoing TAR with FET procedure in this cohort was 92.7%. Patients in the modern group had a significantly lower cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality compared to those in the early group (P&lt;0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that the modern year was an independent protective factor for the long-term survival of ATAAD patients undergoing TAR with FET procedure (HR=0.336, 95% CI: 0.193-0.585, P&lt;0.001). Conclusions: The in-hospital and long-term outcomes of TAR with FET procedure for patients with ATAAD are promising and have improved over time.

The Comparison between Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique and Conventional Total Arch Replacement, a Single-center Study

Objective: The advantage of the frozen elephant trunk technique (FET) is treating the aortic pathology extending from the aortic arch to the descending aorta in a one-stage operation. This study aimed to determine the early and long-term outcomes of total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique compared to conventional total arch replacement (cTAR).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent aortic arch replacement between January 2009 and December 2020 were enrolled and divided into two groups. 32 patients underwent the FET and 47 patients underwent cTAR. Outcomes and survival analysis were compared.&#x0D; Results: The 5-year survival for FET and cTAR were 87.27% and 82.55% and the aortic-related mortality was not significantly different (HR 0.97, 95%CI 0.22-0.43). Aortic re-intervention was significantly lower in the FET group accounting for 3.57%, while there was 39.1% in the cTAR group. FET significantly reduced aortic re-intervention compared with cTAR (HR 0.09, 95%CI 0.01-0.81). There were no differences in the incidence of stroke between the two groups. However, FET patients had significantly increased risks of paraplegia by 21% when compared to cTAR (Risk difference +0.21, 95%CI 0.02-0.40)&#x0D; Conclusions: The FET technique had comparable early outcomes in terms of mortality, renal function, postoperative bleeding, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Even though FET had a significant risk of postoperative paraplegia, FET reduced the aortic re-intervention rate without increasing aortic-related death.

Long-term outcomes of total arch replacement versus proximal aortic replacement in acute type A aortic dissection: Meta-analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived individual patient data.

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of a conservative approach (with proximal aortic replacement with or without hemiarch replacement) versus an aggressive approach (with total aortic arch replacement) in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). We performed a pooled analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived individual patient datafrom studies with follow-up comparing the aforementioned approaches to treat patients with ATAAD. Eighteen studies met our eligibility criteria, comprising 5243 patients with follow-up (Conservative: 3676 patients; Aggressive: 1567 patients). We observed a statistically significant difference in overall survival favoring the aggressive approach (hazard ratios[HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]0.76-0.98, p = .022), but no statistically significant difference in the risk of reoperation (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.66-1.2, p = .439) in the overall follow-up. Landmark analyses revealed that, in the first 3 months after the procedure, mortality rates were comparable between conservative and aggressive approaches (HR 1.04, 95%CI 0.88-1.24, p = .627), but the results beyond 3 months showed improved survival in patients undergoing the aggressive surgical procedure (HR 0.71, 95%CI 0.59-0.85,p < .001). The landmark analyses also revealed that, in the first 7 years after the procedure, reoperation rates were comparable between the approaches (HR 1.03, 95%CI 0.76-1.40, p = .848), but the results beyond 7 years showed a lower risk of reoperation in patients undergoing the aggressive surgical procedure (HR 0.10, 95%CI 0.01-0.75,p = .025). The aggressive approach seems to confer better long-term survival and lower risk of the need for reoperation in the follow-up of patients treated for ATAAD.

Late outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk technique for acute and chronic aortic dissection: the angle change of the FROZENIX by "spring-back" force.

To evaluate the outcomes of total arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk technique with a FROZENIX® J Graft for patients with either acute or chronic aortic dissection, and to evaluate the late-phase outcomes. Between January 2015 and December 2020, we used the frozen elephant trunk technique in 47 patients with acute aortic dissection and 12 patients with chronic aortic dissection. The primary endpoints were 30-day mortality, late aorta-related death and late aortic events. The secondary endpoints included early surgical complications and any aortic events (e.g. stent graft-induced new entry, frozen elephant trunk angle change). In the acute group, there were no aorta-related deaths, although 13 patients (27.7%) experienced an aortic event; stent graft-induced new entry occurred in 6 patients (12.8%). In the chronic group, 1 patient (9.1%) experienced aorta-related death, and 9 (81.8%) experienced an aortic event; stent graft-induced new entry occurred in 4 patients (36.4%). During the late phase after surgery, there was a significant increase in the frozen elephant trunk angle in both groups. In the AAD group, both the FET angle and spring-back angle were significantly enlarged in the late phase. There were no significant differences between groups in the degree of angle change, the overall survival, or aortic event-free survival. Total arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk technique affords good early-stage results for both acute and chronic aortic dissection. During follow-up, careful monitoring for aortic events and appropriate therapeutic interventions are required. If surgeons are to use this device, they must have a thorough understanding of its spring back force and other features.

Comparison of two surgical approaches for acute type A aortic dissection: hybrid debranching versus total arch replacement

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk surgery and hybrid debranching surgery for acute type A aortic dissection patients.MethodsFrom January 2017 to December 2019, the clinical data of acute type A aortic dissection patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. There were 142 patients underwent total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk surgery and 35 patients underwent hybrid debranching surgery.ResultThe age, the body mass index and the renal insufficiency of patients in the hybrid group were higher than those in the total arch replacement (TAR) group (all P < 0.01). The operation time, the cardiopulmonary bypass time and the aortic occlusion time of patients in the TAR group were significantly longer than those in the hybrid group (all P < 0.01). Patients in the debranching group had shorter ventilator-assisted breathing time, shorter postoperative hospital stay time and shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay time. The incidence of pulmonary infection and transient neurological dysfunction were lower, and the transfusions of red blood cells and plasma during the perioperative period were smaller. The survival rates at 2 years were 91.9% and 85.9% in the TAR and hybrid groups, respectively.ConclusionHybrid debranching operation is a safe and effective method for acute type A aortic dissection. Compared with TAR surgery, hybrid debranching surgery has the characteristics of less trauma, rapid recovery and lower incidence of complication.

Zone proximalization in frozen elephant trunk: what is the optimal zone for open intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The treatment of complex aortic lesions involving the ascending, arch, and proximal descending aorta, remains challenging for surgeons despite the evolution of surgical techniques and aortic prostheses over decades. The frozen elephant trunk (FET) approach offers a one-stage repair of this entity of aortic pathologies. The main scope of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of FET. In a systematic review, multiple electronic databases including EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE were searched from inception to June 2021 to identify relevant studies reporting on outcomes of total arch replacement (TAR) with FET. Eighty-five studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 10960 patients. Meta-analysis was conducted using the R-studio (RStudio, Boston, MA, USA) and STATA software (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA). The pooled in-hospital mortality rate was 7% (95% CI 0.05-0.09; I2=76%) and 12% for renal failure (95% CI 0.09-0.15; I2=88%), while the rates for paraplegia and cerebrovascular accidents were 3% (95% CI 0.02-0.04; I2=0%) and 6% (95% CI 0.05-0.08; I2=73%), respectively. Lower heterogeneity was attained after the stratification by the aortic pathologies, except for the renal failure. The distal anastomosis of the stent in zone 2 was significantly correlated with a lower renal failure development compared to zone 3 (odds ratio 0.52; 95% CI 0.33-0.82; P=0.069; I2=0%). Our results indicate that the morbidities and mortality following TAR with FET were acceptable. We also associated the distal anastomosis in zone 2 with fewer renal failure development compared to that in zone 3.

Effect of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on mortality of total arch replacement in subacute/chronic type A aortic dissection.

BackgroundPreoperative reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a prognostic factor for postoperative mortality following cardiovascular surgery. We investigated the relationship between the LVEF and the outcome of total arch replacement (TAR) in patients with subacute/chronic type A aortic dissection (TAAD).MethodsA total of 136 patients with subacute/chronic TAAD who received a TAR at Beijing Anzhen hospital from January 2015 to January 2018 were included in the analysis. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between the LVEF and the surgical outcome in this subset of patients.ResultsThe in-hospital mortality rate 4.4%, and 6.6% of patients experienced neurologic complications. During the median follow-up period of 3.97 years [interquartile range (IQR) 3.20–4.67 years], the all-cause mortality was 10.3% (14/136). The multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that reduced LVEF was an independent predictor of mid-term mortality (hazards ratio =0.93, 95% CI: 0.86–0.99, P=0.03). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with a LVEF <55% had a significantly worse prognosis than those with a LVEF ≥55%.ConclusionsDuring the mid-term follow-up period, subacute/chronic TAAD patients had a satisfactory surgical survival rate following TAR. Patients with a reduced LVEF had higher postoperative mortality following TAR. Thus, subacute/chronic TAAD patients with LVEF <55% should be carefully evaluated to determine their suitability for elective repair with TAR.

Surgical outcomes of total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique in type A aortic dissection: insights from single-center experience.

Total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique plays an important role in treating acute type A aortic dissection in China. We aim to summarize the therapeutic effects of this procedure in our center over a 17-year period. Consecutive patients treated at our hospital due to type A aortic dissection from January 2004 to January 2021 were studied. Relevant data of these patients undergoing total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique were collected and analyzed. A total of 589 patients were included with a mean age of 53.1 ± 12.2 years. The mean of cardiopulmonary bypass, cross-clamping, and selected cerebral perfusion time were 199.6 ± 41.9, 119.0 ± 27.2, and 25.1 ± 5.0 min, respectively. In-hospital death occurred in 46 patients. Multivariate analysis identified four significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality: preexisting renal hypoperfusion (OR 5.43; 95% CI 1.31 - 22.44; P = 0.020), cerebral malperfusion (OR 11.87; 95% CI 4.13 - 34.12; P < 0.001), visceral malperfusion (OR 4.27; 95% CI 1.01 - 18.14; P = 0.049), and cross-clamp time ≥ 130 min (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.72 - 6.19; P < 0.001). The 5, 10, and 15 years survival rates were 86.4%, 82.6%, and 70.2%, respectively. Total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique is an effective treatment for acute type A aortic dissection with satisfactory perioperative results. Patients with preexisting renal hypoperfusion, cerebral malperfusion, visceral malperfusion, and long cross-clamp time are at a higher risk of in-hospital death.

Comparison of Outcome of Total Arch Replacement for Type A Aortic Dissection using Trifurcated Branch Graft vs Island Technique- A Single Centre Experience

Comparison of Outcome of Total Arch Replacement for Type A Aortic Dissection using Trifurcated Branch Graft vs Island Technique- A Single Centre Experience

Comparative study of Japanese frozen elephant trunk device for open aortic arch repairs

ObjectiveWe performed a multicenter prospective comparative study to determine the impact of a Japanese frozen elephant trunk device on total arch replacement compared with conventional repair without it. MethodsBetween 2016 and 2019, a total of 684 patients (frozen elephant trunk procedure; n = 369; conventional repair, n = 315) from 41 institutions were enrolled. The 2 procedures were selected according to each center's strategy. ResultsThe frozen elephant trunk procedure was applied more for aortic dissection, whereas the conventional repairs were predominantly performed for aneurysms. In the former, only hypothermic circulatory arrest time was reduced among the intraoperative parameters. Although there were no differences in the 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates (0.8% and 1.6%, respectively, for the frozen elephant trunk procedure vs 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively, for conventional repair), the neurologic complication rates were significantly higher in stroke (5.7% vs 2.2%; P = .022) and paraplegia (1.6% vs 0%; P = .023). In the propensity score matching analyses using 11 variables, statistical significance disappeared in the differences for mortality and neurologic morbidity (stroke and paraplegia/paraparesis) rates of 194 patients of each group, although they were still higher for the frozen elephant trunk procedure. ConclusionsThe early outcomes of total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk procedure were acceptable despite its higher prevalence of emergency or redo surgery, which was comparable to that of the conventional repair. This procedure had higher rates of spinal cord injury than the conventional repair, which is a disadvantage of this approach.

Total Arch Replacement with Concomitant Retrograde Stent Graft Deployment via Ministernotomy in Acute Aortic Dissection.

Acute aortic dissection is one of the most fatal conditions, with high surgical risks and severe postoperative complications. Treatment modalities vary from center to center, and a total arch replacement sometimes is not sufficient to provide a good result. Frozen elephant trunk (FET) offers a good option for a more complete repair. Because of its complexity and expense, however, this excellent technique is not always available. In this article, we present our hybrid technique including total arch replacement and retrograde thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute aortic dissection via a ministernotomy. Our study aimed to estimate the safety, early results, and some midterm outcomes of total arch replacement in combination with retrograde TEVAR for acute aortic dissection from August 2013 to May 2017. We analyzed the intraoperative variables (duration of cross-clamp, circulatory arrest, ventilation, and intensive care unit stay), 30-day mortality, and early complications as well as the midterm results of these patients. From August 2013 to May 2017, 22 patients (17 male) diagnosed with acute aortic dissection were treated with total arch replacement and concomitant retrograde endovascular repair via an upper ministernotomy. Mean age (± SD) was 60.8 ± 10.7 years. Thirty-day mortality was 4.5%: 1 patient died of acute renal failure. One patient had a postoperative stroke. The average number of stents used intraoperatively was 1.83. Midterm mortality was 1 patient (4.5%). Complete thrombosis of the false lumen in the thoracic aorta was achieved in 18 patients (90%). Retrograde TEVAR in combination with total arch replacement via an upper ministernotomy might be safe and effective in treating acute type A aortic dissection, with fairly low mortality and perioperative complications, and a very good rate of total false lumen thrombosis in midterm follow up.

Patterns of aortic remodelling after total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk for acute aortic dissection.

We investigated the outcomes of total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk (FET) for Stanford type A acute aortic dissection and the patterns of postoperative aortic remodelling from computed tomographic (CT) findings. From April 2015 to November 2018, we performed total arch replacement with FET for Stanford type A aortic dissection in 30 patients. Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT showed the position of the FET distal end, the number and the site of communications between the lumina and the presence or absence of aortic remodelling. Primary entry tear was found in the ascending aorta (n = 6), proximal arch (n = 6), aortic arch (n = 11) and distal arch (n = 7). The mean diameter and length of FET were 26 ± 2 and 84 ± 18 mm, respectively. Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 26 patients. When the number of communications between the lumina was 0, complete aortic remodelling was achieved in all cases (n = 12). In the case of the most proximal tear in the descending aorta (n = 9), aortic remodelling was not recognized in 3 cases, and additional TEVAR was performed because of diameter enlargement. In the remaining 6 patients, neither aortic remodelling nor aortic diameter enlargement was recognized. When the most proximal tear was below the diaphragm (n = 5), aortic remodelling occurred up to the most proximal tear, but not in the periphery. We investigated the patterns of aortic remodelling after total arch replacement with FET for Stanford type A aortic dissection from postoperative CT findings. Regardless of the position of the most proximal tear in the descending aorta, aortic remodelling did not occur as long as the most proximal tear was located in the descending aorta. When the most proximal tear occurred in the descending aorta, TEVAR as a pre-emptive treatment can be effective in preventing postoperative aortic adverse events.

Early and mid-term outcomes of total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique for type A acute aortic dissection.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique, using the J Graft FROZENIX for Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, in comparison with the unfrozen elephant trunk technique. Between January 2010 and August 2018, we performed total arch replacement for Stanford type A acute aortic dissection in our hospital. Thirty patients were treated by the elephant trunk procedure (ET group), and 20 patients were treated by the FET procedure (FET group). To evaluate aortic remodelling, we measured the area of the aorta, the true lumen and the false lumen at 12 months of follow-up. Preoperative characteristics and operation time were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The quantity of blood transfused was much greater in the ET group than in the FET group. Resection or closure of the most proximal entry tear was obtained in 73.3% (22 out of 30 patients) in the ET group and 100% (20 out of 20 patients) in the FET group (P = 0.015). There was no case that had recurrent nerve palsy or paraplegia in the FET group. Stent graft-induced new entry occurred in 3 cases (15.8%) in the FET group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in aortic area, true lumen area or false lumen area. Total arch replacement with the FET technique in Stanford type A acute aortic dissection carries a risk of distinct complications; however, with thorough advance planning, it should be possible to safely institute this treatment. Further randomization, with a comparison of each technique, is required to provide clear conclusions whether the FET is useful for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection.

Impact of white matter changes on neurologic outcomes of total arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of white matter changes on neurologic outcomes after total arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion. MethodsWhite matter changes were assessed using a visual Fazekas scale on preoperative magnetic resonance images. From October 1999 to December 2016, 359 patients who had demonstrated changes on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging underwent elective total arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion. Patients were classified into 3 severity groups: mild (100 patients), moderate (158 patients), and severe (101 patients). Mean follow-up time was 4.8 ± 3.6 years. Multivariate logistic regression methods were used to evaluate for an independent association between white matter changes and postoperative neurological outcomes. ResultsHospital mortality was 2.8% (10/359), and no significant differences were found across the 3 groups (P = .604). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the severity of white matter change was significantly associated with both postoperative permanent neurologic deficit (odds ratio, 5.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.58-38.4, P = .005) and transient neurologic deficit (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-4.37, P < .001). ConclusionsWhite matter changes, defined using the visual Fazekas scale on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, were significantly associated with significant postoperative adverse neurologic outcomes after total arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion.

Long-term outcomes of total arch replacement using a 4-branched graft

ObjectiveOur study evaluated the long-term outcomes of total arch replacement using a 4-branched graft. MethodsFrom October 1999 to December 2016, 655 patients underwent total arch replacement using a 4-branched graft (pathology in the 655 patients was distributed as 399 no dissection, 149 acute dissection, and 107 chronic dissection). Two hundred nine patients (31.9%) underwent nonelective surgery. Mean follow-up term was 5.0 ± 4.1 years and follow-up rate was 97.1%. ResultsOf 655 patients who underwent total arch replacement using a 4-branched graft, operative mortality occurred in 34 patients (5.2%) and permanent neurologic deficit occurred in 24 patients (3.7%). One hundred ninety late deaths occurred, with 20 aortic event-related deaths. Overall survival was 73.1% ± 1.9% at 5 years and 54.8% ± 2.7% at 10 years. Multivariate Cox-hazard regression analysis demonstrated that older age, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, concurrent procedures, permanent neurologic deficit, tracheostomy, and renal failure were significant risk factors for late death. Freedom from repeat operation on the aorta was 98.0% ± 0.7% at 5 years and 93.9% ± 1.8% at 10 years and freedom from additional aortic operation was 87.2% ± 1.5% at 5 years and 77.3% ± 2.7% at 10 years. The incidence of pseudoaneursym was 2.2%. ConclusionsThe long-term outcomes for patients undergoing total arch replacement using 4-branched graft are favorable. However, even in the late phase, periodic follow-up is necessary to address subsequent aorta-related events.

Combining Cerebral Perfusion With Retrograde Inferior Vena Caval Perfusion for Aortic Arch Surgery

Hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion are standard procedures during total arch replacement to treat acute type A aortic dissection. However, organ ischemia during anastomosis between the graft and descending aorta contribute to high risk of mortality and morbidity. Here we describe the combination of antegrade cerebral perfusion and retrograde inferior vena caval perfusion as a way to ensure continual perfusion of the brain, abdominal viscera, and spinal cord during anastomosis and thereby improve outcomes of total arch replacement.