Repair Of Acute Aortic Dissection Research Articles

Outcomes of Mechanical Versus Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement With Repair of Acute Aortic Dissection

Outcomes of Mechanical Versus Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement With Repair of Acute Aortic Dissection

One-year results of the flowdynamics dense mesh stent for residual dissection after proximal repair of stanford type a or type b aortic dissection: a multicenter, prospective and randomized study.

Negative remodeling of the distal aorta following proximal repair for acute aortic dissection has garnered growing attention. This clinical scenario has spurred the development of techniques and devices. A multicenter, prospective, and randomized controlled study was conducted with the aim of confirming the safety and effectiveness of a newly-designed flowdynamics dense mesh stent for the treatment of residual dissection after proximal repair. Patients with nonchronic residual dissection affecting visceral branches were prospectively enrolled at three centers and randomly allocated to either the FDMS group or the control group. Primary endpoints encompassed all-cause and aortic-related mortality, while the patency of branch arteries is indeed a key focal metric. Morphological changes (diameter, area, and volume) were analyzed to demonstrate the therapeutic effect. 112 patients were recruited in the clinical trial, and 103 patients completed the 12-month follow-up. The rate of freedom from all-cause and aortic-related death in the FDMS group was 94.64% and 100%, respectively. All visceral branches remained patent. The FDMS group exhibited a substantial expansion in TL and a notable shrinkage in FL at the planes below renal arteries (ΔArea TL: FDMS vs. Control, 0.74±0.46 vs. 0.34±0.66cm2, P<0.001; ΔArea FL: FDMS vs. Control, -0.72±1.26 vs. -0.12±0.86cm, P = 0.01) and 5cm below renal arteries (ΔArea TL: FDMS vs. Control, 1.06±0.75 vs. 0.16±0.63cm2, P<0.001; ΔArea FL: FDMS vs. Control, -0.53±1.43 vs. -0.25±1.00cm, P = 0.27). Meanwhile, the FDMS group demonstrated an increase of 22.55±11.14cm3 in TL (P<0.001) and a corresponding reduction of 21.94±11.77cm3 in FL (P=0.08). This newly-designed FDMS for endovascular repair of residual dissection following the proximal repair is demonstrated to be safe and effective at 12 months.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute aortic dissection complicated by mesenteric malperfusion: an evaluation by computational fluid dynamics.

Computational fluid dynamics was performed to simulate haemodynamics of type B aortic dissection complicated by mesenteric malperfusion caused by dynamic obstruction in a 70-year-old man. Streamline analysis showed disappearance of antegrade flow in the false lumen of the descending aorta and attenuation of intermittent flap-induced disruption of visceral vessel perfusion after entry coverage. Quantitative analysis showed endovascular repair increased perfusion volume of the coeliac artery and superior mesenteric artery by 55.6% and 77.4%, respectively. Entry closure with thoracic endovascular prosthesis improved mesenteric malperfusion by attenuating the intermittent flap-induced perfusion disruption.

Clinical Outcome of the Type A Acute Aortic Dissection Repair Using the "Tailored Stand-Up Collar" Technique.

Achieving a secure anastomosis and complete hemostasis is essential for surgically treating type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD). This study assessed the clinical feasibility of "tailored stand-up collar (TSC)" technique for constructing the distal stump. We enrolled 68 patients who underwent ascending aortic repair for TAAAD. Patients were categorized according to the technique for distal stump construction: conventional (C) group using only a felt strip (32 cases); post-aortotomy (P) group, with a Hydrofit-felt strip attached after aortotomy (18 cases), and TSC group, where a Hydrofit-felt strip attached during cooling (18 cases). Pre-operative characteristics, procedural profiles, and post-operative outcomes were evaluated. The pre-operative characteristics were identical among the groups. The durations of cardiopulmonary bypass, hemostasis, and surgery were significantly shorter in the P and TSC groups. The duration of open distal in the TSC group (21 min) was significantly shorter than the other two groups. Post-operative additional procedures were not required for the TSC group and their post-operative hospital stay was significantly shorter (47.1% of patients were discharged within 2 weeks). The TSC technique would be practical because of its high reproducibility in terms of ease of use, shorter anastomotic time, and secure hemostasis.

Hemodynamic predictors of negative false lumen remodeling after frozen elephant trunk for acute aortic dissection.

We evaluated the blood flow within the downstream aortic false lumen after frozen elephant trunk repair for acute aortic dissection and identified hemodynamic predictors of false lumen expansion and negative false lumen remodeling using four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging. Thirty-one patients (Stanford type A, n = 28; Stanford type B, n = 3) with patent false lumen who underwent frozen elephant trunk procedures for acute aortic dissection were included in this observational study. Each patient underwent computed tomography during the follow-up period and four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging within 3 postoperative months. The false lumen volumetric expansion rate was calculated using computed tomography data. The direction and the rate of flow in the lower descending aortic false lumen were analyzed. Negative false lumen remodeling was defined as a volumetric increase of > 10% from the baseline volume. Negative false lumen remodeling had developed in 6 of the 31 patients during the observation period. Most of the false lumen flows were biphasic during systole. The range between peak and nadir flow rates was associated with the false lumen volumetric expansion rate (β coefficient = 6.77; p < 0.01, R2 = 0.43). The range between peak and nadir flow rates may serve as a hemodynamic predictor of negative false lumen remodeling, enabling further treatment for patients at risk of expansion in the downstream aorta.

Reintervention Following Acute Aortic Dissection Repair

Reintervention Following Acute Aortic Dissection Repair

Incorporating intraoperative blood pressure time-series variables to assist in prediction of acute kidney injury after type a acute aortic dissection repair: an interpretable machine learning model

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication after the repair of Type A acute aortic dissection (TA-AAD). However, previous models have failed to account for the impact of blood pressure fluctuations on predictive performance. This study aims to develop machine learning (ML) models combined with intraoperative medicine and blood pressure time-series data to improve the accuracy of early prediction for postoperative AKI risk. Methods Indicators reflecting the duration and depth of hypotension were obtained by analyzing continuous mean arterial pressure (MAP) monitored intraoperatively with multiple thresholds (<65, 60, 55, 50) set in the study. The predictive features were selected by logistic regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and 4 ML models were built based on the above features. The performance of the models was evaluated by area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). Shapley additive interpretation (SHAP) was used to explain the prediction models. Results Among the indicators reflecting intraoperative hypotension, 65 mmHg showed a statistically superior difference to other thresholds in patients with or without AKI (p < .001). Among 4 models, the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model demonstrated the highest AUROC: 0.800 (95% 0.683–0.917) and sensitivity: 0.717 in the testing set and was verified the best-performing model. The SHAP summary plot indicated that intraoperative urine output, cumulative time of mean arterial pressure lower than 65 mmHg outside cardiopulmonary bypass (OUT_CPB_MAP_65 time), autologous blood transfusion, and smoking were the top 4 features that contributed to the prediction model. Conclusion With the introduction of intraoperative blood pressure time-series variables, we have developed an interpretable XGBoost model that successfully achieve high accuracy in predicting the risk of AKI after TA-AAD repair, which might aid in the perioperative management of high-risk patients, particularly for intraoperative hemodynamic regulation.

Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic arch replacement: A retrospective cohort study.

Coagulopathy and massive bleeding are common complications of patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection repair, and patients with these complications require many transfusions. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used to reduce the need for blood products. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PRP on blood conservation and the postoperative conditions of patients who underwent aortic arch replacement. Patients with aortic dissection undergoing aortic arch replacement were included initially application In all, 837 patients were divided into the PRP and non-PRP groups according to PRP use, whereupon a propensity score match was performed. The data analyzed included patient basic information, intraoperative information, postoperative biochemical examinations, and CTA reports. In total, 610 patients were finally included (305 patients per group). Groups were well balanced after matching. Compared to the non-PRP group, less cryoprecipitate was transfused in the PRP group (10.0 [7.5, 11.0] vs. 10.0 [10.0, 11.5], P = 0.021), while no differences were found in packed RBC, FFP, and platelets between the two groups. Also, the surgery variables showed no differences. After surgery, patients in the PRP group showed higher postoperative serum albumin (36.43±4.20 vs. 35.39±4.40 g/L, P = 0.004) and total protein levels (59.38±6.25 vs. 58.06±7.19 g/L, P = 0.019) than the non-PRP group, but no significant differences in the levels of ALT, AST, Scr, and BUN. CTA reports showed that the proportion of patients with pleural effusion was lower in the PRP group (76.66% vs. 83.99%, OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04-2.45, P = 0.028), while the proportions of pericardial effusion were not significantly different. PRP application in aortic arch replacement surgery reduced the transfusion of cryoprecipitate, increased the postoperative serum albumin and total protein levels, and reduced the incidence of pleural effusion. No effect of PRP application was found on other postoperative blood indicators and CTA reports.

Outcomes of ascending aorta and partial arch replacement with entry resection for DeBakey type I acute aortic dissection.

This study investigated early and late outcomes between ascending aorta/partial arch replacement and total arch replacement with entry resection in DeBakey type I acute aortic dissection (DIAAD) repair. This study included 98 patients who underwent DIAAD repair from January 2005 to December 2020. Seventy-four patients underwent ascending aorta and partial arch replacement with entry resection (Non-TAR group), and 24 underwent total arch replacement with entry resection (TAR group). The mean follow-up period was 4.8 ± 3.2years. The follow-up rate was 92.3%. The mean age in the Non-TAR and TAR groups was 68.8 ± 10.4years and 61.6 ± 13.7years, respectively (P = 0.046). No difference in preoperative shock and malperfusion syndrome was observed between the groups. Hospital death was observed in 5.4% and 12.5% of the Non-TAR and TAR groups, respectively (P = 0.241). Postoperative permanent neurologic deficits and temporary hemodialysis were more frequently seen in the TAR compared to the Non-TAR group (P = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively). The 5-year survival rates were 95.1% ± 3.4% and 89.2% ± 7.2% in the Non-TAR and TAR groups, respectively (Log-rank P = 0.603). Freedom from downstream aorta-related reinterventions at 5years was 87.8% ± 4.5% and 64.1% ± 11.0% in the Non-TAR and TAR groups, respectively (Log-rank P = 0.007). Three patients in each group underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for residual aortic dissection. Early and late outcomes in the Non-TAR group were satisfactory compared to those in the TAR group. Entry resection with graft replacement remains a standard approach in DIAAD repair.

Concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Acute Type-A Aortic Dissection Repair: Early and Long-Term Outcomes

This study analysed incidence, indications, and impact of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (cCABG) on early and long-term outcomes of acute type-A aortic dissection (ATAAD) surgery using 17-year multicentre data.

The effect of postoperative anticoagulation on acute aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The evolution of the false lumen after the repair of acute aortic dissection has been linked to numerous adverse clinical outcomes, including increased late mortality and a higher risk of reoperation. Despite the widespread use of chronic anticoagulation in patients who have undergone repair for acute aortic dissection, the effects of this therapy on false lumen evolution and its subsequent consequences are yet to be fully understood. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of postoperative anticoagulation on patients with acute aortic dissection. In PubMed, Cochrane Libraries, Embase, and Web of Science, we performed a systematic review of nonrandomized studies, comparing outcomes with postoperative anticoagulation vs. non-anticoagulation on aortic dissection. We investigated the status of false lumen (FL), aorta-related death, aortic reintervention, and perioperative stroke in aortic dissection patients with anticoagulation and non-anticoagulation. After screening 527 articles, seven non-randomized studies were selected, including a total of 2,122 patients with aortic dissection. Out of these patients, 496 received postoperative anticoagulation while 1,626 served as controls. Meta-analyses of 7 studies revealed significantly higher FL patency in Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) postoperative anticoagulation with an OR of 1.82 (95% CI: 1.22 to 2.71; Z = 2.95; I²=0%; P = 0.93). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in aorta-related death, aortic reintervention, and perioperative stroke with an OR of 1.31 (95% CI: 0.56 to 3.04; Z = 0.62; I² = 0%; P = 0.40), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.66 to 1.47; Z = 0.09; I² = 23%; P = 0.26), 1.73 (95% CI: 0.48 to 6.31; Z = 0.83; I² = 8%; P = 0.35), respectively. Postoperative anticoagulation was associated with higher FL patency in Stanford type A aortic dissection patients. However, there was no significant difference between the anticoagulation and non-anticoagulation groups in terms of aorta-related death, aortic reintervention, and perioperative stroke.

The relationship between false-lumen area ratio and renal replacement therapy after acute aortic dissection repair on bilateral artery cannulation: a cross-sectional study.

Malperfusion poses a serious challenge to organ function in the repair of acute aortic dissection (AAD). The purpose of this study was to explore the segment change of false-lumen area ratio (FLAR; the ratio of the maximal false-lumen area to the total lumen area) in the descending aorta and its relationship with renal replacement therapy (RRT) after total aortic arch (TAA) surgery. A total of 228 patients with AAD who received TAA using perfusion mode right axillary and femur artery cannulation between March 2013 and March 2022 were included in a cross-sectional study. The descending aorta was divided into 3 segments: the descending thoracic aorta (S1), the abdominal aorta above the ostium of the renal artery (S2), and the abdominal aorta between the ostium of the renal artery and the iliac bifurcation (S3). The primary outcomes were postoperative segmental FLAR changes in the descending aorta, which were observed using computed tomography angiography before the patients were discharged from the hospital. The secondary outcomes were RRT and 30-day mortality. The total potencies in the false lumen were 71.1%, 95.2%, and 88.2% in S1, S2, and S3. The postoperative/preoperative ratio of the FLAR was higher in S2 than that in S1 and S3 (S1: 67%±14%; S2: 80%±8%; S3: 57%±12%; all P values <0.001). For the patients undergoing RRT, there was a higher postoperative/preoperative ratio of the FLAR for the S2 segment (85%±7% vs. 79%±8%; P<0.001) and higher mortality (28.9% vs. 7.7%; P<0.001) after AAD repair compared with patients in the no-RRT group. This study demonstrated there was less attenuation of the FLAR on the abdominal aorta above the ostium of the renal artery in the whole descending aorta after AAD repair with intraoperative right axillary and femur artery perfusion mode. The patients needing RRT were associated with less postoperative/preoperative change of the FLAR and worse clinical outcomes.

Sex-Based Difference in Aortic Dissection Outcomes: A Multicenter Study.

Type A Acute Aortic Dissection (TAAAD) repair is a surgical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. Registry data have noted several sex-specific differences in presentation with TAAAD which may account for the differences in men and women undergoing surgery for this condition. A retrospective review of data from three departments of cardiac surgery (Centre Cardiologique du Nord, Henri-Mondor University Hospital, San Martino University Hospital, Genoa) between January 2005 and 31 December 2021 was conducted. Confounders were adjusted using doubly robust regression models, a combination of regression models with inverse probability treatment weighting by propensity score. 633 patients were included in the study, of which 192 (30.3%) were women. Women were significantly older with reduced haemoglobin levels and pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to men. Male patients were more likely to undergo aortic root replacement and partial or total arch repair. Operative mortality (OR 0.745, 95% CI: 0.491-1.130) and early postoperative neurological complication results were comparable between the groups. The adjusted survival curves using IPTW by propensity score confirmed the absence of a significant impact of gender on long-term survival (HR 0.883, 95% CI 0.561-1.198). In a subgroup analysis of women, preoperative levels of arterial lactate (OR 1.468, 95% CI: 1.133-1.901) and mesenteric ischemia after surgery (OR 32.742, 95% CI: 3.361-319.017) were significantly associated with increased operative mortality. The advancing age of female patients alongside raised preoperative level of arterial lactate may account for the increasing preponderance among surgeons to perform more conservative surgery compared to their younger male counterparts although postoperative survival was similar between the groups.

Early Results of the Newly-Designed Flowdynamics Dense Mesh Stent for Residual Dissection After Proximal Repair of Stanford Type A or Type B Aortic Dissection: A Preliminary Single-Center Report From a Multicenter, Prospective, and Randomized Study.

Negative remodeling of the distal aorta due to residual dissection significantly impacts the long-term outcomes of dissection patients after proximal repair of acute aortic dissection. Branched/fenestrated aortic stents are technically demanding, and studies of the first generation of multilayer flow modulators for tackling this clinical scenario are few and limited. The single-center results from a multicenter, prospective, and randomized controlled study aimed to verify the safety and effectiveness of a newly-designed flowdynamics dense mesh stent for treating residual dissection after proximal repair. Patients with nonchronic residual dissection involving visceral branches were prospectively enrolled in 3 centers (ChiCTR1900023638). Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the flowdynamics dense mesh stent (FDMS) group and control group. Follow-up visits were arranged at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after recruitment. The primary endpoints were all-cause and aortic-related mortality. The secondary endpoints included visceral branch occlusion, reintervention, and severe adverse events. Morphological changes were analyzed to exhibit the therapeutic effect. Our center participated in the multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial, and the preliminary single-center experience was reported. Thirty-six patients were enrolled in our center, and the baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were comparable. Thirty-four patients completed the 12 month follow-up. Freedom from all-cause and aortic-related death were 94.4% and 100%. All visceral branches remained patent in the FDMS group. Increased area of the true lumen (1.03±0.38 vs 0.48±0.63 cm2 at the plane below renal arteries, p=0.006; 1.27±0.80 vs 0.32±0.50 cm2 at the plane 5 cm below renal arteries, p<0.001) and decreased area of the false lumen at the plane below renal arteries (-1.03±0.84 vs -0.15±1.21 cm2, p=0.023) were observed in the FDMS group compared with those parameters in the control group. The FDMS group showed a significant increase in true lumen volume (p<0.001) and a significant decrease in false lumen volume (p=0.018). This newly-designed FDMS for endovascular repair of residual dissection after the proximal repair is safe and effective at 12 months. One-year results of the randomized controlled clinical trial indicated the short-term safety and promising effect of FDMS on treating non-chronic residual dissection after proximal repair. At the 12th-month follow-up, the true lumen expanded, the false lumen shrunk and all visceral arteries kept patent. As far as I'm concerned, this is the first randomized controlled study concerning utilizing multilayer flow mesh stent treating aortic dissection. Despite a preliminary single-center report, our results are supposed to provide high-quality evidence to guide clinical practice and fill the gap in the application of FDMS.

Hemolytic anemia caused by kinked graft 6 months after aortic dissection repair

BackgroundClinically insignificant hemolytic anemia is occasionally a complication of prosthetic valve replacement. However, hemolysis related to kinked grafts is a very rare complication after central repair for acute aortic dissection.Case presentationA 42-year-old man had undergone replacement of the ascending aorta and a root repair for type A aortic dissection 6 months previously. Laboratory data showed mild hemolysis 5 months later, and he began to complain of fatigue on exertion. The serum hemoglobin level reduced to 8.6 g/dL, and lactate dehydrogenase levels increased to 3071 IU/L with gross change in urine color, indicating hemoglobinuria. We diagnosed mechanical hemolytic anemia caused by a kinked graft and planned a repeat operation. The kinked graft was resected and graft-graft anastomosis was performed. Postoperatively, the clinical course was uneventful, and the hemolytic anemia completely resolved.ConclusionWe herein report a case of hemolytic anemia caused by kinking of the graft 6 months after acute aortic dissection repair. The diagnosis was swiftly made, and the patient was successfully managed with redo surgery.

A surgical sealant, AQUABRID decreased the volume of intraoperative blood transfusions and operative time for acute aortic dissection repair.

The effect of the surgical sealantAQUABRID on outcomes after acute aortic dissection repair has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to examine whether the use of AQUABRID affects the volume of intraoperative blood transfusion or operative time in patients undergoing emergency surgery to repair acute aortic dissection. A multicenter retrospective cohort study from January 2007 to December 2021. A total of 399 patients underwent emergency acute aortic dissection repair. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for the type of surgeryand other patientcharacteristics. A total of 387 of the eligible 399 patients were included in this study and propensity score matching yielded 94 patients for whom characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The type of surgery was exactly matched (ascending aorta replacement: 19 [40%]; partial arch replacement: 13 [28%]; total arch replacement: 15 [32%] in each group). Within the matched cohort, there was a statistically significant difference in the volume of intraoperative blood transfusion. (AQUABRID vs. control: 34 [26-38] vs. 50 [38-60] Uin Japan, p = .03). Operating time was significantly shorter in the AQUABRID group (total operation: mean ± SD, 343 ± 92 vs. 402 ± 161 min, p = .03; reconstruction for arch vessels: 29 ± 17 vs. 56 ± 22, p < .01). The rate of postoperative complications was comparable in the two groups. Failure to use AQUABRID was a significant predictor of the need for massive transfusion (>40 U) (odds ratio: 7.20; 95% confidence interval: 2.56-20.23; p < .01). The use of AQUABRID during emergency acute aortic dissection repair significantly decreased the volume of intraoperative blood transfusion and the duration of surgery.

Association of HIV infection with clinical features and outcomes of patients with aortic aneurysms.

Data on the characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients with aortic aneurysms (AA) and HIV remain scarce. This is a cohort study of hospitalized adult patients with a diagnosis of AA from 2013 to 2019 using the US National Inpatient Readmission Database. Patients with a diagnosis of HIV were identified. Our outcomes included trends in hospitalizations and comparison of clinical characteristics, complications, and mortality in patients with AA and HIV compared to those without HIV. Among 1,905,837 hospitalized patients with AA, 4416 (0.23%) were living with HIV. There was an overall age-adjusted increase in the rate of HIV among patients hospitalized with AA over the years (14-29 per 10,000 person-years; age-adjusted p-trend < 0.001). Patients with AA and HIV were younger than those without HIV (median age: 60 vs 76 years, p < 0.001) and were less likely to have a history of smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Thoracic aortic aneurysms were more prevalent in those with HIV (37.5% vs 26.7%, p < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression, HIV was not associated with increased risk of aortic rupture (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.61-1.01, p = 0.06), acute aortic dissection (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.51-1.06, p = 0.3), readmissions (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.95-1.13, p = 0.4), or aortic repair (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79-1.00, p = 0.05). Hospitalized patients with AA and HIV had a lower crude mortality rate compared to those without HIV (OR: 0.75 (0.63-0.91), p = 0.003). Hospitalized patients with AA and HIV likely constitute a distinct group of patients with AA; they are younger, have fewer traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and a higher rate of thoracic aorta involvement. Differences in clinical features may account for the lower mortality rate observed in patients with AA and HIV compared to those without HIV.

Post-operative uric acid: a predictor for 30-days mortality of acute type A aortic dissection repair

BackgroundHyperuricemia is associated with aortic dissection and cardiovascular diseases. The implication of high serum uric acid (UA) level after acute aortic dissection repair remains unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the role of peri-operative serum UA level in predicting 30-days mortality with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients, who underwent surgery.MethodsThis study retrospectively enrolled 209 consecutive patients with AAAD, who underwent surgery in Xiangya Hospital from 2017 to 2020. Post-operative laboratory examinations were measured within 24 h after surgery. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used for predictor finding.Results209 consecutive AAAD patients were included, 14.3% (n = 30) were dead within 30 days after surgery. By univariate analysis, we found AAAD repair patients with 30-days mortality had a higher prevalence of cerebral malperfusion, lower pre-operative fibrinogen, longer cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamp time, and higher post-operative day 1 (POD1) creatinine and urea levels. Both pre-operative (433.80 ± 152.59 vs. 373.46 ± 108.31 mmol/L, p = 0.038) and POD1 (559.78 ± 162.23 vs. 391.29 ± 145.19 mmol/L, p < 0.001) UA level were higher in mortality group than in survival group. In regression model, only cerebral malperfusion (OR, 7.938, 95% CI 1.252–50.323; p = 0.028) and POD1 UA level (OR, 2.562; 95% CI 1.635–4.014; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients. According to the ROC curve, the POD1 UA level provided positive value for 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients with 0.799 areas under the curve. The optimum cutoff value selected by ROC curve was 500.15 mmol/L, with a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 86%.ConclusionPre- and post-operative hyperuricemia are potentially associated with worsened outcomes in AAAD surgery patients. The POD1 UA level has a predictive role in 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients.

Pseudoaneurysm with a fistula to the right ventricle late after surgical repair of type A aortic dissection in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

BackgroundPseudoaneurysm with a shunt to the right ventricle after aortic repair for acute aortic dissection is an extremely rare and life-threatening condition. Surgical treatment is unavoidable, but surgery is complicated, and there are some pitfalls. This study describes the reoperation performed in a patient at a high surgical risk by clarifying the shunt site using multimodality imaging before surgery.Case presentationA 69-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren’s syndrome presented with a pseudoaneurysm 1 year after emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Eight years after the first surgery, she experienced sudden chest pain and presented to the emergency department. Her dyspnea worsened; therefore, echocardiography and three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) were performed, and a pseudoaneurysm and shunt to the right ventricle were identified. The medical team attempted to close the shunt with a percutaneous catheter but was unsuccessful, and she was referred to our department for surgical treatment. The pseudoaneurysm originating from the proximal side of the aorta was large (diameter = 55 mm), and echocardiography-gated 3DCT identified the shunt from the pseudoaneurysm to the right ventricle. First, extracorporeal circulation was initiated, and resternotomy was performed. We could not insert the left ventricular venting tube from the right side because of the pseudoaneurysm size. Instead, the tube was inserted from the left atrial appendage. We found a half-circumferential disengaged anastomosis around the proximal anastomosis, which formed the large pseudoaneurysm leading to a fistula in the right ventricle. We closed the fistula and performed a Bentall operation. The patient had a good postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 21. She continued treatment for SLE and Sjogren’s syndrome, and her inflammatory reaction improved.ConclusionsWe performed a Bentall operation and fistula closure with resternotomy in a patient with type A aortic dissection with SLE and Sjogren’s syndrome. Multimodal imaging is essential in defining the pseudoaneurysm and the fistula surrounding the anatomy while ensuring their resolution and guiding the approach for operation.

Perioperative Outcomes of Acute Type-A Aortic Dissection Repair was Unaffected by COVID-19 Testing Delay

Background:This study assesses impact of COVID-19 testing delay on perioperative outcomes of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (ATAAD) repair at a single institution.Methods:From January 2010 – May 2021, 539 ATAAD patients underwent open aortic repair at our institution. Sixty-five of these patients had open aortic repair during COVID (March 2020 – May 2021) and 474 patients were pre-COVID (January 2010 – February 2020).Results:Compared to the pre-COVID group, patients During-COVID had a higher proportion of previous myocardial ischemia [9/65 (14%) vs 28/474 (5.9%), p=0.03], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [14/65 (22%) vs 55/474 (12%), p=0.02], and renal malperfusion syndrome [11/65 (17%) vs 30/474 (6.4%), p=0.01]. There was no significant difference in surgical outcomes between groups, including operative mortality (7.6% vs 9.2%, p=0.64). The median admission-to-Operating Room (OR) time was 107 minutes in the During-COVID group compared to 87 minutes in pre-COVID group, p=0.88. During COVID, the median admission-to-OR time was significantly longer in the Waiting group compared to the No-waiting group (209 min vs 75min, p=0.0009). Only one patient had positive COVID test. There were no aortic ruptures while awaiting COVID testing results. There was a total of 6 reported deaths in the During-COVID group: 1 patient died post-surgery due to ARDS caused by COVID, and others due to ischemic stroke (3 patients) and organ failure (2 patients).Conclusions:Perioperative outcomes of ATAAD patients were similar during-COVID compared to pre-COVID. Waiting for COVID testing results did not significantly affect the perioperative outcomes among ATAAD patients after repair.