Aortic Dissection Repair Research Articles

Effect of Aortic Valve Type on Patients Who Undergo Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is common in the setting of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair. Here, we evaluated the association between prosthesis choice and patient outcomes in an international patient cohort. We reviewed data from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) interventional cohort to examine the relationship between valve choice and short- and mid-term patient outcomes. Between January 1996 and March 2016, 1290 surgically treated patients with TAAD were entered into the IRAD interventional cohort. Of those, 364 patients undergoing TAAD repair underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR; mean age, 57 years). The mechanical valve cohort consisted of 189 patients, of which 151 (79.9%) had a root replacement. The nonmechanical valve cohort consisted of 5 patients who received homografts and 160 patients who received a biologic AVR, with a total of 118 (71.5%) patients who underwent root replacements. The mean follow-up time was 2.92 ± 1.75 years overall (2.46 ± 1.69 years for the mechanical valve cohort and 3.48 ± 1.8 years for the nonmechanical valve cohort). After propensity matching, Kaplan-Meier estimates of 4-year survival rates after surgery were 64.8% in the mechanical valve group compared with 74.7% in the nonmechanical valve group (p = 0.921). A stratified Cox model for 4-year mortality showed no difference in hazard between valve types after adjusting for the propensity score (p = 0.854). A biologic valve is a reasonable option in patients with TAAD who require AVR. Although this option avoids the potential risks of anticoagulation, long-term follow up is necessary to assess the effect of reoperations or transcatheter interventions for structural valve degeneration.

Concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is sometimes necessary in acute Type A Aortic Dissection (AAAD) repair. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence, indications and influence in-hospital outcomes of AAAD repair requiring concomitant CABG in a high-volume single-center experience. Retrospective study of all consecutive AAAD patients. Those who underwent concomitant CABG were identified. Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2016, 382 patients underwent emergency surgery for AAAD. Forty-one (10.7%) underwent concomitant CABG. In this group, mean age was 64 ± 14 years, 32 were male (78%). Indication for CABG was coronary dissection in 28 patients (68.3%), post-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) right heart failure in 7 (17.1%), post CPB left heart failure in (7.3%) and native coronary pathology in 3 (7.3%). In 33 (80.5%) one graft was needed, in 7 (17%) two were performed and in 1 patient (2.4%) 3 were necessary. The right coronary artery (RCA) was the only revascularized vessel in 26 cases (63.4%), the left coronary artery (LCA) alone in 11 (26.8%), and both coronary systems in 4 (9.8%). In-hospital mortality was 51.2% (N = 21); eight (19.5%) patients had postoperative myocardial infarction (MI) and 11 (26.8%) had a major neurological event. Multivariable logistic regression identified concomitant CABG as a predictor of in-hospital mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.8115, 95% CI= 0.514-2.138, p = 0.001). In our study, concomitant CABG was performed in 10.7% of AAAD repair surgery and it was associated with high in-hospital mortality.

Fate of Preserved Aortic Root Following Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

We examined the long-term fate of the preserved aortic root after emergent repair of acute Type A aortic dissection. 144 patients (60% males, mean age 60.5 years) underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement for acute Type A aortic dissection. Long-term survival, as well as growth, reoperation, and adverse events of the aortic root (rupture, pseudoaneurysm, and persistent dissection) were retrospectively assessed. Operative mortality was 9%, and overall survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 87.8%, 76.4%, and 64.6%, respectively. Reoperation on the proximal aorta was performed in 16 patients (12.2%) within a median of 2.45 years post-operatively. Indications were severe aortic insufficiency (AI) (n = 6), aortic root pseudoaneurysm (n = 8), pseudoaneurysm with severe AI (n = 1), and persistent dissection with severe AI (n = 1). The aortic root grew at 0.2mm/year (interquartile range 0-0.8). Among survivors (n = 131), 28 patients (21.3%) reached aortic root diameter ≥ 45 mm (mean diameter 47.6 mm, range 45-54 mm). Survival free from proximal aortic reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years was 96.6%, 94.5%, and 92.2%, respectively. No non-reoperated patient-despite persistent, unoperated enlargement or distortion or pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root-developed free rupture or fistula to a cardiac chamber. Root-sparing ascending aortic replacement for acute Type-A aortic dissection showed satisfactory long-term outcomes with relatively low rates of re-intervention or serious aortic root adverse events despite dilatation and irregularity of aortic root contour. Dense adhesions from prior surgery, proximal aortic suture line, and Teflon felt seem to discourage free rupture or fistulization.

Outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection repair: Daytime versus nighttime

ObjectiveWe sought to report our experience of repairing acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) over 21 years during in-hours versus out-of-hours before and after the establishment of specialized aortic service and rota. MethodsA retrospective analysis of all patients who had ATAAD repair between November 1998 and December 2019 in our center. In-hours were defined as 08:00 to 19:59 hours and out of hours were defined as 20:00 to 07:59 hours. ResultsA total of 286 patients underwent repair of ATAAD. Eighty operations took place during the prerota period (43 operations in hours, 37 out of hours) and 206 operations during the specialized rota period (110 in hours, 96 out of hours). There was no difference in 30-day mortality between the in-hours and out-of-hours groups in either the prerota (23.3% vs 32.4%; P = .36) or specialized rota periods (11.6% vs 11.5%; P = .94). Mean number of cases per year increased by 83% between the prerota and specialized rota periods. Thirty-day mortality reduced in both the in-hours (23.3% vs 11.6%) and out-of-hours (32.4% vs 11.5%) groups since introduction of the specialized aortic rota. ConclusionsOutcomes in repair of ATAAD during in-hours and out-of-hours periods are similar when operated on in a specialized unit with a dedicated aortic team. This emphasizes the current global trend of service centralization without particular attention to time of day to operate on such critical cohort patients.

Short- and long-term outcomes of aortic root-sparing repair and replacement in acute type A aortic dissection repair

Acute type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency with a high mortality rate if left untreated. Management of the aortic root in this setting constitutes an intricate decision-making framework, further complicated by the emergent nature of the dissection. There exists much controversy regarding pursuit of the aggressive aortic root replacement versus a conservative root-sparing repair, alongside considerations for valve-sparing root replacement. In this review, we critically appraise the current controversy in the literature considering the fate of the aortic root, discussing the aforementioned root interventions for which provides better outcomes for mortality and risk of re-intervention. Literature search was performed using electronic database through PubMed, Google scholar, and Embase focussing on studies reporting outcomes and re-intervention rates for these approaches. Limited by the heterogeneity in surgical strategy, with most studies being single-centred retrospective experiences, further fuel this ongoing debate. The literature reveals rather contrasting results whilst comparing root-sparing repair, versus the extensive root replacement; whilst some studies report no statistically significant difference, others show one superior over the other. There is greater consensus when considering risk of re-operation, with studies showing higher rates of re-operation in root-sparing group compared to replacement; however, many others show no statistically significant difference. In conclusion, the conflicting outcomes reported in the literature, with their inherent limitations, results in the current inability to reach a definitive answer. There remains support in the current literature for both approaches with much of the decision-making being surgeon-bound with many significant influencing factors on a case-by-case basis.

Use of the STABILISE technique in the management of subacute type B aortic dissection.

The STABILISE (stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair) concept aims to restore the aortic uniluminal anatomy and effectively treat malperfusion syndromes. Despite its novelty, multiple single-center series have demonstrated encouraging early outcomes and positive mid-term aortic remodeling.1-5

Epiaortic Ultrasound-Guided True Lumen Cannulation of Ascending Aorta in Acute Aortic Dissection Type A

Background: The choice of arterial inflow for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection repair remains controversial. The axillary artery should be considered as first choice for cannulation, but this technique is time-consuming. The ascending aortic cannulation provides antegrade perfusion and can be performed rapidly but there are several concerns such as aortic rupture, extension of dissection, and false lumen cannulation. Objective: To compare the establishment time of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and postoperative outcomes of the two cannulation techniques that provide antegrade perfusion, which was direct true lumen cannulation on the dissected ascending aorta using epiaortic ultrasound-guided and axillary artery cannulation in Siriraj Hospital. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed all the 30 cases of acute aortic dissection type A using two different cannulation methods performed between February 2011 and May 2017. Direct true lumen ascending aortic cannulation was performed using the epiaortic ultrasound-guide with Seldinger technique in 12 patients, and axillary artery cannulation was performed in 18 patients. Results: The direct true lumen ascending aortic cannulation was safely performed in all patients. None of them had aortic rupture. Skin incision to CPB time was significantly faster in the epiaortic ultrasound-guided ascending aortic cannulation group at 29±8 versus 49±14 minutes (p<0.001). The 30-day mortality and postoperative adverse events, such as ischemic stroke, acute kidney injury, visceral organ and limb malperfusion showed no statistically significant difference from the axillary artery cannulation method. Conclusion: Epiaortic ultrasound-guided true lumen cannulation of ascending aorta in the treatment of acute aortic dissection type A is safe and feasible. Skin incision to CPB time can be performed faster and provided good outcome compared to the axillary artery cannulation technique. Keywords: Acute aortic dissection, Ascending cannulation, Epiaortic ultrasound

Risk analysis for early mortality in emergency acute type A aortic dissection surgery: experience of Tokyo Acute Aortic Super-network.

We investigated the various pre- and postoperative complications related to early (30-day) mortality after open surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Data from the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super-network database spanning January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative factors related to early postoperative mortality were assessed in 1504 of 2058 (73.0%) consecutive patients [age: 66.6 (SD: 13.5) years, male: 52.9%] who underwent acute type A aortic dissection repair. The early mortality rate following surgical repair was 8.9%. According to multivariable analysis, male sex [odds ratio (OR) 1.670, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.063-2.624, P = 0.026], use of percutaneous circulatory assist devices (n = 116, 7.7%) including extracorporeal membrane oxygenators or intra-aortic balloon pumps (OR 4.857, 95% CI 2.867-8.228, P < 0.001), shock (n = 162, 10.8%) (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.741-5.387, P < 0.001), cardiopulmonary arrest (n = 41, 2.7%) (OR 7.534, 95% CI 3.407-16.661, P < 0.001), coronary ischaemia (n = 36, 2.3%) (OR 2.583, 95% CI 1.042-6.404, P = 0.041) and cerebral ischaemia (n = 59, 3.9%) (OR 2.904, 95% CI 1.347-6.261, P = 0.007) were independent preoperative risk factors for early mortality, while cardiac tamponade (n = 34, 2.3%) (OR 10.282, 95% CI 4.640-22.785, P < 0.001), cerebral ischaemia (n = 80, 5.3%) (OR 2.409, 95% CI 1.179-4.923, P = 0.016) and mesenteric ischaemia (n = 15, 1.0%) (OR 44.763, 95% CI 13.027-153.808, P < 0.001) were independent postoperative risk factors. Not only critical preoperative conditions but also postoperative cardiac tamponade and vital organ ischaemia are risk factors for early mortality after acute type A aortic dissection repair.

Hospitalization Cost and In-hospital Outcomes Following Type B Thoracic Aortic Dissection Repair

Several studies have reported lower mortality and morbidity after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) when compared to open surgical repair (OSR) in the treatment of type B aortic dissection (TbAD). However, there are few studies in the literature on the cost of both treatment options. Thus, the aim of this study is to focus on in-hospital outcomes and cost associated with TbAD repair procedures in a national database in the United States. A retrospective review of the Premier Healthcare Database (PHD) between June 2009 and March 2015 was performed. ICD-9-CM codes were used to identify patients who underwent OSR or TEVAR for TbAD. Endpoints included in-hospital adverse events, in-hospital mortality and hospitalization cost. Logistic regression models and generalized linear models were used to assess the impact of treatment type on the main outcomes. Out of 1752 patients with TbAD, 54.3% underwent OSR and 45.7% underwent TEVAR. Patients in the TEVAR group were older [median age, 64 (IQR 54-73) vs. 59 (IQR 49-70), P < 1] and more likely to have preexisting comorbidities. IAE rates were 78.6% for the OSR group compared to 43.1% for the TEVAR group, P < 0.001. Patients in the OSR group showed significantly higher in-hospital mortality (15.3% vs. 5.9%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, OSR was associated with a 5-fold increase in IAE [aOR(95%CI): 4.8 (3.8-6.1), P < 0.001] and a 3-fold increase in in-hospital mortality [aOR(95%CI): 3.3 (2.1-5.1), P < 0.001]. In regards to charges related to the hospital stay, total cost was significantly higher among patients undergoing OSR $53,371 ($39,029-$80,471) vs. TEVAR $45,311 ($31,479-$67,960), P < 0.001. The present study shows that TEVAR presents an advantage in terms of morbidity, mortality and cost when compared to OSR in the treatment of TbAD. However, long-term cost-effectiveness of both procedures remains unknown. Further research is warranted to see whether the superiority of TEVAR is maintained over time.

Preservation of the Aortic Root During Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery: An Effective Strategy?

Background Management of the aortic root during acute Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair remains controversial in term of long-term evolution and reoperation. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of the aortic root after conservative management during primary surgery. Methods One hundred sixty-four consecutive patients were included in this monocentric retrospective study. The primary endpoint was reoperation on the aortic root during long-term follow-up. Forty-six patients had aortic root replacement (ARR) and 118 had supracoronary aortic replacement (SCR). The 10-year survival, occurrence of significant aortic regurgitation, and radiologic aortic root dilatation in each group were assessed during follow-up. Results Patients from ARR group were younger than those from SCR group ( p < 0.0001). Median follow-ups of ARR group and SCR group are 4.4 (interquartile range [IR]: 2.6–8.3) and 6.15 (IR: 2.8–10.53) years, respectively. Reoperation of the aortic root during long-term follow-up was similar in both groups (ARR group: 5.1%, SCR group: 3.3%, p = 0.636). The 10-year survivals of ARR and SCR groups were 64.8 ± 12.3% and 46.3 ± 5.8% ( p = 0.012), respectively. Long-term significant aortic regurgitation occurred in one patient (1.7%) and seven patients (7.6%) of the ARR and SCR groups ( p = 0.176), respectively. Radiologic aortic root diameters in the SCR group were similar between postoperative period and follow-up studies ( p = 0.58). Reoperation on the distal aorta ( p = 0.012) and patent radiologic false lumen of the descending aorta ( p = 0.043) were independent risk factors of late death. Conclusion SCR is an effective technique for primary TAAD surgery and does not increase the rate of late reoperation on the aortic root.

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.

A Successful Endovascular Technique for Complete False Lumen Thrombosis in Chronic Abdominal Aortic Dissection.

A 66-year-old man presented with an enlarging abdominal aorta false lumen, after type A aortic dissection repair. Residual entries were located at the left renal artery, abdominal aorta, and left external iliac artery. The patient underwent endovascular aortic repair with left renal artery stenting to close the entries. Completion aortography showed no false lumen flow without an endoleak, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography 1 month after the procedure demonstrated complete false lumen thrombosis. A total endovascular approach is possible for abdominal aneurysmal dilation in chronic aortic dissection when all entries can be closed using a one-stage procedure with stent grafts and/or branch stenting.

Total 12-lead QRS voltage in patients with spontaneous acute aortic dissection with an initiating tear in the ascending aorta

Because nearly all patients with acute aortic dissection have systemic hypertension, we examined electrocardiograms (ECGs) in 21 patients with spontaneous acute type A aortic dissection. An earlier study had shown that total 12-lead QRS voltage was the best criterion for determining left ventricular hypertrophy from the ECG. We measured total 12-lead QRS voltage in 21 patients with spontaneous (no previous cardiac or aortic operation) acute type A aortic dissection and operative repair. Using >175 mm as evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy, only 8 patients (38%) had hearts of increased mass. Total 12-lead QRS voltage corresponded slightly with age but not with body mass index. In conclusion, total 12-lead QRS voltage is not useful for diagnostic purposes in patients with acute type A aortic dissection undergoing operative repair.

Endovascular Treatment of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection in a Patient With Takayasu Arteritis

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a nonspecific and chronic inflammatory disease largely affecting aorta and its main branches. Acute aortic dissection is an unusual complication of TA, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic dissection in TA is rarely reported.1 Here we present a case of TA complicated with acute type B aortic dissection that was successfully treated with TEVAR.

Impact of socioeconomic deprivation on incidence and outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection repair in New Zealand.

Socioeconomic deprivation (SED) has been associated with increased 30-day mortality and reduced long-term survival after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). The study aimedto determine the incidence rate ratio of ATAAD in New Zealand population with higher and lower SED indices and to evaluate any association between SED and outcomes after ATAAD repair. This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent ATAAD repair from March 2003 to May 2020 were identified. Overseas patients, those with chronic aortic dissection, and those who died in hospital before the operation were excluded. The total number of New Zealand residents was estimated based on the national 2018 Census. A total of 363 ATAAD patients met the eligibility criteria. The incidence of ATAAD was 70% greater in those who were more socioeconomically deprived (higher SED) compared with less socioeconomically deprived (lower SED) New Zealanders (odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-2.1; p < .0005). Postoperative cardiogenic shock, renal failure, pulmonary embolism, and respiratory failure were more common in the higher than in the lower SED group. Both groups had similar operative and in-hospital mortality and time intervals in the intensive care unit and hospital. Both groups had similar freedom from reoperation (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.5-2.6; p = .746) and long-term survival (HR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.5-1.1; p = .115). The incidence of ATAAD is greater in more socioeconomically deprived New Zealand residents. Following ATAAD repair, SED is not associated with worse short- or long-term outcomes in the universal health care system.

Using the Risk Analysis Index to Assess Frailty in Veteran Cohort Undergoing Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Surgical frailty is strongly associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) is a validated frailty score system that has been shown to predict short-term outcomes and long-term mortality in various surgical subspecialties. This study applies the frailty score to the veteran aneurysm population. After obtaining institutional review board approval, Veteran Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program data were queried for endovascular repair of intrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm or dissection Current Procedural Terminology codes (34800, 34803, and 34805). Preoperative variables were used to calculate a RAI score. Patients were placed into three cohorts based on RAI score (nonfrail: ≤20, frail: 21-34, very frail: ≥35). The χ2 test and analysis of variance tests were used compare cohorts. Forward logistic regression modeling was used to determine risks of each cohort. Between 2001 and 2018, 5878 patients underwent endovascular repair of intrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm or dissection. Of these patients, 99.5% were male with an average age of 71 ± 8 years. The cohorts contained 36.2% (n = 2129), 56.0% (n = 3294), and 7.7% (n = 455) for the nonfrail (RAI of ≤24), frail (RAI = 25-34), and very frail (RAI of ≥35), respectively. Frailty was associated with increased rates of cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and overall complications, death, and increased length of stay (Table I). When risk adjusted, frailty was associated with up to 3.2 times as likely to have any complication and up to 7.3 times as likely to perish within 30 days (Table II). Emergent surgery was associated with an odds ratio for mortality of 14.2 (95% confidence interval, 7.9-25.7; P < .001) and a complication odds ratio of 4.1 (95% confidence interval, 2.8-5.9; P <.001). Frailty as determined by the RAI was associated with postoperative outcomes in a dose-dependent manner. Frailty was associated with higher rates of major cardiac (myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest), pulmonary (pneumonia, failure to wean vent, reintubation), renal (renal insufficiency, renal failure), overall complications, and death. We recommend the use of this frailty index as a screening tool to guide discussions with patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.Table IPostoperative complications based on organ system after endovascular aneurysm repair differentiating into three groups based on Risk Analysis Index (RAI) frailty assessmentNonfrail RAI ≤ 24 (n = 2129)Frail RAI 25-34 (n = 3294)Very Frail RAI ≥ 35 (n = 455)Total (n = 5878)P valueaCardiac (%)10 (0.5)41 (1.2)19 (4.2)70 (1.2)<.001Pulmonary (%)45 (2.1)106 (3.2)42 (9.2)193 (3.3)<.001Renal (%)12 (0.6)50 (1.5)11 (2.4)73 (1.2).004LOS (±SD), days3.6 ± 5.44.8 ± 10.011.4 ± 36.64.9 ± 13.3<.001Complication (%)148 (7.0)327 (7.0)96 (9.9)571 (9.7)<.001Death (%)11 (0.5)38 (1.2)23 (5.1)72 (1.2)<.001LOS, Length of stay; SD, standard deviation.aBased on analysis of variance. Open table in a new tab Table IIOdds ratios for outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair in the Veteran Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program by Risk Analysis Index (RAI)Nonfrail RAI ≤ 24Frail RAI 25-34Very frail RAI ≥ 35OR (95% CI)P valueOR (95% CI)P valueDeathRef2.1 (1.0-4.1)0.037.3 (3.4-15.4)<.001ComplicationRef1.4 (1.1-1.7)0.0023.2 (2.4-4.3)<.001CI, confidence interval; OR, odds ratio; Ref, reference.Odds ratios determined by forward binary logistic regression with covariates of emergency surgery, diabetes, operative time, RAI, steroid use, and smoking. Open table in a new tab

Impact of the Duration of Global Cardiac Ischaemia on Outcomes of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

The current management of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAD) repair does not consider the safe duration of cardiac ischaemia as an operative strategy. We aimed to evaluate whether the duration of cardiac ischaemia during ATAD repair can predict operative mortality and to determine the optimum cardiac ischaemia time that is associated with better outcomes. This was a retrospective observational study. Patients who underwent ATAD repair from 2003 to 2020 were identified from our hospital records. Three hundred and sixty three (363) ATAD patients met eligibility criteria. The median patient age was 61 years, 221 (61%) patients were male. Duration of cardiac ischaemia was associated with operative mortality (Odds ratio [OR]=1.01; p<0.0005). Its optimal cut-off point was equal to or above 149.5 minutes (95% CI: 126.2-172.8). In patients with a shorter period (less than 150 mins) of cardiac ischaemia, a valve-sparing root repair was used more often (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.6-3.9; p<0.001). Procedures that had the longer period of cardiac ischaemia included the Bentall procedure (OR=10.9; 95% CI: 4.9-27.4; p<0.001), descending thoracic aorta replacement (OR=4.3; 95% CI: 1.007-18.7; p=0.049) and concomitant cardiac surgery (OR=4.7; 95% CI: 2-11.1; p<0.001). Operations associated with shorter cardiac ischaemia were associated with lower in-hospital mortality and better long-term survival. This study determined that the duration of cardiac ischaemia in ATAD repair is linked to operative mortality. Further studies are required to confirm that ATAD patients with surgical repair involving less than 150 minutes of cardiac ischaemic time have lower in-hospital mortality and better long-term survival.

Risk factors for and outcomes of prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients received DeBakey type I aortic dissection repairment

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) and its association with disease prognosis following acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection surgery.MethodsA total of 582 patients who received emergency surgery for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection from 2014 to 2018 were enrolled in this study. Mechanical ventilation period after surgery longer than 48 hours was defined as postoperative PMV. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for PMV. This study also compared short- and long-term outcomes in patients who developed PMV with patients who did not develop this complication. To identify and compare long-term cumulative survival rate, Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted.ResultsAmong all enrolled patients, 259 (44.5%) received PMV treatment. Our data suggested that the length of intensive care unit and hospital stay were longer for patients who received PMV treatment. Thirty-day mortality was also higher in patients with PMV than in patients without PMV. Elevated leukocyte count and increased serum cystatin C level upon admission, lower preoperative platelet count and longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration were identified as risk factors for PMV. Interestingly, our data suggested that there was no significant difference of survival rate between patients with or without PMV history.ConclusionsPMV after DeBakey type I aortic dissection repair surgery was a common complication and associated with increased short-term mortality rate but did not affect long-term mortality rate. Elevated preoperative leukocyte count, increased preoperative serum cystatin C level, lower preoperative platelet count and longer CPB duration were risk factors for PMV.

Femoral arterial cannulation remains a safe and reliable option for aortic dissection repair.

BackgroundThe optimal cannulation site for repair of type A aortic dissection remains controversial. The concern for Malperfusion syndrome has initiated a national trend away from femoral cannulation to axillary artery and direct ascending aortic cannulation. The purpose of this study was to report a single center experience with femoral artery cannulation for the repair of a type A dissection.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on 52 patients who underwent surgical repair for a type A dissection between January 1st, 2012 and June 30th, 2019 at a single institution. Of the 52 patients analyzed, 35 (67.3%) underwent femoral artery, 11 (21.2%) direct ascending aortic, and 6 (11%) axillary artery cannulation for arterial access. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in all the patients. Rates of postoperative complication and mortality were reported.ResultsThe mortality and bleeding rates for all the patients undergoing repair of the type A dissection repairs were 27% (14/52) and 19% (10/52), respectively. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established in 100% of the patients that had femoral arterial cannulation. There were no complications specifically related to femoral arterial cannulation nor the axillary or direct aortic approach. Specifically, there was no episodes of malperfusion syndrome, bleeding, or injury with femoral artery cannulation. Bleeding rates were higher in cases that proceeded with a femoral (13%) versus alternate (6%) approach however; neither of the bleeding was related to the cannulation site. None of the mortalities identified were directly attributable to the cannulation approach in each case.ConclusionsDespite the recent shift away from femoral cannulation, the results of the study show that femoral artery cannulation is safe and produces excellent results for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass. The concerns for malperfusion syndrome related to femoral cannulation were not seen.

Temperature Management During Circulatory Arrest: We Have the Ingredients, But What Is the Recipe?

The debate regarding the best approach to hypothermia during circulatory arrest continues. In this issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Pupovac and colleagues 1 Pupovac S.S. Hemli J.M. Bavaria J.E. et al. Moderate versus deep hypothermia in type A acute aortic dissection repair: insights from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection. Ann Thorac Surg. 2021; 112: 1893-1900 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar analyze the data from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) for patients undergoing acute type A dissection repair under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) and report equivalent stroke and mortality rate in the 2 groups, both in the unmatched and the propensity-matched cohorts. While this report from the IRAD investigators adds to a growing body of literature that supports the safety of MHCA, there are some confinements of this report that should be recognized as these data are interpreted and applied. Moderate Versus Deep Hypothermia in Type A Acute Aortic Dissection Repair: Insights from the International Registry of Acute Aortic DissectionThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 112Issue 6PreviewThe optimal strategy for cerebral protection during repair of type A acute aortic dissection has yet to be determined. We sought to determine the impact of differing degrees of hypothermia in patients undergoing acute dissection repair. Full-Text PDF