Fate of the Residual Distal and Proximal Aorta After Acute Type A Dissection Repair Using a Contemporary Surgical Reconstruction Algorithm

doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2007.07.017

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery

Volume 84, Issue 6, December 2007, Pages 1955-1964

Presented at the Forty-third Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, San Diego, CA, Jan 29–31, 2007.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2007.07.017 Get rights and content

Background

In this study, we evaluated the long-term results of our contemporary, standardized surgical management algorithm for repair of acute type A aortic dissections. Prior reports have analyzed heterogeneous techniques and populations.

Methods

From 1993 to 2004, 221 consecutive patients underwent repair of acute type A aortic dissection at our aortic center. Hemiarch repair was performed in 97.7% (216 of 221), and total arch in 2.3% (5 of 221). Of these, 72.9% (161 of 221) underwent aortic valve resuspension, and 27.1% (60 of 221) had aortic root replacement.

Results

In-hospital mortality for a primary operation was 12.7% (28 of 221). Actuarial survival was 79.2% at 1 year, 62.8% at 5 years, and 46.3% at 10 years. Significant risk factors for decreased survival included prior stroke, cerebral malperfusion, and length of cardiopulmonary bypass. Freedom from proximal reoperation after aortic valve resuspension was 94.6% at 5 years and 76.8% at 10 years, with cardiac malperfusion as the main risk factor. Freedom from distal reoperation was 87.6% at 5 years and 76.4% at 10 years, with Marfan syndrome, age, and extent of dissection as significant risk factors for reoperation. In-hospital mortality was 18.2% (2 of 11) after proximal reoperation and 31.2% (5 of 16) after distal reoperation.

Conclusions

We report improved long-term durability of our proximal root repair, with cardiac malperfusion as a significant risk factor. Marfan disease, younger age, and DeBakey type I dissection are risk factors for distal reoperation. To further improve long-term outcome, means to prevent progression of distal aortic disease need to be developed.

Section snippets

Patients

This study was approved by the Investigational Review Board of the University of Pennsylvania (#804788), which waived the need for individual patient consent for the study. Patients were included if they had undergone surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection in the years 1993 to 2004 performed by surgeons of the Thoracic Aortic Disease Center at the University of Pennsylvania who followed a uniform reconstruction algorithm. Patients had to have an open arch reconstruction with the use

Morbidity

Morbidity in the 216 patients was significant, with 59.3% experiencing some adverse event. Excluding the five intraoperative deaths, the reexploration rate for bleeding was 8.3% (18 of 216). Postoperative myocardial infarction occurred in 12 patients (5.6%), sepsis in 14 (6.5%), and sternal wound infection in 4 (1.9%). Cerebral complication included new postoperative strokes in 16 patients (7.4%), transient ischemic attack in 6 (2.8%), unresponsiveness for more than 24 hours in 15 (6.9%), and

Comment

Acute type A dissection remains one of the most challenging diseases facing cardiothoracic surgeons and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Prevention of disease process progression in the residual dissected aorta is an important aspect of the patient’s long-term outcome. In an attempt to improve overall outcome in these complex patients, our Thoracic Aortic Surgery group established guidelines in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. We felt that no single therapeutic

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Tailored approach and outcomes of aortic arch reconstruction after acute type A dissection repair
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After limited root/ascending with or without hemiarch repair for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), 20% to 30% of patients require distal reintervention, frequently for arch pathology. In this report, we describe an institutional algorithm for arch management after previous limited ATAAD repair and detail operative and long-term outcomes.
From August 2005 to April 2021, 71 patients status post previous limited ATAAD repair underwent reoperative arch repair involving zones 1 to 3 for aneurysmal degeneration of residual arch dissection including complete cervical debranching with zone 0/1 thoracic endovascular aortic repair in 6 (8%), open total arch in 13 (18%), type I hybrid arch repair in 23 (32%), and type II/III hybrid arch repair in 29 (41%).
Mean age was 59 ± 12 years; time from index ATAAD repair to reoperation was 4 (interquartile range, 2-9) years. There were 2 (2.8%) in-hospital deaths and 2 (2.8%) postdischarge deaths within 30 days of surgery. Three patients suffered stroke (4.2%) and 2 (2.8%) had acute renal failure requiring dialysis. Overall Kaplan–Meier survival was 78%, 70%, and 58% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Institutional experience appeared to play a significant role in early and late outcomes, because there have been no operative mortalities in the past 9 years and improved survival of 87% versus 66%, 79% versus 58%, and 79% versus 40% at 1, 3, and 5 years in comparisons of the past 9 years with the previous era (P = .01).
Aneurysmal degeneration of residual arch dissection after limited ATAAD repair presents a complex reoperative challenge. An algorithmic operative approach tailored to patient anatomy and comorbidities yields excellent early and late outcomes, which continue to improve with increasing institutional experience.
Effects of Residual Arch Tears on Late Outcomes After Hemiarch Replacement for DeBakey I Dissection
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This study evaluated the effect of residual arch tears on late reinterventions and arch dilatation after hemiarch replacement for patients with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection.
Between January 1995 and October 2018, 160 consecutive patients who underwent hemiarch replacement for DeBakey type I dissection were retrospectively enrolled. They were divided into patients with (n = 73) and without (n = 87) residual arch tears. The arch tears group was subdivided into the proximal/middle arch (n = 26) and distal arch (n = 47) groups to evaluate arch growth rates according to the locations of residual arch tears. The endpoints were arch growth rate and late arch and composite events.
The arch diameter increased significantly over time in patients with residual arch tears (1.620 mm/y, P < .001). The increase occurred more rapidly when residual tears occurred at the distal arch than at the proximal/middle arch level (2.101 vs 1.001 mm/y). In the adjusted linear mixed model, residual arch tears or luminal communications at the distal arch level were significant factors associated with increases in the arch diameter over time. The 10-year freedom from late arch and composite event rate was significantly lower for patients with residual arch tears than for those without (82.4% vs 95.5%, P = .001; and 68.0% vs 89.3%, P = .002, respectively).
Residual arch tears are significant factors associated with late arch dilatation and reinterventions, especially for patients with distal arch tears. Extensive arch replacement during the initial surgery to avoid residual arch tears may improve long-term outcomes.
Aortic visceral segment instability is evident following thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute and subacute type B aortic dissection
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Anatomic remodeling within the thoracic aorta following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) has been well documented. However, less is known about the response of the untreated visceral aorta. In the present study, we investigated the visceral aortic behavior after TEVAR for acute or subacute TBAD to identify any associations with the clinical outcomes.
A multicenter retrospective review was performed of all imaging studies for all patients who had undergone TEVAR for acute (0-14 days) and subacute (14-90 days) nontraumatic TBAD from 2006 to 2020. The cohort was inclusive of those with uncomplicated, high-risk, and complicated (defined in accordance with the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting guidelines) dissections. Centerline aortic measurements of the true and false lumen and total aortic diameter (TAD) were taken at standardized locations relative to the aortic anatomy within each aortic zone (the zones were defined by the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting guidelines). Diameter changes over time were evaluated using repeated measures mixed effects linear growth modeling. Visceral segment instability (VSI) was defined as any growth in the TAD of ≥5 mm within aortic zones 5 through 9.
A total of 82 patients were identified. The median length of imaging follow-up was 2.1 years (interquartile range, 0.75-4.5 years), with 15% of the cohort having follow-up >5 years. VSI was present in 55% of the cohort, with an average maximal increase in the TAD of 10.4 ± 6.3 mm during a median follow-up of 2.1 years (interquartile range, 0.75-4.5 years). Approximately one third of the cohort had experienced rapid VSI (growth ≥5 mm in the first year), and 4.8% of the cohort had developed a large paravisceral aortic aneurysm (TAD ≥5 cm) secondary to VSI. Linear growth modeling identified significant predictable growth in the TAD across all visceral zones. Zone 7 had the highest rate of TAD dilation, with a fixed effect estimated rate of 1.3 mm/y (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23-2.1; P = .022). The preoperative factor most strongly associated with VSI was a cumulative number of zones dissected of six or more (odds ratio, 6.4; 95% CI, 1.07-8.6; P = .041). The odds for aortic reintervention were significantly increased for cases in which VSI led to the development of a paravisceral aortic aneurysm of ≥5 cm (odds ratio, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.1-13; P = .038).
VSI was identified in most patients who had undergone TEVAR for management of acute and subacute TBAD. The preoperative anatomic features such as the dissection extent, rather than the procedural details of graft coverage, might play a more significant role in VSI occurrence. Significant TAD growth had occurred in all visceral segments. These results highlight the importance of lifelong surveillance following TEVAR and identified a subset of patients who might have an increased risk of reintervention.
Limited Distal Repair Results in Low Rates of Distal Events Following Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
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To investigate mortality and reoperation rates following limited distal repair after acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) at a single medium volume institution. We analyzed all patients that underwent limited distal repair (ascending aortic or hemiarch replacement) following ATAAD between January 1998 and April 2020 at our institution. During the study period, 489 patients underwent ATAAD surgery, of which 457 (94%) underwent limited distal repair with a 30-day mortality of 12.9%. Among 30-day survivors, late follow-up was 97.7% complete with a mean follow-up of 6.0 ± 5.5 years. In all, 50 patients (11%) required a reoperation during the study period at a mean of 3.4 ± 3.4 years after initial repair, with a 30-day mortality of 12%. An aortic reoperation was required in 4.1 (2.0–6.1)%, 10.3 (7.1–13.6)%, 15.1 (10.9–19.4)%, and 18.0 (13.0–22.9)% of patients at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years. A distal reoperation was required in 3.0 (1.2–4.7)%, 8.0 (5.1–10.9)%, 10.3 (6.8–13.8)%, and 12.4 (8.2–16.5)% of patients and 4.4 (2.3–6.4)%, 10.4 (7.1–13.7)%, 13.9 (9.8–18.0)%, and 16.9 (12.0–21.9)% of patents had a distal event at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Limited distal repair with an ascending aortic or hemiarch replacement was associated with acceptable survival and rates of reoperations and distal events. Limited distal repair is a safe and feasible standard approach to ATAAD surgery at a medium-volume center.
Effect of Aortic Valve Type on Patients Who Undergo Type A Aortic Dissection Repair
2022, Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
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.
Fate of Preserved Aortic Root Following Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair
2022, Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
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.

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Original articleCardiovascularFate of the Residual Distal and Proximal Aorta After Acute Type A Dissection Repair Using a Contemporary Surgical Reconstruction Algorithm

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Section snippets

Patients

Morbidity

Comment

Aortic dissections and dissecting aneurysms

Am J Cardiol

Acute aortic dissection: population-based incidence compared with degenerative aortic aneurysm rupture

Mayo Clin Proc

Long-term effectiveness of operations for ascending aortic dissections

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg

Risk factor analysis for proximal and distal reoperations after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg

Up to 7 years’ experience with valve-sparing aortic root remodeling/reimplantation for acute type A dissection

Ann Thorac Surg

The international registry of acute aortic dissection (IRAD)

JAMA

Advances in the treatment of acute type A dissection: an integrated approach

Ann Thorac Surg

Circulatory management with retrograde cerebral perfusion for acute type A aortic dissection

Circulation

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: IEffects of cooling on electroencephalogram and evoked potentials

Ann Thorac Surg

Major clinical outcomes in adults undergoing thoracic aortic surgery requiring deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: quantification of organ-based perioperative outcome and detection of opportunities for perioperative intervention

J Cardiothorac Vasc Anast

Original article
Cardiovascular
Fate of the Residual Distal and Proximal Aorta After Acute Type A Dissection Repair Using a Contemporary Surgical Reconstruction Algorithm