Abstract Background The high-risk patient cohort of uncomplicated type B aortic dissections (uTBADs) needs to be clarified. We compared uTBAD patients treated with best medical treatment (BMT), with ...and without aortic growth, from the Acute Dissection Stent Grafting or Best Medical Treatment (ADSORB) trial database. Furthermore, we looked for trends in outcome for aortic growth and remodeling after BMT and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and BMT (TEVAR+BMT). Methods BMT patients with available baseline and a 1-year follow-up arterial computed tomography scan were identified. True lumen and false lumen diameter was assessed at baseline and at follow-up. Patients with false lumen growth (group I) and without false lumen growth (group II) were compared. Predictors of false lumen and total lumen (aortic) growth were identified. Lastly, BMT outcomes were compared with BMT+TEVAR for false lumen thrombosis and change in false lumen and total aortic diameter in four sections: 0 to 10 cm (A), 10 to 20 cm (B), 20 to 30 cm (C), and 30 to 40 cm (D) from the left subclavian artery. Results The dissection was significantly longer in group I than in group II (43.2 ± 4.9 cm vs 30.4 ± 8.8 cm; P = .002). The number of vessels originating from the false lumen at baseline was identified as an independent predictor of false lumen growth (odds ratio, 22.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-481.5; P = .049). Increasing age was a negative predictor of total aortic diameter growth (odds ratio, 0.902; 95% confidence interval, 0.813-1.00; P = .0502). The proximal sections A and B showed complete thrombosis in 80.6% in the BMT+TEVAR group compared with 9.5% in the BMT group. In these sections, changes from patent to partial or partial to complete thrombosis were observed in 90.3% of the TEVAR+BMT group vs 31.0% in the BMT group. In sections C and D, the change in thrombosis was 74.1% for the TEVAR+BMT group vs 20.6% for the BMT group. The false lumen diameter increase at section C was larger in the BMT group. Total lumen diameter decreased in sections A and B in the TEVAR+BMT group compared with an increase in the BMT group (–4.8 mm vs +2.9 mm, and –1.5 mm vs +3.8 mm, respectively). Sections C and D showed minimal and comparable expansion in both treatment groups. Conclusions The new imaging analysis of the ADSORB trial patients identified the number of vessels originating from the false lumen as an independent predictor of false lumen growth in uTBAD patients. Increasing age was a negative predictor of aortic growth. Our analysis may help to identify which uTBAD patients are at higher risk and should receive TEVAR or be monitored closely during follow-up.
Abstract Objective The classic elephant trunk (ET) technique has become the standard approach for patients with diffuse aortic disease requiring a staged thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair. ...The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes and predictors for survival after surgical repair of extensive thoracic aortic disease with the ET technique. Methods Between 1984 and 2013, 248 consecutive patients were treated in our institution and analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up consisted of outpatient clinic visits including postoperative computed tomography imaging at 3 months and annually thereafter. Second-stage intervention was indicated if the diameter of the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta was greater than or equal to 60 mm, in case of a rapidly growing aneurysm and/or symptoms. Results Mean age was 65 ± 10 years; 44% were male. After first-stage ET, in-hospital mortality was 8% and permanent neurologic deficits were observed in 2% of patients. Median follow-up after the first stage was 48 months (range, 1-210 months). One hundred twelve patients (45%) underwent second-stage ET. Overall survival after first-stage ET was 75% and 67% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Survival in patients with second-stage ET was 87%, compared with 65% in the group who did not undergo second-stage ET at the 5-year follow-up ( P < .001) and 67% compared with 36% at the 10-year follow-up ( P < .001). Predictor for mortality was the absence of second-stage ET ( P = .044). Conclusions A 2-stage approach for diffuse aortic disease is a safe method. The acceptable mortality at the first stage justifies the use of the classic ET technique and allows subsequent repair of the distal aorta. Long-term survival is increased when both stages are completed.
Background Our objective was to analyze the causes, timing, and results of reoperation after primary repair for acute type A dissection. Methods One hundred and four consecutive patients underwent a ...reoperation after previous type A aortic dissection repair (1972 to 2008). Supracoronary ascending aorta replacement (SCAR) was commonly performed during primary repair and it was associated with aortic root replacement in 13 cases and with hemiarch replacement in 26 patients. Progression of aortic dilatation was seen in 91 patients (87%), aortic regurgitation in 21 (20%), and false aneurysm in 15 patients (14%). A redo Bentall procedure was performed in 34 cases, arch replacement in 42 patients, and thoracoabdominal aorta replacement in 20 patients. The median follow-up was 6.5 years (range 0.3 to 23.8 years). Results The in-hospital mortality after redo surgery was 7.7%. The global survival rate at 1, 5, and 10 years was 92%, 82%, and 58%, respectively. Proximal reoperations were more frequent in patients who had SCAR and flap extension into the aortic root. Patients with an unresected intimal tear and distal extension of dissection flap experienced a higher rate of aortic arch and thoracoabdominal aorta redo procedures. Conclusions More extensive acute dissection repair results in a lower rate of reoperation. Mortality for redo surgery after type A acute dissection repair is acceptable. This finding should be taken into account in proposing a widespread of more complex and extensive surgery for type A acute dissection.
Background Ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (rDTAA) is a cardiovascular catastrophe, associated with high morbidity and mortality, which can be managed either by open surgery or thoracic ...endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The purpose of this study is to retrospectively compare the mortality, stroke, and paraplegia rates after open surgery and TEVAR for the management of rDTAA. Methods Patients with rDTAA treated with TEVAR or open surgery between 1995 and 2010 at seven institutions were identified and included for analysis. The outcomes between both treatment groups were compared; the primary end point of the study was a composite end point of death, permanent paraplegia, and/or stroke within 30 days after the intervention. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for the primary end point. Results A total of 161 patients with rDTAA were included, of which 92 were treated with TEVAR and 69 with open surgery. The composite outcome of death, stroke, or permanent paraplegia occurred in 36.2% of the open repair group, compared with 21.7% of the TEVAR group (odds ratio OR, 0.49; 95% confidence interval CI, .24-.97; P = .044). The 30-day mortality was 24.6% after open surgery compared with 17.4% after TEVAR (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, .30-1.39; P = .260). Risk factors for the composite end point of death, permanent paraplegia, and/or stroke in multivariate analysis were increasing age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; P = .036) and hypovolemic shock (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.09-5.60; P = .030), while TEVAR was associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite end point (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, .20-.95; P = .039). The aneurysm-related survival of patients treated with open repair was 64.3% at 4 years, compared with 75.2% for patients treated with TEVAR ( P = .191). Conclusions Endovascular repair of rDTAA is associated with a lower risk of a composite of death, stroke, and paraplegia, compared with traditional open surgery. In rDTAA patients, endovascular management appears the preferred treatment when this method is feasible.
Background Aortic false aneurysm is a rare complication after cardiac surgery. Aortic dissection, infection, arterial wall degeneration, and poor surgical technique are recognized as risk factors for ...the occurrence of postsurgical false aneurysm. Despite some recent reports about percutaneous false aneurysm exclusion, a complex surgical reoperation is needed in most of the cases. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our experience in 43 patients who received a reoperation for postsurgical aortic false aneurysm in the last 14 years. Thirty-three patients were male. The mean age was 60 ± 12 years. Most of the patients received prior aortic surgery on the aortic root, the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending thoracic aorta (38 patients). False aneurysm was diagnosed during follow-up evaluation in the absence of any symptoms in 23 cases. Univariate and multivariate analyses on 18 perioperative variables were performed. Results In-hospital mortality was 6.9% (3 patients). The postoperative course was complicated in 17 cases (39%). At multivariate analysis, a preoperative history of coronary artery disease and postoperative sepsis were independent risk factors for hospital mortality. Survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 94%, 79%, and 68%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation was 86% at 1 year and 72% at 5 and 10 years. Conclusions Despite a high postoperative complication rate, a reoperation for postsurgical aortic false aneurysm can be performed with acceptable mortality and good mid-term and long-term outcomes.
Background Aortobronchial fistula (ABF) and aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) are rare but lethal if untreated; open thoracic surgery is associated with high operative mortality and morbidity. In this ...case series, we sought to investigate outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for emergency cases of ABF and AEF. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients with AEF and ABF undergoing TEVAR in three European teaching hospitals between 2000 and January 2009. Eleven patients were identified including 6 patients with ABF, 4 patients with AEF, and 1 patient with a combined ABF and AEF. In-hospital outcomes and follow-up after TEVAR were evaluated. Results Median age was 63 years (interquartile range, 31); 8 were male. Ten patients presented with hemoptysis or hematemesis; 4 developed hemorrhagic shock. All patients underwent immediate TEVAR, and 3 AEF patients required additional esophageal surgery. Five patients died (45%), including 3 patients with AEF, 1 patient with ABF, and 1 patient with a combined ABF and AEF, after a median duration of 22 days (interquartile range, 51 days). The patient with AEF that survived had received early esophageal reconstruction. Causes of death were: sepsis (n = 2), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 1), thoracic infections (n = 1), and aortic rupture (n = 1). Median follow-up of surviving patients was 45 months (interquartile range, 45 months). Six additional vascular interventions were performed in 3 survivors. Conclusion TEVAR does prevent immediate exsanguination in patients admitted with AEF and ABF, but after initial deployment of the endograft and control of the hemodynamic status, most patients, in particular those with AEF, are at risk for infectious complications. Early esophageal repair after TEVAR appears to improve the survival in case of AEF. Therefore, TEVAR may serve as a bridge to surgery in emergency cases of AEF with subsequent definitive open operative repair of the esophageal defect as soon as possible. In patients with ABF, additional open surgery may not be necessary after the endovascular procedure.
Patients presenting with a Stanford type A acute aortic dissection require immediate surgical treatment; however, up to 30% of patients are deemed inoperable. Here we describe a case of a patient ...with a complicated type A acute aortic dissection presenting with a severe impact of brain malperfusion. In contrast with open surgery, an emergent thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed with a Gore cTAG 45 × 150 mm graft and an additional chimney graft Advanta V12 7 × 59 mm graft for the brachiocephalic trunk. After early extubation, unexpected complete neurological recovery was observed. A follow-up computed tomography scan demonstrated complete remodeling of the ascending aorta. This report underlines the potential of thoracic endovascular aortic repair as an alternative for immediate open surgical repair in case of high-risk or inoperable patients.
Objective Despite the minimally invasive nature of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality is of major concern. Several studies showed ...that outcome was influenced by the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients undergoing percutaneous TAVI. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether SIRS after transapical TAVI was associated with short-term outcome. Design Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting Intensive care unit in a tertiary-care hospital. Participants In 121 patients undergoing transapical TAVI for severe aortic stenosis between March 2010 and October 2013, the incidence of SIRS during the first 48 hours was studied. The relation between the occurrence of SIRS and any adverse event during hospital stay was investigated. Any adverse event was defined as the composite of mortality, AKI, infection, stroke, myocardial infarction, and bleeding. Intervention none. Measurements and Main Results Sixty-five (53.7%) patients developed SIRS during 48 hours after transapical TAVI. The occurrence of SIRS was associated independently with an increased risk of any adverse event (adjusted odds ratio: 4.0, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.6-9.6; p = 0.002), which was mainly an increased risk of death (odds ratio: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.1-25.9; p = 0.031). Patients with SIRS had a longer median duration of intensive care unit stay compared with patients without SIRS (2 v 1 day; p<0.001). Conclusions SIRS predicts short-term outcome in patients undergoing transapical TAVI.
Background Aortic root replacement with a mechanical valve prosthesis is a widely accepted surgical technique. This study aims to evaluate short-term and long-term outcomes of this approach and to ...identify predictors of 30-day mortality. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of 528 patients (mean age, 54 ± 13 years) who underwent aortic root replacement for aneurysm (83%), acute type A dissection (15%), or endocarditis (2%) in the period between 1974 and 2008. The mean time of follow-up was 9.0 ± 7.0 years (range, 0 to 36 years). Concomitant aortic surgery was performed in 71%, coronary revascularization in 18%, and mitral valve surgery in 3%. Selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was applied in 25% and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 28% of patients. Results Overall 30-day mortality was 3.2% to 2.5% for elective surgery and 6.5% for urgent surgery. Morbidity included resternotomy for bleeding or tamponade (19%), pacemaker implantation (3.6%), myocardial infarction (4.0%), and neurologic damage (4.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed myocardial infarction ( p < 0.001) and the lack of glue use ( p = 0.018) as independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Subanalysis of the selective antegrade cerebral perfusion patients and the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest patients revealed infarction ( p = 0.005) and coronary artery disease ( p = 0.45) for selective antegrade cerebral perfusion and wrapping ( p = 0.035) for deep hypothermic circulatory arrest as independent risk factors. The survival rate was 87%, 73%, and 29% after 5, 10, and 25 years, respectively. Conclusions Aortic root replacement with a mechanical valve prosthesis can be performed safely with low mortality and acceptable morbidity. Perioperative myocardial infarction is the strongest independent risk factor of 30-day mortality.
Cardiovascular surgery is often complicated by significant bleeding due to perioperative coagulopathy. The effectiveness of treatment with fibrinogen concentrate to reduce the perioperative blood ...transfusion rate after thoracic aortic replacement surgery in prior studies has shown conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial to investigate if a single dose of intraoperative fibrinogen administration reduced blood loss and allogeneic transfusion rate after elective surgery for thoracic arch aneurysm with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Twenty patients were randomized to fibrinogen concentrate (N = 10) or placebo (N = 10). The recruitment of study patients was prematurely ended due to a low inclusion rate. Perioperative transfusion, 5-minute bleeding mass after study medication and postoperative blood loss were not different between the groups with fibrinogen concentrate or placebo. Due to small volumes of postoperative blood loss and premature study termination, a beneficial effect of fibrinogen concentrate on the number of blood transfusions could not be established. However, treatment with fibrinogen efficiently restored fibrinogen levels and clot strength to preoperative values with a more effective preserved postoperative thrombin generation capacity. This result might serve as a pilot for further multicenter studies to assess the prospective significance of automated and standardized thrombin generation as a routine assay for monitoring perioperative coagulopathy and its impact on short- and long-term operative results.
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