Fate of distal aorta after frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement for type A aortic dissection in Marfan syndrome. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2018;. [PMID: 30635189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.07.096]

Demographics and outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection in young adults in southeastern China: impact of syndromic heritable thoracic aortic disease

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the demographics and to evaluate long-term outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) in surgically treated patients ≤40 years in China.

METHODS

This study included patients aged ≤40 with ATAAD who underwent surgical treatment at our institution between 2015 and 2019. The patients were categorized into groups according to heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD) presence or absence. The primary outcomes were in-hospital and late mortality, and aortic-related re-intervention.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 141 patients aged ≤ 40, representing 14.6% of all patients with ATAAD treated during the same period. 35.5% (50 of 141) of these cases were associated with HTAD. Among them, only 16.0% were aware of their condition prior to the occurrence of ATAAD. Most patients underwent extensive arch procedures and in-hospital mortality rate of patients was 14.2%, which was higher in the HTAD group than in the non-HTAD group (20.0% vs. 11.0%, p = .142). The overall 7-year survival was 80.0%. Twenty patients required late aortic reoperations, with emergency surgeries accounting for 45% of the cases. The incidence of reoperation was significantly higher in the HTAD group than that in the non-HTAD group (p = .03). In addition, the late aortic reoperation remained a risk factor for long-term survival after adjusting for clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HTAD is high in the cohort of younger patients with ATAAD. HTAD is associated with high rates of in-hospital mortality and late reoperation. Extensive primary aortic repair is safe and has long-term benefits in young patients with ATAAD. Regular imaging assessment of the thoracoabdominal aorta after surgery is imperative for improving the long-term prognosis.

Changes in Abdominal Artery Diameter in Patients Treated for Acute Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric ischemia significantly increases intraoperative mortality in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). The arterial diameter affects both blood flow and arterial resistance. There are no data in the literature on changes in arterial diameter in patients with AAD. It has already been demonstrated that changes in arterial diameter can be observed in patients with non-occlusive intestinal ischemia. The aim of this study was to compare the arterial branches of the abdominal aorta in patients with AAD preoperatively and postoperatively.

METHODS

Preoperative and postoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans of 25 patients who had undergone the frozen elephant trunk procedure for the treatment of AAD were reconstructed and retrospectively analyzed with detailed medical data of the patients.

RESULTS

In patients without AAD at the level of the abdominal aorta, statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the diameter of the superior mesenteric artery (p < 0.001) and the renal arteries (p < 0.001) between preoperative and postoperative scans. Occlusion of the inferior mesenteric artery was more common in patients with AAD involving the abdominal aorta. Statistically significant differences in true and false lumen were observed at each level of the abdominal aorta after a successful frozen elephant trunk procedure.

CONCLUSION

Significant changes in visceral artery diameter were observed at the abdominal aortic level in patients both with and without aortic dissection. Chronic or non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia may be associated with a lack of adjustment in arterial diameter. Patients with AAD of the abdominal aorta are more susceptible to occlusion of the inferior mesenteric artery.

Hybrid Aortic Arch Replacement with Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET) Technique: Surgical Considerations, Pearls, and Pitfalls

The involvement of the aortic arch in thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), or acute aortic dissections (AAD), represents a challenging clinical entity, mandating a meticulous surgical plan, tailored to each individual case. The advent of endovascular techniques and the introduction of modern arch protheses have led to the implementation of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique. This one-step hybrid operation consists of a total aortic arch replacement combined with an antegrade delivery of a stent-graft for the descending aorta, which acts as a proximal landing zone facilitating a potential distal endovascular reintervention. In this manner, this technique addresses acute and chronic arch disease with an acceptable morbidity and mortality. Several FET prosthetic devices are available on the global market and have exhibited favourable outcomes, although with some disadvantages in complex cases; similarly, the hybrid procedure described in this review has also been associated with complications, such as coagulopathy and neurological and graft-related events. The purpose of this review is to thus provide key insights into successful hybrid aortic arch replacements and to discuss useful tips and relevant considerations regarding its use.

Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure for Acute Type a Aortic Dissection: Analysis of Distal Aortic Remodeling According to the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)/Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Reporting Standard

BACKGROUND

To investigate impact of frozen elephant trunk (FET) on long-term distal aortic remodeling in acute A aortic dissection (AAD) according to the latest recommended standards from the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)/Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).

METHODS

Clinical data and imaging of patients who underwent FET to treat acute AAD over the last 8 years were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if a pre and postoperative computed angio tomographies at least 30 days from surgery was available for comparison. Contrasted postprocessed imaging were analyzed with Aquarius iNtuition (TeraRecon Inc., Foster City, CA, USA) to analyze long-term positive aortic remodeling, false lumen thrombosis, and aortic expansion according to the SVS or STS recommendations. Secondary endpoints were the rate of in-hospital and long-term mortality, spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and aortic-related reinterventions.

RESULTS

Out of 75 patients who underwent FET for type A AAD, n = 41 (54.6%) were included. Significant positive aortic remodeling was reported in Ishimaru zone 1-4 but not in visceral or infrarenal aorta (P < 0.001), and the overall rate of false lumen thrombosis was 95.1% (n = 39). Aortic expansion rates were as follows: 4.9% in zones 1-4, 8.3% in zones 5-6, and 15% in zone 7. The rates of in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality were 7.3% (n = 3) and 9.7% (n = 4), respectively. At a median follow-up of 11 months (range 1-141, reintervention rate was 17.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

We report positive aortic remodeling of the distal thoracic aorta in patients who underwent FET for acute AAD according to the SVS or STS reporting standards. The positive effect on the distal aorta is limited to the thoracic segments but not in the visceral aorta.

Carotid versus axillary artery cannulation for descending aorta remodeling in type A acute aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

Arterial cannulation sites for the surgical repair of type A aortic dissection (AAD) have evolved from right axillary artery (AA) cannulation to bilateral carotid artery (CA) based of femoral artery (FA) cannulation. Postoperative descending aorta remodeling is closely linked to the false lumen area ratio (FLAR), defined as false lumen area/aortic area, as well as to the incidence of renal replacement therapy (RRT).

AIM

To investigate the effect of the updated arterial cannulation strategy on descending aortic remodeling.

METHODS

A total of 443 AAD patients who received FA combined cannulation between March 2015 and March 2023 were included in the study. Of these, 209 received right AA cannulation and 234 received bilateral CA cannulation. The primary outcome was the change in FLAR, as calculated from computed tomography angiography in three segments of the descending aorta: Thoracic (S1), upper abdominal (S2), and lower abdominal (S3). Secondary outcomes were the incidence of RRT and the serum inflammation response, as observed by the levels of high sensitivity C reaction protein (hs-CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6).

RESULTS

The postoperative/preoperative ratio of FLAR in S2 and S3 was higher in the AA group compared to the CA group (S2: 0.80 ± 0.08 vs 0.75 ± 0.07, P < 0.001; S3: 0.57 ± 0.12 vs 0.50 ± 0.12, P < 0.001, respectively). The AA group also had a significantly higher incidence of RRT (19.1% vs 8.5%, P = 0.001; odds ratio: 2.533, 95%CI: 1.427-4.493) and higher levels of inflammation cytokines 24 h after the procedure [hr-CRP: 117 ± 17 vs 104 ± 15 mg/L; IL-6: 129 (103, 166) vs 83 (69, 101) pg/mL; both P < 0.001] compared to the CA group.

CONCLUSION

The CA cannulation strategy was associated with better abdominal aorta remodeling after AAD repair compared to AA cannulation, as observed by a greater change in FLAR and lower incidence of RRT.

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

BACKGROUND

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

This newly-designed FDMS for endovascular repair of residual dissection after the proximal repair is safe and effective at 12 months.

CLINICAL IMPACT

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.

Aortic diameter remodeling after frozen elephant trunk as a predictor of early outcomes in thoracoabdominal aortic repair

OBJECTIVE

Patients who underwent previous frozen elephant trunk implantation for Stanford type A aortic dissection remain at risk for secondary intervention due to unsuccessful distal aortic remodeling. We aimed to investigate the impact of distal aortic remodeling on early outcomes in patients who underwent 2-stage thoracoabdominal aortic repair.

METHODS

A total of 106 patients who previously underwent frozen elephant trunk implantation and thoracoabdominal aortic repair between October 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled in this study. The extent of distal aortic remodeling was evaluated, including aortic diameter, area ratio of the false lumen/aortic lumen, and patency of the false lumen at 3 levels of the aorta. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors for early outcomes.

RESULTS

The aortic diameter at the distal frozen elephant trunk was significantly larger in patients who died early than in surviving patients (79.19 ± 22.89 mm vs 46.84 ± 19.17 mm, respectively, adjusted P = .001). The optimal cutoff value for the aortic diameter at the distal frozen elephant trunk was 60 mm. Patients with an aortic diameter 60 mm or more at the distal frozen elephant trunk had worse early outcomes (P < .05), including prolonged intubation, early death, and postoperative complications. The aortic diameter at the distal frozen elephant trunk was identified as a significant risk factor for early death in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic repair with an aortic diameter 60 mm or more at the distal frozen elephant trunk have worse early outcomes. Moreover, an aortic diameter at the distal frozen elephant trunk is a significant risk factor for early death in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic repair.

The frozen elephant trunk: seeking a more definitive treatment for acute type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

Conventional treatment for type A aortic dissection includes replacement of the ascending aorta with an open distal anastomosis in the hemiarch position. The frozen elephant trunk (FET) is a hybrid technique that extends the repair to the descending thoracic aorta. The goal is to improve resolution of malperfusion syndrome and to induce positive aortic remodelling and reduce the need for reintervention on the downstream aorta. We aim to summarize the data on the short and long-term outcomes of this technique.

METHODS

A thorough search of the literature was conducted isolating all articles dealing with aortic remodelling after the use of FET in case of type A acute aortic dissection. Keywords 'aortic dissection', 'frozen elephant trunk', 'aortic remodelling' and 'false lumen thrombosis' were used. Data for type B and chronic aortic dissections were excluded.

RESULTS

FET use favourably influences aortic remodelling. The main advantages lie in the exclusion of distal entry tears in either the aortic arch or descending aorta thus restoring antegrade blood flow in the true lumen and inducing false lumen thrombosis. False lumen thrombosis is not only induced at the level of the stent deployment but also lower in the distal descending aorta. Moreover, it offers an adequate landing zone in the mid-descending aorta for second-stage endovascular or open surgical aortic repair, if needed.

CONCLUSIONS

FET can be advantageous in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection dealing with extended aortic pathology.

Early and long-term outcomes of young adult patients ≤30 years old with acute type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the early and long-term outcomes after total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation in adult patients ≤30 years with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).

METHODS

All young adult patients (≤30 years) with ATAAD who underwent TAR and FET between 2009 and 2017 were enrolled. The end points were major organ morbidity and mortality, aortic-related events and reoperation.

RESULTS

The mean age of all 83 patients was 25.9 (standard deviation, 3.3) years. The in-hospital mortality was 9.64% (8/83), and 9 (10.8%) patients required re-exploration for bleeding. The aortic-related events risk was 42.7% (32/75) and the aortic reoperation risk was 17.3% (13/75). Overall survival was 85.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 75.9-91.5%] at 5 years and 75.9% (95% CI, 63.3-84.7%) at 10 years. The cumulative incidence of aortic-related events was 35% (95% CI, 24-47%) at 5 years and 58% (95% CI, 36-75%) at 10 years; the cumulative reoperation rate was 15% (95% CI, 7.9-24%) at 5 years and 17% (95% CI, 9.2-27%) at 10 years. Marfan syndrome significantly increased the aortic-related events (P = 0.036) and reoperation (P = 0.041) risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite extensive repair in young ATAAD patients, the late aortic dilatation and reoperation risk remain high. The TAR and FET procedures achieved satisfactory early outcomes and reduced late aortic dilatation and reoperation in young patients compared with other records. Close follow-up and aggressive early reintervention are essential for patients with aortic-related risk factors early in life.

The Fate of Conventional Elephant Trunk in the Frozen Elephant Trunk Era

Conventional elephant trunk (cET) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) are two distinct approaches to the surgical treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. With the advent and growing uptake of endovascular technologies, FET is becoming increasingly popular for its potential to be performed as a single-stage operation with better aortic remodeling and less risk of graft kinking than the traditional two-stage cET procedure. However, FET has been associated with a higher risk of spinal cord ischemia and its use in patients with connective tissue disorder remains controversial. The current review aimed to reflect on recent evidence surrounding the application of cET and FET to different types of aortic pathology in both acute and elective settings. Another scope of this review was to compare the characteristics of the currently available FET commercial devices on the global market. Our findings highlight that when the pathology is confined to the proximal descending aorta, such as in Dsine, intervention is often single-staged and false lumen (FL) thrombosis is achieved with good effect. FET remains limited by spinal cord injury and applicability in patients with connective tissue disorder, although some groups have started to circumvent associated complications, likely due to growing surgical expertise. Many other aortic diseases do require second-stage intervention, and even in these cases, there appears to be lower in-hospital mortality when using FET over cET. This is possibly due to the higher rate of endovascular completion facilitated by the completed landing zones created during FET. FET is trending toward becoming the universal treatment modality for extending repair to the descending aorta.

Early results of frozen elephant trunk in acute type-A dissection in 1445 patients

BACKGROUND

We aimed to briefly describe the use of total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk in our center's 12-year treatment of acute type A dissection and the early postoperative results. We summarized the practical experience of this procedure in our center and performed regression analyses to find the independent risk factors for major complications.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with acute type A dissection having surgical total arch replacement with the implantation of a frozen elephant trunk were collected from January 2010 to December 2021 and were included in the analysis. For each major operation-related complication, independent risk factors were identified using both univariate and multivariate regression models.

RESULTS

In our institution, the total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk procedure is used more frequently each year and makes up 70% of the surgical procedures for acute type A dissection. The overall postoperative mortality rate was 6.2%, which declined as the techniques (including surgical procedures, organ perfusion protection etc.) improved. Other complications include: 11.7% for continuous renal replacement therapy, 5.7% for stroke, 17.8% for ICU stay longer than 7 days, 10.9% for prolonged mechanical ventilation, and so on. According to regression analysis, different major complications had different independent risk factors. Several factors, such as advanced age, impaired renal function, and extended cardiopulmonary bypass time, were found to be implicated in nearly all of the complications.

CONCLUSION

Total arch replacement plus frozen elephant trunk strategy is a safe surgical method for extensive acute type A dissection. Some factors, such as advanced age, impaired renal function, and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, might be associated with poor prognosis.

Aortic shape variation after frozen elephant trunk procedure predicts aortic events: Principal component analysis study

Objective

The frozen elephant trunk procedure is a well-established technique for the repair of type A ascending aortic dissection and complex aortic arch pathology. The ultimate shape created by the repair may have consequences in long-term complications. The purpose of this study was to apply a machine learning technique to comprehensively describe 3-dimensional aortic shape variations after the frozen elephant trunk procedure and associate these variations with aortic events.

Methods

Computed tomography angiography acquired before discharge of patients (n = 93) who underwent the frozen elephant trunk procedure for type A ascending aortic dissection or ascending aortic arch aneurysm was preprocessed to yield patient-specific aortic models and centerlines. Aortic centerlines were subjected to principal component analysis to describe principal components and aortic shape modulators. Patient-specific shape scores were correlated with outcomes defined by composite aortic event, including aortic rupture, aortic root dissection or pseudoaneurysm, new type B dissection, new thoracic or thoracoabdominal pathologies, residual descending aortic dissection with residual false lumen flow, or thoracic endovascular aortic repair complications.

Results

The first 3 principal components accounted for 36.4%, 26.4%, and 11.6% of aortic shape variance, respectively, and cumulatively for 74.5% of the total shape variation in all patients. The first principal component described variation in arch height-to-length ratio, the second principal component described angle at the isthmus, and the third principal component described variation in anterior-to-posterior arch tilt. Twenty-one aortic events (22.6%) were encountered. The degree of aortic angle at the isthmus described by the second principal component was associated with aortic events in logistic regression (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-0.99; P = .046).

Conclusions

The second principal component, describing angulation at the region of the aortic isthmus, was associated with adverse aortic events. Observed shape variation should be evaluated in the context of aortic biomechanical properties and flow hemodynamics.

Impact of frozen elephant trunk on the outcomes of thoracoabdominal aortic repair with normothermic iliac perfusion

Background

Frozen elephant trunk technique (FET) has been proven to provide an excellent landing zone for second-stage thoracoabdominal (TA) aortic repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of FET in TA aortic repair with normothermic iliac perfusion.

Methods

From January 2008 to December 2019, 144 patients undergoing TA repair with normothermic iliac perfusion were enrolled in this study. Early and mid-term outcomes of patients with previous FET implantation (group A, n = 62) were compared with patients without previous FET implantation (group B, n = 82). The logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors for adverse events, which were defined as early death, permanent stroke, permanent paraplegia, or permanent renal failure necessitating dialysis.

Results

The proximal aortic clamp time and operating time was 14.26 ± 5.57 min and 357.40 ± 94.51 respectively in group A, which were both significantly shorter than that in group B (18.67 ± 5.24 min and 18.67 ± 5.24 min). The incidence of adverse event was significantly lower in group A than that in group B (9.7% vs. 25.6%, P = 0.027). There was no significant difference between two groups with regard to other complications or late outcomes. In addition, age >50 years, a Ccr < 90 ml/min/1.73 m² and the operating time were identified as significant risk factors through logistic regression analysis for adverse events of TA repair.

Conclusions

The FET technique simplifies the operative technique of proximal anastomosis, decreases the operating time and improves the early outcomes in TA repair, whereas does not provide a significant benefit with regard to late outcomes. Long-term follow-up and studies with larger sample sizes are necessary for further confirmation.

Visceral protection in total arch replacement for aortic dissection: Effect of lower body hypothermia

OBJECTIVE

Optimal hypothermia strategy for total arch replacement in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is unclear. A higher temperature during circulatory arrest might reduce tolerance to ischemia for visceral organs. We sought to investigate the effect of hypothermia on visceral protection.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2019, 1138 consecutive patients underwent total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection. The data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Visceral organ injury and visceral-related adverse outcomes were defined as acute renal failure or spinal cord injury or both. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate linear regression model were used.

RESULTS

The mean age of patient was 46.9 ± 10.0 years, with a male preponderance (79.6%). Operative mortality was 6.1% (69 patients). Spinal cord injury occurred in 55 (4.8%) patients and 133 (11.7%) patients had acute renal failure. In the multivariate logistic regression model, neither bladder temperature (odds ratio [OR] 0.971, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.922-1.024, p = .278) nor circulatory arrest duration (OR 1.017, 95% CI 0.987-1.047, p = .267) significantly associated with visceral-related adverse outcomes. Female, lower limb malperfusion, age, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration and preoperative serum creatinine level were independent risk factors of visceral-related outcomes. There was a significant negative correlation between bladder temperature and CPB duration in multiple linear regression model (β = -3.67, p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder temperature had no effect on outcomes related to visceral protection under the premise of short circulatory arrest duration, but female gender, lower limb malperfusion, age, CPB duration, and preoperative serum creatinine level were independent risk factors. Bladder temperature negatively correlated to CPB duration.

Endovascular reintervention after frozen elephant trunk: where is the evidence?

The introduction of the single-step hybrid frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure for total arch replacement has revolutionized the field of aortovascular surgery. FET has proven to achieve excellent results in the repair of complex thoracic aorta pathologies. However, there remains a risk of reintervention post-FET for a variety of causes. This secondary intervention can either be performed endovascular, with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), or via open surgery. Multiple FET hybrid prosthesis are commercially available, each requiring different rates of endovascular reintervention. The current review will focus on providing an overview of the reintervention rates for main causes in relation to the FET grafts on the market. In addition, strategies to prevent reintervention will be highlighted. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid, Scopus and Embase to highlight the evidence in the literature on endovascular reintervention after FET. The main causes for secondary intervention are distal stent graft-induced new entry (dSINE), endoleak and negative aortic remodeling, and to a much lesser extent, graft kinking and aorto-esophageal fistulae. In addition, it is clear that the Thoraflex Hybrid (Terumo Aortic, Inchinnan, UK) is the superior FET device, showing excellent reintervention rates for all the above causes. Interestingly, the choice of FET device as well as its size and length can help prevent the need for reintervention. The FET procedure is indeed associated with excellent clinical outcomes, however, the need for reintervention may still arise. Importantly, the Thoraflex Hybrid prosthesis has shown excellent results when it comes to endovascular reintervention. Finally, several strategies exist that can prevent reintervention.

Early and midterm results of frozen elephant trunk operation with Evita open stent-graft in patients with Marfan syndrome: results of a multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) is not recommended. Hybrid procedures such as frozen elephant trunk (FET), which combines stent-graft deployment with an integrated non-stented fabric graft for proximal grafting and suturing, have not been previously evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of FET operation in patients with MFS.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the International E-vita Open Registry (IEOR) who underwent FET procedure between January 2001 and February 2020 meeting Ghent criteria for MFS were included in the study. Early and midterm results were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative, postoperative and follow-up computed tomography angiography scans were analysed.

RESULTS

We analyzed 37 patients [mean age 38 ± 11 years, 65% men]. Acute or chronic aortic dissection was present in 35 (95%) patients (14 and 21 patients respectively). Two (5%) patients had an aneurysm without dissection. Malperfusion syndrome was present in 4 patients. Twenty-nine (78%) patients had history of aortic surgical interventions. The 30-day and in-hospital mortality amounted to 8 and 14% respectively. False lumen exclusion was present in 73% in stented segment in last postoperative CT. The overall 5-year survival was 71% and freedom from reintervention downstream was 58% at 5 years. Of the nine patients who required reintervention for distal aortic disease, one patient died.

CONCLUSIONS

FET operation for patients with MFS can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity. In long-term follow-up no reinterventions on the aortic arch were required. FET allows for easier second stage operations providing platform for surgical and endovascular reinterventions.

Fenestrated-branched endovascular repair for distal thoraco-abdominal aortic pathology after total aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular repair (FBEVAR) for thoracoabdominal aortic pathology after total aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk (TAR+FET).

METHODS

Interrogation of prospectively-maintained databases from four high volume aortic centres identified consecutive patients treated with distal FBEVAR after prior TAR+FET between August 2013 and September 2020. Primary endpoint was 30-day/in-hospital mortality. Secondary end points were technical success, early clinical success, mid-term survival and freedom from re-intervention. Data are presented as median (IQR).

RESULTS

39 patients [21 men; median age, 73 years (67-75)] with degenerative (n=22) and post-dissection TAAAs (n=17) [median diameter 71 mm (61-78)] were identified. Distal FBEVAR was intended in 27 patients [median interval 9.8 months (6.2-16.6)], anticipated in seven and unexpected in five. 31 patients had a two (n=24) or three (n=7) stage distal FBEVAR. Reno-visceral target vessel preservation was 99.3% (145 of 146). Early primary and secondary technical success was 92% and 97%, respectively. 30-day mortality was 2.6% [n=1; respiratory failure and spinal cord ischaemia (SCI)]. Six survivors also developed SCI which was associated with complete (n=4), or partial recovery (n=2) at hospital discharge. No patients required renal replacement therapy or suffered a stroke. Early clinical success was 95%. Median follow-up was 30.5 months (23.7-49.7). Eleven patients required 16 late re-interventions. Estimated 3-year survival and freedom from re-intervention were 84±6% and 63±10%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Distal FBEVAR after prior TAR+FET is associated with high technical success and low early mortality. The risk of SCI is significant although the majority of patients demonstrate full or partial recovery before hospital discharge. Mid-term patient survival is favourable but there remains a high requirement for late re-intervention. FBEVAR represents an acceptable alternative to distal open TAAA repair.

Prediction Nomogram for Postoperative 30-Day Mortality in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Patients Receiving Total Aortic Arch Replacement With Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique

Objective

To develop and validate a nomogram model to predict postoperative 30-day mortality in acute type A aortic dissection patients receiving total aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique.

Method

Clinical data on 1,156 consecutive acute type A aortic dissection patients who got total aortic arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk technique was collected from January 2010 to December 2020. These patients were divided into training and testing cohorts at random with a ratio of 7:3. To predict postoperative 30-day mortality, a nomogram was established in the training set using the logistic regression model. The novel nomogram was then validated in the testing set. The nomogram's calibration and discrimination were evaluated. In addition, we created four machine learning prediction models in the training set. In terms of calibration and discrimination, the nomogram was compared to these machine learning models in testing set.

Results

Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter <45 mm, estimated glomerular filtration rate <50 ml/min/1.73 m², persistent abdominal pain, radiological celiac trunk malperfusion, concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and cardiopulmonary bypass time >4 h were independent predictors of the 30-day mortality. The nomogram based on these 6 predictors manifested satisfying calibration and discrimination. In testing set, the nomogram outperformed the other 4 machine learning models.

Conclusion

The novel nomogram is a simple and effective tool to predict 30-day mortality rate for acute type A aortic dissection patients undergoing total aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique.

Comparison of Single Axillary vs. Dual Arterial Cannulation for Acute Type a Aortic Dissection: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background

The optimal arterial cannulation site for acute aortic dissection repair is unclear, especially for complex arch surgery. Axillary artery cannulation is widely accepted but adding femoral artery cannulation to it was considered to potentially improve perfusion and early outcomes. To clarify this point, a comparison of perioperative outcomes for these two different cannulation strategies was conducted regarding the pathological features of dissection.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2019, 927 consecutive patients underwent a total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection. The data, including detailed pathological features, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used for adjusting confounders that are potentially related to the outcome.

Results

A total of 523 patients (56.3%) accepted a dual arterial cannulation (DAC group), and 406 patients (43.7%) received a single axillary artery cannulation (SAC group). In total, 388 pairs of patients were well-matched. Whether before or after adjusting the preoperative characteristics by matching, there were no significant differences in operative mortality (6.7 vs. 5.4%, P = 0.420 before matching; 5.4 vs. 5.4%, P = 1 after matching), stroke (6.7 vs. 5.4%, P = 0.420 before matching; 6.4 vs. 5.2%, P = 0.435 after matching), spinal cord injury (5 vs. 5.7%, P = 0.640 before matching; 5.4 vs. 5.7%, P = 1. After matching), and acute renal failure requiring dialysis (13.8 vs. 9.6%, P =0.050 before matching; 12.6 vs. 9.5%, P = 0.174) between the two groups. Dual arterial cannulation was not an independent protective factor of operative mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–1.86), stroke (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.65–2.11), spinal cord injury (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.65–2.11), and acute renal failure requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.78–1.97) after adjusting for confounding factors by multivariable logistic regression analysis. In the subgroup analysis, no advantage of dual arterial cannulation was found for a particular population.

Conclusions

Single axillary artery cannulation was competent in the complex arch repair for acute aortic dissection, presenting with a satisfactory result as dual arterial cannulation. Adding femoral artery cannulation was necessary when a sufficient flow volume could not be achieved by axillary artery cannulation or when a lower limb malperfusion existed.

Long-term outcomes after aortic root replacement for patients with Marfan syndrome

Background

A diversity of surgical strategies are used to treat Marfan syndrome patients with aortic disease. We sought to evaluate the long-term efficiency of aortic root replacement (ARR) for patients with Marfan syndrome.

Methods

Data were collected from 131 patients with Marfan syndrome and aortic disease who underwent ARR in our center. We retrospectively analyzed the long-term outcomes of these patients, among whom 68 had been diagnosed with aortic aneurysm (AA) and had undergone ARR. The remaining 63 patients had aortic dissection (AD); of these, 35 underwent ARR for limited ascending AD, while the others underwent ARR and total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk (FET). Risk factors for survival and reoperation were identified.

Results

The operative mortality rate was 4.58%. Age >40 years was the sole risk factor for operative mortality. During follow-up, 12 deaths occurred. Patients aged <25 years and female patients were more prone to late death than were other patients. Indications for reoperation were noted in 22 patients, and the risk factors were age <30 years and female sex. At 5 years, the survival rate was 92.96%, and the freedom from reoperation rate was 88.36%. At 10 years, the survival rate was 85.25%, and the freedom from reoperation rate was 71.75%. The survival and freedom from reoperation rates were significantly higher in patients with AD than in those with AA. Specifically, chronic AD was a greater risk factor for late survival than was acute AD in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Conclusions

For patients with Marfan syndrome and aortic disease, ARR can be safely performed and results in low operative mortality and favorable long-term survival. Young and female patients have a higher risk for late death and reoperation. To prevent AD, surgical intervention should be promptly implemented following the diagnosis of aortic sinus dilation.

False lumen thrombosis after frozen elephant trunk procedure in acute and chronic aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of the false lumen (FL) thrombosis after the thoracic aortic surgery consists in the correlation with aortic remodeling. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of the FL thrombosis of the thoracoabdominal aorta after the frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure in acute and chronic aortic dissection.

METHODS

A total of 57 consecutive patients with type A and B aortic dissection (AD) underwent the FET procedure between March 2012 and December 2020 were included in a retrospective study. All of the patients were divided in two groups: acute (n=18) and chronic (n=39) AD. Early and 2-year outcomes were evaluated in both groups. Computed tomography scans were obtained along the entire aorta for the aortic status assessment.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in early mortality and postoperative outcomes in both groups. The 2-year survival rate in acute and chronic AD was 74.7%±10% vs. 71.4%±7% (p=0.573), respectively. In the follow-up, the FL thrombosis rate, changes of the true lumen and total aortic diameters did not differ significantly between the analyzed groups of patients. The freedom from negative aortic remodeling was 62.2%±26% in acute AD versus 76.2%±11% in chronic AD (p=0.853). One (5.6%) and 4 (10.3%) distal aortic re-interventions were performed in acute and chronic AD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

False lumen thrombosis rate after the FET procedure did not differ significantly in acute and chronic AD.

The frozen elephant trunk technique: impact of proximalization and the four-sites perfusion technique

 

OBJECTIVES

To improve organ protection with the frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure, a so-called four-sites perfusion in combination with proximalization for the distal aortic anastomosis was performed. The impact of these techniques on patient outcome is reported.

METHODS

Between February 2005 and April 2020, a total of 357 patients underwent the FET procedure for acute (54%) or chronic (22%) aortic dissection or aneurysmal disease (24%). The level of the distal FET anastomosis was defined according to aortic arch zones 0–3. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the intraoperative perfusion strategy: (i) selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) alone (N = 96, 2 sites); (ii) SACP plus left subclavian artery or distal aorta (N = 84, 3 sites) and (iii) SACP plus left subclavian artery plus distal aorta (N = 177, 4 sites). Early outcome was addressed by a composite end point: occurrence of either a disabling stroke, a disabling spinal cord injury, extracorporeal circulatory support, kidney dialysis or death within 90 days.

RESULTS

Preoperative characteristics were similar among the groups. Surgery in group C was characterized by FET proximalization in arch zone ≤2, moderate hypothermia at 28°C and shorter periods of extracorporeal circulation, SACP, hypothermic circulatory arrest and cardioplegic arrest (P < 0.001, respectively). Occurrence of the composite end point was reduced in group C (P = 0.008). The combination of FET proximalization and four-sites perfusion was a protective factor for the composite outcome in multivariable analysis (P = 0.009). The 5-year survival was improved in patients who underwent FET proximalization in zone ≤2 (hazard ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval 0.4–1.0; P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

FET proximalization in combination with four-sites perfusion has the potential to improve patient outcomes in terms of survival and major events.

Subject collection

120; 161.

Distal Aortic Remodeling after Type A Dissection Repair: An Ongoing Mirage

Remodeling is a commonly encountered term in the field of cardiothoracic surgery that is often used to describe various pathophysiological changes in the dimension, structure, and function of various cardiac chambers, including the aorta. Stanford type A or DeBakey type 1 aortic dissection (TAAD) is a perplexing pathologic condition that can present surgical teams with the need to navigate a maze of complex decision-making. Ascending or hemi-arch replacement leaves behind a significant amount of distal diseased aortic tissue, which might have a persistent false lumen or primary or secondary intimal tears (or communications between lumina), which can lead to dilatation of the aortic arch. Unfavorable aortic remodeling is a major cause of distal aortic deterioration after the index surgery. Cardiac surgeons are aware of post-surgical cardiac chamber remodeling, but the concept of distal aortic remodeling is still idealized. The contemporary literature from established aortic centers supports aggressive management of the residual aortic pathology during the index surgery, and with continuing technical advancements, endovascular stenting options are readily available for patients with TAAD or for complicated type B aortic dissection cases. This review discusses the pathophysiology and treatment options for favorable distal aortic remodeling, as well as its impact on mid- to long-term outcomes following TAAD repair.

Open or endovascular treatment of downstream thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aortic pathology after frozen elephant trunk: perioperative and mid-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of open and endovascular treatment of downstream thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aortic pathology in patients who underwent previous frozen elephant trunk (FET).

METHODS

Data were retrieved to evaluate mortality, cardiac, pulmonary, cerebrovascular, renal and spinal cord major adverse events, early- and mid-term reintervention and survival rates. The Society for Vascular Surgery endovascular reporting standards were used.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2020, 48 patients (36 males, median age 60 years) underwent downstream aortic repair at a median of 18 months (interquartile range: 6-57) after the initial FET. Twenty-eight patients (58.3%) received open and 20 (41.7%) endovascular repair. The overall 30-day mortality was 6.3% and the initial clinical success was 88%, with no inter-group differences (P = 0.22 and 0.66 respectively). Six spinal cord deficits were recorded (13%): 3 (6.3%) were permanent. The major adverse events incidence was lower in the endovascular cohort [4 (20%) vs 14 (50%); P = 0.047], mainly due to a lower rate of grade ≥2 respiratory complications (5% vs 42.9%; P = 0.004). Assisted primary clinical success at 5 years was higher in the endovascular group (95% vs 68%, P = 0.022); freedom from reintervention at competing risk analysis (P = 0.3) and overall survival at Kaplan-Meier curves (log-rank P = 0.29) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Downstream aortic repair after FET is feasible with both open and endovascular repair with acceptable mortality and permanent paraplegia rates. The endovascular approach has potential perioperative and mid-term advantages, but long-term durability has to be further investigated in larger cohorts.

Changes of stent-graft orientation after frozen elephant trunk treatment in aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to evaluate the extent of stent-graft (SG) elastic recoil in the descending aorta after the frozen elephant trunk procedure in acute (AAD) and chronic (CAD) aortic dissection as well as the impact of SG movement on distal stent graft-induced new entry (d-SINE).

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 149 (105 AAD, 44 CAD) of 259 aortic dissection patients after the frozen elephant trunk procedure between January 2005 and April 2019. Inclusion criteria were at least 1-year computed tomography angiography (CTA) aortic examinations during a follow-up time of 3.8 ± 2.7 years and absence of open or endovascular reintervention. Multiplanar reconstruction of CTA scans was used to define the SG vector position and movement in a virtual Cartesian coordinate system. The angle φ of vector movement and changes of aortic areas at the distal landing zone were analysed.

RESULTS

The distal SG position changed over time in the cranial (10.06 ± 11.12 mm), dorsal (8.45 ± 11.12 mm) and lateral (4.96 ± 9.89 mm) directions (P < 0.001). The total change of φ (4.08 ± 7.03°) was greater in AAD than in CAD (P = 0.026). d-SINE was more common in CAD (P < 0.001) and was associated with the size of the aortic area, aortic area enlargement and continuous SG unfolding (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

With the frozen elephant trunk technique, movement and change of SG orientation in the descending aorta were observed over time. Elastic recoil was greater in AAD than in CAD. The incidence of d-SINE was particularly dependent on the size of the aortic lumen and SG radial expansion and less on elastic recoil.

The frozen elephant trunk technique in acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection

Although advances in the field of cardiovascular surgery have improved outcomes for patients with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection, postoperative in-hospital mortality and morbidity remain substantial. The frozen elephant trunk technique has become a treatment option for this disease and was developed primarily to extend repair into the proximal descending thoracic aorta during aortic arch repair (because the descending thoracic aorta is largely inaccessible via median sternotomy), thus avoiding, delaying, or facilitating subsequent repair of residual native aorta. In this review, we discuss the evidence for and future development of frozen elephant trunk reconstruction for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection.

Frozen elephant trunk with Frozenix prosthesis

This paper presents the clinical applications of the Japanese-made frozen elephant trunk (FET, Frozenix®). The historical aspects of FET development, manufacture and structure of Frozenix, video images of a representative case, and a summary of a multi-centre Japanese Frozenix study, J-ORCHESTRA, are discussed.

Is the frozen elephant trunk technique justified for chronic type A aortic dissection in Marfan syndrome?

Background

Chronic type A aortic dissection (cTAAD) in Marfan syndrome (MFS) is rare. Surgical experience is limited and the role of frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique remains undefined. We seek to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the total arch replacement (TAR) and FET technique for cTAAD in MFS.

Methods

The clinical data of sixty-eight patients with MFS undergoing FET and TAR for cTAAD were analyzed.

Results

Mean age was 35.8±9.7 years and thirty-nine were male (57.4%). Operative mortality was 10.3% (7/68). Stroke occurred in one (1.5%), re-exploration for bleeding in five (7.3%), low cardiac output in four (5.9%), and acute renal failure in two (2.9%). Follow-up was complete in 100% (61/61) at mean 7.3±4.0 years. The false lumen was obliterated in 73.5% across FET and 50.0% in unstented descending aorta (DAo). Distal dilation occurred in twenty patients, six of whom underwent thoracoabdominal aortic replacement, one abdominal aortic replacement and one thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Late death occurred in five. At ten years, 59.8% were free from distal aortic dilation, and the incidences were 23.2% for death, 14.4% for distal reoperation, and 62.4% for reoperation-free survival. Predictors for operative mortality were extra-anatomic bypass [odds ratio (OR), 229.592; P=0.036], preoperative maximal size (DMax) of aortic sinuses (mm) (OR, 1.134; P=0.032) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (minute) (OR, 1.061; P=0.041). Risk factors for aortic dilatation included patent false lumen at diaphragmatic hiatus [hazard ratio (HR), 5.374; P=0.008], preoperative DMax (mm) of proximal DAo (HR, 1.068; P=0.001) and renal arteries (HR, 1.102; P=0.005) which also predicted distal reoperation (HR, 1.149; P=0.001). The time from onset to operation (day) (HR, 1.002; P=0.004) and CPB time (minute) (HR, 1.032; P=0.036) predicted late death.

Conclusions

This study shows that the TAR and FET technique is a safe and durable approach to cTAAD in patients with MFS. The operation should be performed as early as possible to optimize clinical outcomes.

Total endovascular repair of an intraoperative stent-graft deployed in the false lumen of Stanford type A aortic dissection: A case report

BACKGROUND

A 46-year-old male underwent ascending aortic replacement, total arch replacement, and descending aortic stent implantation for Stanford type A aortic dissection in 2016. However, an intraoperative stent-graft was deployed in the false lumen inadvertently. This caused severe iatrogenic thoracic and abdominal aortic dissection, and the dissection involved many visceral arteries.

CASE SUMMARY

The patient had pain in the chest and back for 1 mo. A computed tomography scan showed that the patient had secondary thoracic and abdominal aortic dissection. The ascending aortic replacement, total arch replacement, and descending aortic stent implantation for Stanford type A aortic dissection were performed 2 years prior. An intraoperative stent-graft was deployed in the false lumen. Endovascular aneurysm repair was performed to address this intractable situation. An occluder was used to occlude the proximal end of the true lumen, and a covered stent was used to direct blood flow back to the true lumen. A three-dimensional printing technique was used in this operation to guide pre-fenestration. The computed tomography scan at the 1^stmo after surgery showed that the thoracic and abdominal aortic dissection was repaired, with all visceral arteries remaining patent. The patient did not develop renal failure or neurological complications after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The total endovascular repair for false lumen stent-graft implantation was feasible and minimally invasive. Our procedures provided a new solution for stent-graft deployed in the false lumen, and other departments may be inspired by this case when they need to rescue a disastrous stent implantation.

Decision-making at initial surgery for type A aortic dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome: proximal or extensive repair

Background

Data on outcome of Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) in Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients are limited. We investigated the full spectrum of reoperation and survival after initial surgery in MFS patients who suffered TAAD.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 85 consecutive MFS patients in one-single center during the past 15 years.

Results

Overall, 85 MFS patients with TAAD underwent surgical repair [74% acute dissections; 80% DeBakey type I; 91% composite valved graft; 70% total arch replacement (TAR); 68% frozen elephant trunk (FET); 7% in-hospital mortality] at Changhai hospital affiliated to the Second Military Medical University over the past 15 years. Five (20.8%) patients in non-TAR group need aortic arch reintervention with resternotomy during follow-up, which is significantly higher than that in TAR group (P=0.001). Freedom from aortic arch reoperation in non-TAR group was all 78.7%±8.5% at 5, 10, and 15 years. No patient required aortic arch reoperation in TAR group (P=0.001). On the other hand, the FET was inserted into false lumen intentionally at initial surgery in 2 cases of chronic TAAD with narrowed true lumen. Scheduled thoracoabdominal aortic replacement was performed 6 months later. Both 2 patients are with well clinical outcomes. At last, we found that Debakey type and TAR at initial surgery were irrelevant to survival and reoperation for descending aorta.

Conclusions

TAR combined with FET is recommended in MFS patients when the aortic arch is dissected or enlarged. The FET could be inserted into the false lumen intentionally in selective case for scheduled 2-staged descending aortic repair.