Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation trial: Canadian results

Survival after operative repair of acute type A aortic dissection varies according to the presence and type of preoperative malperfusion

OBJECTIVE

Approximately one-quarter of patients with acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) present with concomitant malperfusion of coronary arteries, mesenteric circulation, lower extremities, kidneys, brain, and/or coma. It is generally accepted that TAAD patients who present with malperfusion experience higher mortality rates than patients without, although how specific malperfusion syndromes, alone or in combination, affect mortality is not well described.

METHODS

The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection database was queried for patients who underwent surgical repair of TAAD. Patients were stratified according to the presence/absence of malperfusion at presentation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate in-hospital mortality according to malperfusion type. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to estimate 30-day postoperative survival.

RESULTS

Six thousand four hundred thirty-seven patients underwent surgical repair of acute TAAD, of whom 2642 (41%) had 1 or more preoperative malperfusion syndromes. Mesenteric malperfusion (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.84; P < .001) was associated with the highest odds of in-hospital mortality, followed by coma (AOR, 1.88; P = .007), limb ischemia (AOR, 1.73; P = .008), and coronary malperfusion (AOR, 1.51; P = .02). Renal malperfusion (AOR, 1.37; P = .24) and neurologic deficit (AOR, 1.35; P = .28) were not associated with increased in-hospital mortality. In patients who survived to discharge, there was no difference in 1-year postdischarge survival in the malperfusion and no malperfusion cohorts (P = .36).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival during the index admission after TAAD repair varies according to the presence and type of malperfusion syndromes, with mesenteric malperfusion being associated with the highest odds of in-hospital death. Not only the presence of malperfusion but rather specific malperfusion syndromes should be considered when assessing a patient's risk of undergoing TAAD repair.

Aortic arch de-branching for suspected expanding perigraft haematoma after previous acute type-A dissection repair with AMDS stent: a technique for a potential future problem

BACKGROUND

Acute Stanford type- A aortic dissections make up a large part of emergency cardiac surgery. They also carry a significant burden of morbidity. New techniques to aid aortic remodelling include the Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS): Its increasing use, looks to present a potential problem in cases where surgery involving the aortic arch may be required.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 49-year-old male who underwent urgent redo-surgery for total arch replacement and de-branching following recent replacement of the ascending aorta for acute type-A dissection, where an AMDS stent was deployed. The patient underwent total arch replacement with a stented tri-furcate prosthesis and de-branching of arch vessels with the stent landed inside the previous AMDS, to good effect.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights a possible approach to aortic arch surgery in patients who have previous had AMDS insertion.

Aortic remodelling based on false lumen communications in patients undergoing acute type I dissection repair with AMDS hybrid prosthesis: a substudy of the DARTS trial

OBJECTIVES

The Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent (DARTS) Implantation trial demonstrated positive proximal aortic remodelling following aortic dissection repair with the AMDS hybrid prosthesis. In this study, we look to identify predictors of aortic remodelling following aortic dissection repair with AMDS including whether communications between branch vessels and the false lumen (FL) predict aortic growth.

METHODS

The DARTS implantation trial included patients who underwent acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection (ATAD I) repair with the AMDS from March 2017 to January 2019. Anatomic measurements were collected from original computerized tomography scans. Measurements were taken at zones 2, 3, 6 and 9. Patients were grouped based on the number of FL communications with the supra-aortic branch vessels or visceral branch vessels.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were included in the original DARTS implantation trial. Patients with FL communications with the supra-aortic branch vessels tended to have significant growth at zone 3 (P = 0.02-0.0018), while greater numbers of visceral FL communications tended to predict aortic growth at zones 3 (P = 0.003), 6 (P = 0.017-0.0087) and 9 (P = 0.0016-0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic remodelling following ATAD I repair using the AMDS may be predicted by local FL communications with branch vessels. Patients undergoing ATAD I repair were more likely to experience significant aortic growth in zone 3 with more head vessel communications and in zones 3, 6 and 9 with more visceral FL communications. Predictors of aortic remodelling may help to guide initial surgical management for aortic dissection patients.

Three-year outcomes of the Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation trial

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent in a prospective, nonrandomized, international study (Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation) of patients with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection.

METHODS

The Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent was used in combination with the standard surgical management of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection I to treat patients with (56.5%, 26/46) and without (43.5%, 20/46) preoperative clinical and radiographic malperfusion. All patients had a primary entry tear in the ascending aorta, and 97.8% (45/46) were treated with a hemiarch repair. Median follow-up was 3 years.

RESULTS

All 47 patients underwent emergency surgical repair with successful Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent implantation. One patient was excluded from analysis due to use in iatrogenic dissection. Overall mortality at 30 days and 3 years was 13.0% (6/46) and 21.7% (10/46), respectively. Overall new stroke rate at 30 days was 15.2% (7/46). No devices were explanted at any time during the 3-year median follow-up. At 3 years, the total aortic diameter in zones 0, 1, and 2 decreased or remained stable in 91.7%, 72.7%, and 75.0%, respectively. The false lumen was completely or partially thrombosed in 90.5% in zone 0, 60.0% in zone 1, and 68.2% in zone 2 at 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent in the treatment of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection I holds promise as a simple technology that enables repair of the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta, while promoting positive aortic remodeling. Ongoing follow-up of the Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation trial will provide long-term, prospective, clinical outcomes and radiographic data on positive remodeling of the aortic arch.

The Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent: A One-Fits-All Strategy for the Treatment of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection?

The treatment of DeBakey type I aortic dissection remains a major challenge in the field of aortic surgery. To upgrade the standard of care hemiarch replacement, a novel device called an "Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent" (AMDS) is now available. This hybrid device composed of a proximal polytetrafluoroethylene cuff and a distal non-covered nitinol stent is inserted into the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta during hypothermic circulatory arrest in addition to hemiarch replacement. Due to its specific design, it may result in a reduced risk for distal anastomotic new entries, the effective restoration of branch vessel malperfusion and positive aortic remodeling. In this narrative review, we provide an overview about the indications and the technical use of the AMDS. Additionally, we summarize the current available literature and discuss potential pitfalls in the application of the AMDS regarding device failure and aortic re-intervention.

Hybrid noncovered open stents in repair of DeBakey type 1 acute aortic dissections

OBJECTIVES

The indications for use, evidence base and experience with the novel noncovered open hybrid surgical stents for acute type A aortic dissection repair for concurrent stabilization of the 'downstream' aorta remains limited. We review the evidence base and the development of these stents.

METHODS

Data were collected from Pubmed/Medline literature search to develop and review the evidence base for safety and efficacy of non-covered surgical stents. Existing guidelines for use and developments were reviewed.

RESULTS

A single randomized control trial and 4 single-centre studies were included in the review with a total worldwide experience of 241 patients. The deployment was easy and did not add significantly to the primary operation. The mortality and new stroke ranged from 6.3-18.7%. Safe and complete deployment was accomplished in 92-100%. There was no device-related reintervention. There was a significant improvement in malperfusion in over 90% of the cases with varying degrees of remodelling (60-90%) of the downstream aorta.

CONCLUSIONS

Open noncovered stent grafts represent a major technical advancement as an adjunct procedure for acute dissection repairs, e.g. hemiarch repair. It has potential for wider use by non-aortic surgeons due to simplicity of technique. Limited safety and efficacy data confirm the device to be safe, feasible and reproducible with potential for wider adoption. However, long-term trial and registry data are required before recommendations for standard use outside of high-volume experienced aortic centres.

The Use of the Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair Reduces Distal Anastomotic New Entry Tear

BACKGROUND

A distal anastomotic new entry tear (DANE) can occur at the time of surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). This study aimed to compare the occurrence of DANE following a standard hemiarch repair with that following a hemiarch repair with an uncovered arch dissection stent.

METHODS

All patients who received a hemiarch repair or a hemiarch repair with an Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS) for ATAAD from 2017 to 2021 were included. Baseline and intra- and postoperative characteristics were collected. All available pre- and postoperative computed tomographic scans were analysed. The primary outcome measures were the incidence of DANE, positive aortic remodelling, mortality, and aortic reintervention rates at last follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients underwent repair of Debakey I ATAAD during the study period with either an isolated hemiarch (n = 77) or a hemiarch with AMDS (n = 37). There was no significant difference in mortality (P = 0.768) or other in-hospital adverse events. During the follow-up period, DANE occurred in 43.3% (n = 26) of the isolated hemiarch group and in 11.8% (n = 4) of the hemiarch with AMDS group (P = 0.002). The incidence of false lumen thrombosis and obliteration favoured the AMDS group in the aortic arch (P = 0.029), the proximal descending thoracic aorta (P = 0.031), and level of pulmonary artery bifurcation (P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of DANE is significantly reduced with the addition of an AMDS at the time of hemiarch repair for ATAAD repair. Further follow-up is necessary to identify late aortic complications that may have been prevented by reducing the incidence of postoperative DANE.

Implantation of ascyrus medical dissection stent, our first-hand experience

BACKGROUND

Acute type A aortic dissection is associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (Cryolife, Kennesaw, USA) is a novel uncovered hybrid stent graft developed to be used as an adjunct to standard surgical approach to promote true lumen expansion and enhance aortic remodeling.

METHODS

From March 2021 to March 2022, four consecutive patients presented with acute Debakey type I aortic dissection and underwent emergent surgical repair with Tirone David procedure and implantation of Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent. We reviewed patient's files retrospectively and described the perioperative outcomes.

RESULTS

All four device implantations were successful. Overall 30-day mortality was 0%. Malperfusion that was present in two patients pre-operatively improved after Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent implantation. No aortic reinterventions were needed. No aortic injury related to the device was noted. Favourable changes in aortic true lumen and false lumen dimensions were found in most of our patients but the stent was compressed at the isthmus in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent is a reliable and secure device. However, its benefits remain unclear when it comes to a positive remodeling and seems less likelihood comparable to a frozen elephant trunk. The main reason seems to be an insufficient radial force of the stent.

Thoraflex Hybrid vs. AMDS: To replace the arch or to stent it in type A aortic dissection?

BACKGROUND

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires urgent surgical intervention. The mainstay surgical approach to treating ATAAD with aortic arch involvement is total arch replacement (TAR). The frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure involves TAR with hybrid endovascular stenting of the DTA in a single step using a hybrid prosthesis (HP). The prime example of a FET HP is Thoraflex Hybrid Prosthesis (THP). Another treatment option is the novel Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS) that is deployed as a non-covered stent along with the aortic arch as an adjunct to prior hemi-arch replacement.

AIMS

This comparative review highlights the clinical applications and outcomes of THP and AMDS in the treatment of ATAAD and discusses the main differences between both approaches.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid, Scopus and Embase.

RESULTS

TAR with FET can be considered the superior approach to managing ATAAD with arch involvement relative to AMDS with hemi-arch replacement due to more optimal clinical outcomes. Upon comprehensively searching the literature, early mortality was substantially lower with FET ranging from 0-11% compared to 12.5-18.7% using AMDS, with more favourable long-term survival. The incidence of kidney injury and new stroke post-FET ranged from 3-20% and 5-16%, and 11-37.5% and 0-18.8% following AMDS implantation. However, evidence supporting the use of AMDS is extremely limited. Meanwhile, TAR with FET is a well-established and well-described procedure for ATAAD repair.

CONCLUSION

Despite the novel nature of AMDS, its clinical safety and effectiveness are yet to be proven. In conclusion, THP remains the best evidenced-based approach to treat ATAAD in this era.

Effects of Residual Arch Tears on Late Outcomes After Hemiarch Replacement for DeBakey I Dissection

BACKGROUND

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Combining aortic arch dissection stent implantation and root surgery for aortic dissection type A

BACKGROUND

Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. A novel non-covered hybrid prosthesis (AMDS, CryoLife, Kennesaw, USA) can be easily implanted to stabilize the true lumen. However, the role of AMDS for patients requiring additional aortic root surgery has not been described.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2020 a total of n = 370 patients underwent surgery for AADA in our department. Of those, n = 120 underwent treatment for aortic root in addition to proximal arch replacement without resection of the aorta beyond the innominate artery (Control, n = 111) and were compared to patients who received additional AMDS implantation (AMDS, n = 9).

RESULTS

Aortic valve repair was performed in 48.6% (Control) and in 55.6% of AMDS patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass (Control: 248 ± 76 min, AMDS: 313 ± 53 min, P < 0.01) time as well as circulatory arrest time of the lower body (Control: 30 ± 15 min, AMDS: 52 ± 12 min, P < 0.01) was prolonged in the AMDS group. Nevertheless, postoperative in-hospital morbidity such as dialysis (Control: 22.4%, AMDS: 11.1%, P = 0.68) and stroke (Control: 17.0%, AMDS: 22.2%, P = 0.65) were comparable. In-hospital death (Control: 21.8%, AMDS: 11.1%, P = 0.68) and the compound end-point MACCE (Control: 38.7%, AMDS: 44.4%, P = 0.74) did also not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing the arch by implantation of AMDS prolongs cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest time, however without relevant impairments of short-term outcome. Combining root surgery with replacement of the proximal aortic arch and AMDS implantation seems feasible and safe as it did not impair the early postoperative outcome.

Early Results of a Novel Hybrid Prosthesis for Treatment of Acute Aortic Dissection Type A With Distal Anastomosis Line Beyond Aortic Arch Zone Zero

Introduction

Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. A novel non-covered hybrid prosthesis (Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS) Hybrid Prosthesis, Cryolife/Jotec, Hechingen, Germany) can be easily implanted to stabilize the true lumen (TL), improve remodeling, and preserve organ perfusion. Although developed for implantation in aortic zone 0, occasionally, partial replacement of the aortic arch and further distal implantation of AMDS may appear favorable. Implantation of AMDS with anastomosis line beyond zone 0 has not been described yet.

Materials and Methods

Between 08/2019 and 12/2020, a total of n = 97 patients were treated due to AADA at a single University hospital. Of those, n = 28 received an AMDS hybrid prosthesis, of whom in eight patients, due to intraoperative finding the distal anastomosis line was placed distal to the brachiocephalic trunk. Three patients had AMDS implantation in zone I and four were treated by implantation of the prostheses in zone II, and one patient had the implantation performed in zone III. Clinical outcome and the development of a proportional area of TL and false lumen (FL) at defined levels of the thoracic aorta were analyzed.

Results

None of the surviving patients (87.5%) showed signs of clinical malperfusion (i.e., stroke, spinal cord injury, and need for dialysis). A postoperative CT scan showed an open TL in all patients. The proportion of TL with respect to total aortic diameter (TL+FL) was postoperatively significantly higher in zone III (p = 0.016) and at the level of T11 (p = 0.009). The mean area of TL+FL was comparable between pre- and postoperative CT-scan (p = n.s.). One patient with preoperative resuscitation died of multiple organ failure on extracorporeal life support on postoperative day 3.

Conclusion

Implantation of AMDS can be safely performed in patients who need partial replacement of the aortic arch beyond zone 0. The advantages of the AMDS can be combined with those of the total arch repair (remodeling of the arch and prevention of TL collapse) without the possible disadvantages (risk of spinal cord injury).

The Arch Remodeling Stent for DeBakey I Acute Aortic Dissection: Experience with 100 Implantations

OBJECTIVES

A novel hybrid non-covered stent was developed to treat malperfusion and prevent aneurysm formation following hemiarch procedure for DeBakey I acute aortic dissection (AAD). The present analysis investigates the performance of the device in 100 consecutive implantations.

METHODS

Between 2018 and 2021, 100 patients underwent surgical repair of DeBakey I AAD with implantation of a non-covered stent in the arch and descending aorta. The primary entry tear was located in the root or in the ascending aorta. Clinical and imaging data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Endpoints of the study were 30-day mortality, neurologic outcome and need of additional procedures due to postoperative malperfusion. Technical success was assessed in the first post-operative computed tomography in regard to the induction of false lumen thrombosis in the descending aorta.

RESULTS

Median age was 61 [54-73] years. Preoperative malperfusion was present in 46 (46%) patients. Primary arterial cannulation strategy was the right axillary artery and an open distal anastomosis was performed in a median caudal circulatory arrest of 40 [34-52] minutes. In 48% of cases, a 55-40 tapered stent was implanted. The 30-day mortality was 18%, an operation-related new postoperative neurologic deficit was present in 8%. Technical success was achieved in 76% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel non-covered stent can be safely applied to complement aortic repair with the hemiarch procedure for DeBakey I AAD. The expansion of the true lumen through the device may prevent postoperative malperfusion and induces positive vascular remodeling with thrombosis of false lumen.

Imaging and Surveillance of Chronic Aortic Dissection: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

All patients surviving an acute aortic dissection require continued lifelong surveillance of their diseased aorta. Late complications, driven predominantly by chronic false lumen degeneration and aneurysm formation, often require surgical, endovascular, or hybrid interventions to treat or prevent aortic rupture. Imaging plays a central role in the medical decision-making of patients with chronic aortic dissection. Accurate aortic diameter measurements and rigorous, systematic documentation of diameter changes over time with different imaging equipment and modalities pose a range of practical challenges in these complex patients. Currently, no guidelines or recommendations for imaging surveillance in patients with chronic aortic dissection exist. In this document, we present state-of-the-art imaging and measurement techniques for patients with chronic aortic dissection and clarify the need for standardized measurements and reporting for lifelong surveillance. We also examine the emerging role of imaging and computer simulations to predict aortic false lumen degeneration, remodeling, and biomechanical failure from morphological and hemodynamic features. These insights may improve risk stratification, individualize contemporary treatment options, and potentially aid in the conception of novel treatment strategies in the future.

Initial experience with the new type A arch dissection stent: restoration of supra-aortic vessel perfusion

OBJECTIVES

The goal of the present study is to investigate changes in supra-aortic vessel perfusion after implantation of the non-covered Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS) for surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2020, 16 consecutive patients treated with AMDS and involvement (dissection to total occlusion) of at least 1 supra-aortic vessel were included in the study. Centre-line based computed tomography measurements of true, false and total lumen area using Terarecon software were performed before and after surgery. Changes in the true lumen area were indexed to the entire vessel area. The paired sample t-test was used to assess the significance of the observed differences.

RESULTS

Analysis of supra-aortic vessels and the descending aorta showed significant improvement in true lumen perfusion after the AMDS was implanted. The indexed true lumen area increased postoperatively by 72%, 112% and 30% in the innominate, right and left common carotid arteries, respectively. Total occlusions of both common carotid arteries recovered completely after surgical treatment. The proximal- and the mid-descending aorta showed a 78% and 48% improvement of the indexed true lumen area, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Arch repair using AMDS shows promising results in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. Quantitative measurements of true and false lumen perfusion demonstrated a significant increase in true lumen area and a 100% regression of totally occluded supra-aortic branches. Further examination in a larger cohort of patients and comparison with isolated hemiarch repair are needed to confirm positive vascular remodelling after an AMDS implant.

State of the Art Review: Surgical Treatment of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening event that requires immediate surgical treatment. Improvements in surgical treatment, graft technology, organ protection and imaging techniques have led to improved clinical outcomes. Individualized treatment concepts have emerged based on more advanced planning tools that allow for a tailored approach even in complex situations such as multi-level malperfusion. This review provides an overview of the current surgical treatment of ATAAD, focusing on new disease classifications, preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) assessment, new prosthesis and stent technologies, and organ-protection strategies.

Midterm Outcomes of the Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation Trial

BACKGROUND

The intimal flap at the distal aortic anastomosis after standard aortic dissection repair creates distal anastomotic new entry, leading to false lumen (FL) pressurization and true lumen (TL) collapse and resulting in increased mortality, malperfusion, aortic growth, and reinterventions. The Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS; Ascyrus Medical, Boca Raton, FL) is a hybrid prosthesis that seals and depressurizes the FL at the distal anastomosis while expanding and pressurizing the TL.

METHODS

The Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation trial is a prospective, nonrandomized, international type A dissection trial where patients with acute DeBakey I dissections were enrolled between March 2017 and January 2019. Forty-seven patients were enrolled (median age, 62.5; 67.4% men) with a median follow-up of 631 days.

RESULTS

All patients underwent emergent surgical repair with successful AMDS implantation. One patient was excluded because of use in iatrogenic dissection. Overall mortality at 30 days and 1 year was 13.0% (6/46) and 19.6% (9/46), whereas new strokes occurred in 6.5% (3/46). Over 95% of vessel malperfusions resolved because of AMDS-induced TL expansion, including 3 patients with preoperative paralysis. Positive remodeling of the aortic arch occurred in 100% of cases with complete obliteration or thrombosis of the FL in 74%. In the proximal descending thoracic aorta positive remodeling occurred in 77% and complete obliteration or FL thrombosis in 53% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

AMDS facilitates single-stage management of malperfusion and induces positive remodeling of the aortic arch through effective sealing of the distal anastomotic FL, depressurization of the FL with expansion, and pressurization of the TL. Importantly the use of AMDS is safe and reproducible.

Impact of Supraaortic Intimal Tears on Aortic Diameter Changes After Nontotal Arch Replacement

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the impact of the intimal tear location on aortic dilation and reintervention after nontotal arch replacement (non-TAR) for acute type I aortic dissection.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2017, 92 patients who underwent non-TAR for acute type I aortic dissection were enrolled. Intimal tears were analyzed at the supraaortic (SA) segment; segment 1, proximal descending thoracic aorta (DTA); segment 2, distal DTA; and segment 3, abdominal aorta. Aortic diameter was measured at the pulmonary artery bifurcation, celiac axis, maximal abdominal aorta, and maximal thoracoabdominal aorta using serial follow-up computed tomographic scans. The Fisher exact or χ² test, independent t or Mann-Whitney U test, and log-rank test were used in the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The significant factors for increasing aortic diameter were the first location of intimal tear in the SA segment and segments 1 and 2. In the adjusted analysis, the first location of intimal tear in the SA segment and segment 1 was statistically significant. In the additional adjusted analysis, a segment 1 tear without SA tear was the only significant factor for increasing aortic diameter. The 5-year freedom from reintervention rate was significantly higher in patients with no intimal tear than in those with a segment 1 intimal tear with/without SA tear.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed that SA and proximal DTA intimal tears are associated with subsequent aortic dilation and reintervention. These proximal aortic intimal tears might warrant aggressive surgical treatment at the initial operation or close postoperative follow-up.