Preoperative Assessment of Coronary Arteries in Patients Undergoing Thoraco-Abdominal and Noncoronary Cardiovascular Surgery with Dual-Source Computed Tomography Angiography

Open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms under left heart bypass

BACKGROUND

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) open surgical repair (OSR) is a highly complex procedure associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and organ protection strategies, TAAA OSR remains a challenge. This study analyzes nearly 35 years of experience at a single center, with a focus on the evolution of surgical approaches and adjuncts, particularly the use of left heart bypass (LHBP) for organ perfusion maintenance.

METHODS

This retrospective study was performed on all the patients who underwent elective TAAA OSR at our institution between 1989 and 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (1989-2009), where adjuncts were used selectively, and Group 2 (2010-2024), where a systematic multimodal approach was implemented. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed to assess the impact of evolving surgical techniques, adjuncts, and patient outcomes. Key adjuncts included cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD), motor and somatosensory evoked potentials (MEP&SSEP), LHBP, renal perfusion strategy, and rotational thromboelastometry.

RESULTS

In total, 1211 patients underwent elective TAAA OSR, with 455 patients in Group 1 and 756 in Group 2. A modified surgical approach was employed in the two groups, with significant differences in terms of sites of aortic cross-clamping, techniques for vessel reconstruction, and approach in the management of intercostal artery. In addition, significant differences between the groups were observed for what concern the use of adjuncts. Regarding the outcomes, Group 2 demonstrated a significantly lower 30-day mortality rate (7.5% in Group 2 vs. 13.4% in Group 1; P=0.001), and a reduction in permanent spinal cord ischemia (SCI) (7.4% in Group 2 vs. 11.9% in Group 1; P=0.012). Additionally, Group 2 exhibited trends toward reduced respiratory failure and renal complications, but these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-center experience highlights the evolution of TAAA OSR over 35 years, demonstrating a significant reduction in mortality and SCI with the use of a comprehensive, multimodal approach. Although there were improvements in postoperative complications, further advancements are needed in this complex field to optimize outcomes. The ongoing refinement of surgical techniques and adjuncts continues to play a crucial role in improving patient care.

Outcomes following Management of Complex Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm by an Open Approach

BACKGROUND

In the last decade, advances in surgical techniques, and the introduction of adjuncts for organ protection, have modified the approach for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) surgical repair. The aim of this study is to determine whether the contemporary approach influenced the outcomes.

METHODS

From 1989 to 2022, patients who had received elective open surgical repair (OSR) for TAAA at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. This series has been divided in two groups: Group 1 (1989-2009), and Group 2 (2010-2022). Patients included in Group 1 were those treated with a selective use of adjuncts, and Group 2 included patients treated with the systematic use of adjuncts.

RESULTS

A total of 1107 patients were treated (Group 1: 455; Group 2: 652). The surgical management was significantly different between the two groups. The in-hospital mortality was significantly different between the two groups (Group 1: 13.4%, Group 2: 8.1%; p 0.004), as was the rate of permanent spinal cord ischemia (Group 1: 11.9%, Group 2: 7.8%; p 0.023). Renal and respiratory failure were reduced in Group 2, but not significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the adjuncts enabled the achievement of improvement in mortality and SCI prevention in TAAA OSR. Although a refined surgical technique, mortality and morbidity are still noteworthy in this complex aortic field.