Endovascular stent-graft placement in aortic dissection: a meta-analysis

Endovascular Stent-Graft Placement in Patients with Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection in China: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Improvements in stent-graft devices and increasing clinical experience with the technique have improved outcomes and expanded clinical indications in patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection (AD) in China. However, the evolution of and modifications to stent grafts have not been reviewed. The aim of this study was to summarize all available published data on technical success, potential benefits, complications, stent evolution, and survival rates associated with endovascular stent-graft placements in patients with Stanford type B AD in China.

METHODS

We performed comprehensive searches of the Chinese-language medical literature in Chinese Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data and of the English-language medical literature in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. This systematic review was based on all retrospective studies assessing outcomes of Stanford type B AD treated with endovascular stent-graft placement in China.

RESULTS

A total of 153 retrospective studies that included 8,694 cases were analyzed in this study. Procedure success was reported in 99.7 ± 0.1% of patients. Overall complications were reported in 19.1 ± 0.6% of patients. Postoperative endoleaks occurred in 7.2 ± 0.3% of patients. Major complications were reported in 3.2 ± 0.2% of patients, with a neurological complication rate of 1.3 ± 0.1%. Periprocedural stroke occurred more frequently than did paraplegia (0.8 ± 0.1% vs. 0.1 ± 0.04%). Overall complications were significantly greater in patients treated with first-generation stents than in those treated with second-generation stents (25.1 ± 1.2% vs. 9.5 ± 0.9%, P < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.6 ± 0.1%. In addition, 1.8 ± 0.2% of patients died during a mean follow-up period of 29.4 ± 13.5 months. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of the overall survival rate were 99.0 ± 0.1% at 30 days, 98.5 ± 0.2% at 6 months, 98.4 ± 0.2% at 1 year, 98.1 ± 0.2% at 2 years, and 97.9 ± 0.2% at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular stent-graft placement is feasible and has a high technique success rate as well as favorable neurological complication and survival rates when used to treat Stanford type B AD. The new generation of stent grafts appears to have favorable in-hospital and follow-up outcomes.

Frequency of abdominal aortic expansion after thoracic endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection

Purpose

To determine abdominal aortic expansion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with aortic dissection type B and 36 months minimum follow-up.

Methods

Retrospective study of 18 TEVAR patients with follow-up >36 months. Abdominal aortic diameters at celiac trunk (location B) and infrarenal aorta (location C) were recorded on the first and last imaging after TEVAR. False lumen thrombosis was determined at level of endograft (A) and at B and C. Aortic expansion was defined as diameter increase of 5 mm or 15%. Correlation analyses were performed to investigate potential determinants of expansion.

Results

Median follow-up was 75.2 months. Sixteen of 18 patients (88.9%) demonstrated abdominal expansion. Mean expansion was 9.9 ± 6.1 mm at B and 11.7 ± 6.5 mm at C, without a difference between acute and chronic dissections. Critical diameters of 55 mm were reached in two patients treated for chronic dissection (11.1%). Annual diameter increase was significantly greater at locations with baseline diameters >30 mm (2.1 ± 1.1 mm vs. 1.0 ± 0.6 mm, p = 0.009). Baseline diameters were greater in patients with chronic dissections.

Conclusion

Abdominal aortic expansion can be frequently recognized after TEVAR for aortic dissection type B and occurs independently from thoracic false lumen thrombosis. Clinical significant abdominal aortic expansion may occur more frequently in patients treated with TEVAR for chronic dissection.

Contemporary endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection in China

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular stent-grafts have been used in China to treat type B aortic dissection since 1999, and there is a plethora of cohort studies in the contemporary literature. The aim of this review was to analyse the published results of endovascular treatment for type B aortic dissection in China.

METHOD

A systematic literature review of all published literature from January 1999 to October 2014 on endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection in China was undertaken using PubMed, Medline, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases.

RESULTS

Seventy papers were retrieved (4 English, 66 Chinese) with a total of 4208 patients; 3396 (80.7%) were male, and the mean age ranged from 43 to 65 years. Procedural success was reported in 99.4% ± 1.7%. Complications were reported in 14.6% ± 11.1%, with major complications in 1.7% ± 2.9%, and the most devastating neurologic complications in 1.1% ± 2.2% (stroke 0.9% ± 2.4%, paraplegia 1.5% ± 0.7%). Postoperative endoleak occurred in 8.1% ± 7.6%. The 30-day postoperative mortality was 2.4% ± 3.3%. During follow-up, false-lumen thrombosis occurred in 92.1% ± 11.7%. Reintervention was performed in 1.3% ± 3.3%. The incidence of proximal and distal stent-graft-induced new entry was 0.5% ± 1.3% and 0.9% ± 2.7%, respectively, with endoleak in 2.7% ± 4.4% and mortality of 2.2% ± 3.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that use of endovascular stent-grafts for type B aortic dissection in China is feasible and safe with low rates of perioperative complications and short-term mortality. However, a standardised reporting system and long-term follow-up data are lacking.

Hybrid Repair of Aortic Arch Aneurysms: A Totally Extrathoracic Approach with Branched Endografts in Two Patients

Of all of the aortic segments, the aortic arch is the last frontier for endovascular treatment. The main difficulty for arch repair is the lack of an appropriate proximal landing zone of at least 2 to 3 cm required for endograft sealing and anchoring to diminish the risk of endoleaks or migration. We used branched endografts to treat two cases of aortic aneurysms that required complete arch endografting, with successful aneurysm exclusion.

Long-term efficacy of endovascular vs open surgical repair for complicated type-B aortic dissection: a single-center retrospective study and meta-analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term survival and risk factors of traditional open surgical repair (OSR) vs thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for complicated type-B aortic dissection (TBAD). A total of 118 inpatients (45 OSR vs 73 TEVAR) with TBAD were enrolled from January 2004 to January 2015. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards analysis were performed to identify the long-term survival rate and independent predictors of survival, respectively. Meta-analysis was used to further explore the long-term efficacy of OSR and TEVAR in the eight included studies using Review Manager 5.2 software. An overall 10-year survival rate of 41.9% was found, and it was similar in the two groups (56.7% OSR vs 26.1% TEVAR; log-rank P=0.953). The risk factors of long-term survival were refractory hypertension (OR=11.1; 95%CI=1.428-86.372; P=0.021] and preoperative aortic diameter >55 mm (OR=4.5; 95%CI=1.842-11.346; P=0.001). Long-term survival rate did not differ significantly between OSR and TEVAR (hazard ratio=0.87; 95%CI=0.52-1.47; P=0.61). Compared with OSR, TEVAR did not show long-term advantages for patients with TBAD. Refractory hypertension and total aortic diameter >55 mm can be used to predict the long-term survival of TBAD in the Chinese Han population.

Update in the management of type B aortic dissection

Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a life-threatening aortic disease. The initial management goal is to prevent aortic rupture, propagation of the dissection, and symptoms by reducing the heart rate and blood pressure. Uncomplicated TBAD patients require prompt medical management to prevent aortic dilatation or rupture during subsequent follow-up. Complicated TBAD patients require immediate invasive management to prevent death or injury caused by rupture or malperfusion. Recent developments in diagnosis and management have reduced mortality related to TBAD considerably. In particular, the introduction of thoracic stent-grafts has shifted the management from surgical to endovascular repair, contributing to a fourfold increase in early survival in complicated TBAD. Furthermore, endovascular repair is now considered in some uncomplicated TBAD patients in addition to optimal medical therapy. For more challenging aortic dissection patients with involvement of the aortic arch, hybrid approaches, combining open and endovascular repair, have had promising results. Regardless of the chosen management strategy, strict antihypertensive control should be administered to all TBAD patients in addition to close imaging surveillance. Future developments in stent-graft design, medical therapy, surgical and hybrid techniques, imaging, and genetic screening may improve the outcomes of TBAD patients even further. We present a comprehensive review of the recommended management strategy based on current evidence in the literature.

Clinical outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm complicated with hypertension: A 5-year experience

Objective:

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) complicated with hypertension.

Methods:

Fifty-two patients with AAA complicated with hypertension treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into an observation group (34 cases) and a control group (18 cases). The control group was treated by incision of AAA and artificial blood vessel replacement, and the observation group was treated by EVAR.

Results:

All surgeries were performed successfully. However, compared with the control group, the observation group had significantly less surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion, as well as significantly higher total hospitalization expense (P<0.05). During the one-month follow-up, the observation group was significantly less prone to pulmonary infection, surgical site infection, lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis and lower extremity weakness than the control group (P<0.05). The observation group enjoyed significantly better quality of life than the control group did one and three months after surgery (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Given sufficient funding, EVAR should be preferentially selected in the treatment of AAA complicated with hypertension due to minimal invasion, safety, stable postoperative vital signs and improved quality of life.

Influence of distal extension of false lumen on adverse aortic events after TEVAR in patients with acute type B aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical outcomes influenced by distal extension of false lumen in acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) patients following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

METHODS

From April 2002 to January 2013, 264 TBAD patients treated with TEVAR were retrospectively enrolled. The IIIa group exhibited a distal false lumen above the diaphragm (n = 70), and the IIIb group exhibited a distal false lumen under the diaphragm (n = 194). The morphological characteristics and adverse events (30-day and >30 days) were recorded and evaluated.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the demographics, comorbidity profiles, or initial feature of computed tomography angiography. The incidence of true lumen compression and branch involvement were significantly increased in the IIIb group compared with the IIIa group (8.6% vs. 25.3%, respectively; 15.7% vs. 36.1%, respectively, both P < 0.05). The 30-day mortality rate was 1.0% (2/194) in the IIIb group, whereas the IIIa group was zero. The incidence of early adverse events, the 5-year cumulative freedom from adverse events, and the 5-year cumulative freedom from all-cause mortality rate were not significantly different between the IIIa and IIIb groups (2.9% vs. 6.7%, 81.4%, and 80.4%, and 95.7% vs. 93.8%, respectively, all P > 0.05). Log-rank tests also indicated there was no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference between the IIIa and IIIb groups in the 5-year morality and adverse aortic events following TEVAR. The distal extension of false lumen prior to TEVAR does not influence the long-term morality and adverse aortic events in acute TBAD.

Outcomes of Open Surgical Repair for Type B Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm With Alternative Methods in the Endovascular Stent Era

We assessed the midterm outcomes of 2 types of open surgical repair for type B dissecting aortic aneurysm (BDA). During the last 4 years, 86 patients with BDA (mean age, 68.5 ± 9.8 years; range: 41-87 years) underwent open repair. The average duration between the dissection onset and surgery was 51.5 ± 31.3 months. If the BDA was of open type with patent false lumen or the aneurysm extended for a long segment, descending or thoracoabdominal aortic repair was performed with left thoracotomy. If the BDA was of the closed type with thrombosed false lumen and the aneurysm was located around the distal arch, open stent implantation was performed with our unique technique using circulatory arrest with a rectal temperature of 28 °C without any cerebral perfusion. Left thoracotomy was performed in 68 patients. The durations of aortic clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass were 65.2 ± 16.9 and 78.5 ± 34.6 minutes, respectively. Open stent implantation was performed in 18 patients. The durations of circulatory arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass were 19.1 ± 5.1 and 86.2 ± 17.8 minutes, respectively. In the present study, 4 patients (4.7%) required reexploration for bleeding and 1 patient (1.2%) had a stroke, but none suffered paraplegia. The hospital mortality rate was 1.2% (1 patient), resulting from retrograde type A dissection. The actuarial aortic event-free survival rate, including operative death, was 96.4% at 3 years. Both open surgical procedures for BDA were relatively safe, with favorable early and midterm outcomes, and may be superior for avoiding neurologic complications.

Prognostic Impact of Blood Pressure Variability on Aortic Dissection Patients After Endovascular Therapy

Hypertension has been deemed as a pivotal risk factor for the development of aortic dissection; however, the importance and prognostic significance of blood pressure variability (BPV) in aortic dissection are always ignored. A total of 173 acute type B aortic dissection patients were enrolled in and retrospectively reviewed between January 2009 and November 2013. There were 74 patients with high BPV and 99 with low BPV stratified by preoperative mean BPV. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The proportions of hypertension and general anesthesia were significantly higher in the high BPV group (70.3% vs 55.6% and 77% vs 62.6%, P = 0.049 and 0.043, respectively). The risk of aorta-related death in the high BPV group was apparently higher than the low BPV group (28.4% vs 9.1%, P = 0.001). By performing multivariable logistic regression, we found history of hypertension was likely to be a risk factor of BPV (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010-3.911), and high BPV was an independent predictor of aorta-related death (95% CI: 1.671-9.587). The difference of aorta-related mortality was pronounced between high and low BPV subgroups regardless of the refractory hypertension (41.4% vs 14.3% and 20.0% vs 7.0%, P = 0.023 and 0.037, respectively). The thrombosis ratio of false lumen was significantly higher in the low BPV group at 3-month (72.4 ± 17.5% vs 51.8 ± 11.6%, P < 0.001) and 6-month (86.4 ± 9.1% vs 69.7 ± 7.9%, P < 0.001). High BPV is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of aortic dissection. Further studies on BPV might provide new preventive and therapeutic strategies for aortic dissection.

Diagnosis and management of thoracic aortic dissection: An update

Acute thoracic aortic dissection is part of the acute aortic syndrome triad. Caused by an intimal tear in the lumen of the aorta, it leads to the creation and propagation of a false lumen. In the acute setting this can lead to malignant hypertension, pain and end organ malperfusion. In the chronic setting it can lead to aneurysm formation and rupture. It remains the most common aortic emergency, affecting up to 4 per 100000 people per year in the United Kingdom and United States. Despite advances in treatment and centralisation of vascular services, it continues to be associated with a high pre-admission and in-hospital mortality. Dissection is classified in several ways according to anatomical extent, timing and underlying pathology, all of which guides clinical management. Traditionally, medical management has been the mainstay of treatment in patients with uncomplicated disease. Surgery has been used in symptomatic patients. With published information now available from several prospective international registries, we are beginning to see the advantages of newer surgical treatment options such as endovascular repair, in the acute setting. This review provides an update on diagnosis and management of aortic dissection, including new information that has become available in recent years.

Management of aortic dissection: medical therapy and intervention. Is there a growing role for endovascular techniques?

OPINION STATEMENT

Historically, type B aortic dissection was managed as a medical condition with limited surgical intervention unless aortic rupture occurred. Today, however, evidence is building that highlights the importance of strict medical management, timely surveillance, and windows of opportunity for surgical intervention to address both early and late aortic-based morbidities.

Repeated carotid endarterectomy versus carotid artery stenting for patients with carotid restenosis after carotid endarterectomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Carotid restenosis (CRS) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an issue that cannot be ignored. This study was undertaken to compare the outcomes of repeated CEA (redo CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) for CRS after CEA.

METHODS

We performed a systematic analysis using the search terms "CEA restenosis," "carotid restenosis," or "CEA recurrent stenosis" in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. After applying the inclusion criteria, all available data were summarized to evaluate the effects of redo CEA and CAS for patients with CRS after prior CEA.

RESULTS

Fifty articles (9 comparative studies and 41 noncomparative studies) involving 4,399 patients were included. No differences were observed in the 30-day perioperative mortality, stroke and transient ischemic attack rates in the comparative studies (P > .05) and the noncomparative studies (P > .05). Patients undergoing redo CEA suffered more cranial nerve injuries (CNIs) than those undergoing CAS (P < .05), but most of these cases recovered within 3 months. Patients treated with redo CEA exhibited similar myocardial infarction (MI) rates to those treated with CAS in the comparative studies (P = .53), but the rate was higher in the noncomparative studies (P < .01). However, a nonsignificant difference was noted in freedom from stroke at 36 months in the comparative studies (P = .47) and at 12 months in the noncomparative studies (P = .89). The risk of restenosis was greater in the CAS patients than in the redo CEA patients (P < .05 for comparative and noncomparative studies).

CONCLUSION

Both redo CEA and CAS are safe and feasible for CRS after CEA. Although the incidences of CNI and MI were increased in the redo CEA group, most of the CNI cases were reversible. Patients treated with CAS were more likely to develop restenosis than those treated with redo CEA over long-term follow-up.

Dynamic MR angiography in acute aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the benefit (additional flow information), image quality, and diagnostic accuracy of a dynamic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) combining high spatial and temporal resolution for the preinterventional assessment of acute aortic dissection.

METHODS

Nineteen patients (12 men, 7 women; aged 32-78 years) with acute aortic dissection underwent contrast-enhanced four-dimensional (4D) MRA and 3D conventional high-resolution MRA (3D MRA) within one examination on a 1.5 Tesla MR system. Both MRA datasets for each patient were evaluated and compared for image quality and visualization of vascular details on a 5-point scale (5 = excellent image quality, 1 = nondiagnostic image quality). In addition, presence and relevance of additional hemodynamic information (flow direction and organ perfusion delay) gained by dynamic MRA were assessed.

RESULTS

Conventional 3D MRA provided significantly higher values for image quality of the aorta and aortic side branches compared with dynamic MRA (aorta: 4.3 versus 3.3; P = 0.006 side branches: 4.2 versus 3.3; P = 0.02). However, in 10 of the 19 patients (53%) the additionally available information on flow dynamics due to dynamic MRA (e.g., delayed perfusion of parenchymal organs) led to a change in therapy planning and realization.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic MRA is a technique that combines functional flow and morphological information. Thus, the combination of 3D and dynamic MRA provides all requested information for treatment planning in patients suffering from acute aortic dissection.

Potential risk factors of re-intervention after endovascular repair for type B aortic dissections

OBJECTIVES

To assess the potential risk factors of re-intervention after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

BACKGROUND

TEVAR has been chosen as a less invasive alternative for Type B aortic dissections (TBADs); however, the potential risk factors of re-intervention remain unclear.

METHODS

A total of 252 TBADs patients initially treated with TEVAR between September 1998 and July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The indications for the initial TEVAR were 32 aorta enlargement (24 chronic), 71 malperfusion, 46 rupture (32 chronic), 67 refractory pain (54 chronic), and 44 refractory hypertension (38 chronic). The patients were stratified into single-intervention group and multi-intervention group.

RESULTS

The mean age was 54.1 years with 81.7% of male. We found the time from symptom onset to TEVAR was longer in multi-intervention group (17 vs. 112.5 days, P = 0.006). Higher proportions of chronic dissection and smoking occurred in multi-intervention group (53.9% vs. 79.2% and 43.9% vs. 70.8%, P = 0.018 and 0.012, respectively). The differences of oversizing, operation time, contrast medium dose, and blood loss between the groups were significant (13.8 ± 2.4% vs. 16.4 ± 2.9%, 92.5 vs. 196 minutes, 110 vs. 210 ml, 100 vs. 300 ml; P < 0.001, <0.001, =0.002, and =0.003, respectively). The mortality within 30 days was 2.4% and the rates of stoke, paraplegia and retrograde dissection were 3.6%, 5.6% and 0.8%, respectively. The most common reasons of re-intervention were endoleaks, new dissections and incomplete thrombosis of the false lumen.

CONCLUSIONS

we concluded that chronic phase, smoking and too big oversizing were potential risk factors of re-intervention.

Indication of endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection--literature review

Aortic dissection is a cardiovascular event of high mortality if not early diagnosed and properly treated. In Stanford type A aortic dissection, there is the involvement of the ascending aorta, whereas in type B the ascending aorta is not affected. The treatment of type A aortic dissection is mainly surgical. The hospital mortality of type B aortic dissection surgical treatment is approximately 20%, while medical therapy is 10%. However, half the patients who are discharged from hospital after medical treatment, progress to aortic complications in the following years, and the mortality in three to five years may reach 25-50%. In addition, the surgical treatment of aortic complications after medical treatment, has also a significant mortality. This way, the endovascular treatment comes up as an interesting alternative of a less invasive treatment for this disease. They presented a mortality rate lower than 10% with more than 80% success rate of occlusion and thrombosis of the false lumen. The INSTEAD TRIAL, which randomized patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection for optimal medical therapy and endovascular treatment in addition to optimal medical therapy, showed that after three years of follow up, patients who underwent endovascular treatment had lower mortality and aorta-related complications. Therefore, there is a current tendency to recommend the endovascular treatment as a standard for the treatment of type B aortic dissection

Trends in aortic dissection hospitalizations, interventions, and outcomes among medicare beneficiaries in the United States, 2000-2011

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of aortic dissection (AD) has not been well described among older persons in the United States. It is not known whether advancements in AD care over the last decade have been accompanied by changes in outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Inpatient Medicare data from 2000 to 2011 were used to determine trends in hospitalization rates for AD. Mortality rates were ascertained through corresponding vital status files. A total of 32 057 initial AD hospitalizations were identified. The overall hospitalization rate for AD remained unchanged at 10 per 100 000 person-years. For 30-day and 1-year mortality associated with AD, the observed rate decreased from 31.8% to 25.4% (difference, 6.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2-6.5; adjusted, 6.4%; 95% CI, 5.7-6.9) and from 42.6% to 37.4% (difference, 5.2%; 95% CI, 5.1-5.2; adjusted, 6.2%; 95% CI, 5.3-6.7), respectively. For patients undergoing surgical repair for type A dissections, the observed 30-day mortality decreased from 30.7% to 21.4% (difference, 9.3%; 95% CI, 8.3-10.2; adjusted, 7.3%; 95% CI, 5.8-7.8) and the observed 1-year mortality decreased from 39.9% to 31.6% (difference, 8.3%; 95% CI, 7.5-9.1%; adjusted, 8.2%; 95% CI, 6.7-9.1). The 30-day mortality decreased from 24.9% to 21% (difference, 3.9%; 95% CI, 3.5-4.2; adjusted, 2.9%; 95% CI, 0.7-4.4) and 1-year decreased from 36.4% to 32.5% (difference, 3.9%; 95% CI, 3.3-4.3; adjusted, 3.9%; 95% CI, 2.5-6.3) for surgical repair of type B dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

Although AD hospitalization rates remained stable, improvement in mortality was noted, particularly in patients undergoing surgical repair.

Acute dissection of the descending aorta: a case report and review of the literature

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Acute aortic syndromes, which include aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating aortic ulcer, represent the most morbid presentations of aortic disease and can be difficult to diagnose. Recent advances in imaging have allowed for more rapid and accurate diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes and the options for management are expanding. This case report and review presents the case of a 43-year-old man with acute type B aortic dissection who underwent two endovascular procedures for malperfusion syndrome. The review focuses on the presentation, diagnosis, medical management, and procedural options for acute dissection of the descending aorta.

Open surgical repair for chronic type B aortic dissection: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The treatment of chronic type B aortic dissection (CBAD) remains complicated. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has supplanted open surgical repair (OSR) as the preferred surgical treatment for CBAD. Despite TEVAR's superior short-term results, much less is understood about its long-term outcomes. As much of the understanding of OSR originates from historical report, contemporary series, with modern surgical techniques and technologies, may present an alternative to TEVAR. The present systematic review will assess the short- and long-term outcomes of historic and contemporary series of OSR for CBAD.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed using six databases from their inception to March 2014. Relevant studies with OSRs for chronic type B dissection were identified. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and analyzed according to predefined clinical endpoints. Studies were sub-classified into the pre-endovascular (historic series) and endovascular era (contemporary series) depending on whether the majority of cases were performed after 1999.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were identified for inclusion for quantitative analysis. Pooled short-term mortality was 11.1% overall, and 7.5% in the nine contemporary studies. Stroke, spinal cord ischemia, renal dysfunction, and reoperation for bleeding were 5.9%, 4.9%, 8.1%, and 8.1%, respectively, for the contemporary series. Absolute late reintervention was identified in 13.3% of patients overall, and in 11.3% of patients in the contemporary series. Aggregated survival at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years of all patients were 82.1%, 74.1%, 66.3%, and 50.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

OSR for chronic type B dissection in the contemporary era offers acceptable results. Management approaches should be considered carefully, taking into account both short-term and long-term complications. More research is required to clarify specific indications for OSR and TEVAR in chronic type B dissections.

The role of multidetector-row CT in the diagnosis, classification and management of acute aortic syndrome

The term "acute aortic syndrome" (AAS) encompasses several non-traumatic life-threatening pathologies of the thoracic aorta presenting in patients with a similar clinical profile. These include aortic dissection, intramural haematoma and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers. These different pathological entities can be indistinguishable on clinical grounds alone and may be confused with other causes of chest pain, including myocardial infarction. Multidetector-row CT (MDCT) is the current modality of choice for imaging AAS with a sensitivity and specificity approaching 100%. Early diagnosis and accurate radiological classification is associated with improved clinical outcomes in AAS. We review the characteristic radiological features of the different pathologies that encompass AAS and highlight the vital role of MDCT in determining the management of these life-threatening conditions.

Case Report and Review of Literature: Late Retrograde Type A Aortic Dissection With Rupture after Repair of Type B Aortic Dissection with a GORE TAG Endovascular Prosthesis

Acute aortic dissection is the most common catastrophic condition of the aorta. Treatment options include open surgery and thoracic endovascular aortic reconstruction (TEVAR). We present a late Type A dissection as a complication of the management of descending aortic dissections with TEVAR and a review of the literature. TEVAR of the thoracic aorta is a viable treatment option for the management of complicated descending thoracic aortic dissections. Careful patient selection is necessary as medical therapy successfully treats the majority of uncomplicated Type B dissections. TEVAR should be reserved for patients with complicated Type B dissections or those who fail nonoperative management. Close postoperative monitoring is necessary when TEVAR is performed and should be accompanied by lifelong surveillance. A high level of suspicion is important to identify retrograde Type A dissections in these patients given its rarity and the ambiguity of its clinical presentation.

Systematic review of outcomes of combined proximal stent-grafting with distal bare stenting for management of aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

Available data on outcomes of combined proximal stent-grafting with distal bare stenting for management of aortic dissection are limited. The objective of this study was to provide a systematic review of outcomes of this approach.

METHODS

Studies involving combined proximal stent-grafting with distal bare stenting for management of aortic dissection were systematically searched and reviewed through MEDLINE databases.

RESULTS

A TOTAL OF FOUR STUDIES WERE INCLUDED: 108 patients treated for management of acute (n=54) and chronic (n=54) aortic dissection. The technical success rate was 95.3% (range, 84-100%). The 30-day mortality rate was 2.7% (range from 0% to 5%). The morbidity rate occurring within 30 days was 51.8% (range from 0% to 65%) and included stroke (2.7%), paraplegia (2.7%), retrograde dissection (1.8%), renal failure (14.8%), severe cardiopulmonary complications (5.5%) and bowel ischemia (0.9%). The incidence of type I endoleak was 9.2% (10/108). During follow-up, 5 (4.6%) deaths were related to aortic rupture or aortic repair. Mean re-intervention rate was 12.9%. Two cases (1.9%) of delayed retrograde type A dissection and one case of aortobronchial fistula (0.9%) were reported. The most common delayed complication was thoracic stent-graft migration (4.7%). The rate of device failure was 9.2%. Favorable aortic remodeling was observed: studies reporting midterm follow-up of the true lumen demonstrated a high rate of both false lumen regression and true lumen expansion. At 12 months, complete false lumen thrombosis was observed at the thoracic level in 70.4% and at the abdominal level in 13.5% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined proximal stent-grafting with distal bare stenting appears to be a feasible approach for the management of Type B aortic dissection. Although this approach clearly improved true lumen perfusion and diameter, it failed to completely suppress false lumen patency. However, it should be acknowledged that contemporary data on this approach is limited to small studies with variable results.

Pathology-specific secondary aortic interventions after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

OBJECTIVE

Despite improved short-term outcomes, concerns remain regarding durability of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the pathology-specific incidence of secondary aortic interventions (SAI) after TEVAR and their impact on survival.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed of all TEVAR procedures and SAI at one institution from 2004-2011. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival.

RESULTS

Of 585 patients, 72 (12%) required SAI at a median of 5.6 months (interquartile range, 1.4-14.2) with 22 (3.7%) requiring multiple SAI. SAI incidence differed significantly by pathology (P = .002) [acute dissection (21.3%), postsurgical (20.0%), chronic dissection (16.7%), degenerative aneurysm (10.8%), traumatic transection (8.1%), penetrating ulcer (1.5%), and other etiologies (14.8%)]. Most common indications after dissection were persistent false lumen flow and proximal/distal extension of disease. For degenerative aneurysms, SAI was performed primarily to treat type I/III endoleaks. SAI patients had a greater mean number of comorbidities (P < .0005), stents placed (P = .0002), and postoperative complications after the index TEVAR (P < .0005) compared with those without SAI. Freedom from SAI at 1 and 5 years (95% confidence interval) was estimated to be 86% (82%-90%) and 68% (57%-76%), respectively. There were no differences in survival (95% confidence interval) between patients requiring SAI and those who did not [SAI 1-year, 88% (77%-93%); 5-year, 51% (37%-63%); and no SAI 1-year, 82% (79%-85%); 5-year, 67% (62%-71%) (log-rank, P = .2)].

CONCLUSIONS

SAI after TEVAR is not uncommon, particularly in patients with dissection, but does not affect long-term survival. Aortic pathology is the most important variable impacting survival and dictated need, timing, and mode of SAI. The varying incidence of SAI by indication underscores the need for diligent surveillance protocols that should be pathology-specific.

First-line beta-blockers versus other antihypertensive medications for chronic type B aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a severe and often lethal complication in people with hypertension. Current practice in the treatment of chronic type B aortic dissections is the use of beta-blockers as first-line therapy to decrease aortic wall stress. Other antihypertensive medications, such as calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), have been suggested for the medical therapy of type B TAD.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of first-line beta-blockers compared with other first-line antihypertensive drug classes for treating chronic type B TAD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) for related reviews. We searched the Hypertension Group Specialised Register (1946 to 26 January 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2014, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1946 to 24 January 2014), MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE (1974 to 24 January 2014) and ClinicalTrials.gov (to 26 January 2014).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different antihypertensive medications in the treatment of chronic type B TAD to be eligible for inclusion. Total mortality rate was the primary outcome of this review. Secondary outcomes included total non-fatal adverse events relating to TADs and number of people not requiring surgical treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors (KC, PL) independently reviewed titles and abstracts and decided on studies to include based on the inclusion criteria. We resolved discrepancies between the two review authors by discussion.

MAIN RESULTS

After a thorough review of the search results, we identified no studies that met the inclusion criteria.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We did not find any RCTs that compared first-line beta-blockers with other first-line antihypertensive medications for the treatment of chronic type B TAD. Therefore, there is no RCT evidence to support the current guidelines recommending the use of beta-blockers. RCTs are required to assess the benefits and harms of beta-blockers and other antihypertensive medications as first-line treatment of chronic type B TAD.

Endovascular aortic repair of thoracic aortic disease: early and 1-year results from a German multicenter registry

PURPOSE

To report a "real-world" multicenter experience in the use of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for diseases of the descending thoracic aorta.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter, German TEVAR Registry was established in October 2008 and enrolled 191 patients (134 men; mean age 64.5±13.2 years) from 7 hospitals up to March 2011. Stent-graft implantation was performed for Stanford type B aortic dissection (104, 55.3%), true thoracic aortic aneurysm (91, 48.7%), intramural hematoma (20, 10.7%), penetrating aortic ulcer (16, 8.6%), and traumatic aortic rupture (6, 3.2%).

RESULTS

Per patient, a mean of 1.2±0.7 stent-grafts were implanted. Technical success was 92.1% (164/178); 15 (8.5%) endoleaks (types I-III) were reported. Intervention duration was a mean 107±122 minutes. During the hospital stay, stroke occurred in 3.9% of patients (7/180) and paraplegia in 1.7% (3/180). Reintervention was performed in 3.3% (6/180). The mortality was 5.5% (10/181) in-hospital and 5.6% at 30 days. The mean follow-up was 24.5±27.7 months. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1-year reintervention and death rates were 7.2% and 11.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this real-world TEVAR registry for acute or chronic descending aortic diseases, technical success was high and the short-term complication rate was acceptable. However, the high reintervention rate observed in the present study mandates thorough clinical and imaging follow-up after an initially successful procedure.

A systematic review of aortic remodeling after endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection: methods and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatments of Stanford type B aortic dissection may help to promote aortic remodeling and reduce the incidence of aortic-related complications. The aim of this study was to review published literature describing aortic remodeling after endovascular treatment of aortic dissection.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed which was compliant with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The type of aortic morphology measurements made and the methods used to make them were characterized. The endpoints of interest were the change in these measurements over time.

RESULTS

After initial screening, 77 articles were identified; 16 of which met the inclusion criteria. Few studies used three-dimensional reconstruction software and none had validated their measurement protocol. True lumen (TL) and false lumen (FL) diameters, areas, and in some cases volumes were measured. Studies assessed the aorta at a variety of different levels and over different periods of follow-up. Acute dissection patients displayed more consistent degree of remodeling (thoracic FL thrombosis in 80% to 90%) than chronic dissection patients (38% to 91%). Less remodeling was seen below the diaphragm in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic remodeling after treatment for dissection is described in a highly heterogeneous manner. Despite this there appears to be a greater degree of complete FL resolution in patients with acute dissection than chronic. Factors such as length of aortic coverage and timing of treatment may explain the variation seen in the chronic dissection group. Consensus-based reporting standards are required to synthesize evidence and inform clinical decisions regarding patient selection and operative timing.