Endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection: long-term results of the randomized investigation of stent grafts in aortic dissection trial

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement-related aortic dissection: A clinical case series

OBJECTIVES

We review our experience with 13 periprocedural aortic dissection (AD) cases caused by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

AD is a potentially lethal complication of TAVR; however, only sporadic case reports have been published to date.

METHODS

Among 1335 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR in 2013-2021, we retrospectively extracted 13 patients (1.0%) with TAVR-related AD (Stanford type A in 6 [46%], type B in 7 [54%]). AD was defined as a new-onset dissected layer of the aortic wall and diagnosed by aortography, computed tomography, or transesophageal echocardiography.

RESULTS

Five of the six type A AD cases (83%) were detected during TAVR versus only one of the seven type B AD cases (14%). Four of the seven type B AD cases (57%) were asymptomatic and incidentally detected on computed tomography. The presumed causes of AD were injury by the delivery sheath (39%), delivery catheter (23%), valve implantation (15%), stent edge (15%), and pre-dilation balloon (8%). Complicated AD occurred in only one patient (8%). Considering the patient's age and prohibitive surgical risk, all patients were treated conservatively and free of any aortic-related deaths or interventions during a follow-up of 1087 days.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR-related AD is a rare but life-threatening condition that may be underdiagnosed. Its optimal therapy remains unclear, and conservative management might be an option for selected patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the incidence, risk factors, effective screening, optimal therapy, and outcomes of TAVR-related AD.

Treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysmal degeneration following aortic dissections at a single surgical center using a physician-assembled branched endovascular stent graft

OBJECTIVE

Aneurysmal degeneration of aortic dissection portends significant morbidity and mortality consequences in the subacute and chronic phases of aortic dissection. This paper describes the use of a multi-branched stent graft system for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysmal degeneration of dissections with visceral segment involvement and reports upon the 30-day and one-year outcomes for the first 18 patients treated with this design configuration.

METHODS

The in-hospital, 30-day and one-year morbidity and mortality outcomes of 18 consecutive patients treated with the physician-assembled visceral manifold or unitary manifold stent graft systems between 2013 and 2022 were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients were treated for aneurysmal changes after aortic dissection. A total of 71 visceral vessels were successfully stented. There were no acute procedural failures. There were no episodes of paraplegia, reinterventions for type I or III endoleaks, patency-related events or mortalities reported in the first 30 days following treatment. One-year, all-cause mortality demonstrated 2/11 (18.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Aneurysmal degeneration of aortic dissection poses significant risks to patients with medically managed aortic dissections and those under surveillance. When these aneurysms develop in the thoracoabdominal region, treatment becomes even more challenging given the problem of visceral vessel patency, as these vessels can originate off the true or false lumens. The physician-designed endovascular stent graft system reported upon here has been successfully deployed in 18 patients with no acute procedural failures and promising clinical results. This treatment modality may offer utility to vascular surgeons whose patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysmal degeneration following aortic dissection have historically had limited endovascular repair prospects.

Rapid Morphological Measurement Method of Aortic Dissection Stent Based on Spatial Observation Point Set

OBJECTIVES

Post-operative stent morphology of aortic dissection patients is important for performing clinical diagnosis and prognostic assessment. However, stent morphologies still need to be manually measured, which is a process prone to errors, high time consumption and difficulty in exploiting inter-data associations. Herein, we propose a method based on the stepwise combination of basic, non-divisible data sets to quickly obtain morphological parameters with high accuracy.

METHODS

We performed the 3D reconstruction of 109 post-operative follow-up CT image data from 26 patients using mimics software. By extracting the spatial locations of the basic morphological observation points on the stent, we defined a basic and non-reducible set of observation points. Further, we implemented a fully automatic stent segmentation and an observation point extraction algorithm. We analyzed the stability and accuracy of the algorithms on a test set containing 8 cases and 408 points. Based on this dataset, we calculated three morphological parameters of different complexity for the different spatial structural features exhibited by the stent. Finally, we compared the two measurement schemes in four aspects: data variability, data stability, statistical process complexity and algorithmic error.

RESULTS

The statistical results of the two methods on two low-complexity morphological parameters (spatial position of stent end and vascular stent end-slip volume) show good agreement (n = 26, P₁, P₂ < 0.001, r₁ = 0.992, r₂ = 0.988). The statistics of the proposed method for the morphological parameters of medium complexity (proximal support ring feature diameter and distal support ring feature diameter) avoid the errors caused by manual extraction, and the magnitude of this correction to the traditional method does not exceed 4 mm with an average correction of 1.38 mm. Meanwhile, our proposed automatic observation point extraction method has only 2.2% error rate on the test set, and the average spatial distance from the manually marked observation points is 0.73 mm. Thus, the proposed method is able to rapidly and accurately measure the stent circumferential deflection angle, which is highly complex and cannot be measured using traditional methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method can significantly reduce the statistical observation time and information processing cost compared to the traditional morphological observation methods. Moreover, when new morphological parameters are required, one can quickly and accurately obtain the target parameters by new "combinatorial functions." Iterative modification of the data set itself is avoided.

Aortic arch surgery for type B aortic dissection: How far should we go? The value of a hybrid approach

Traditionally, the management of type B aortic dissection has been the domain of the vascular surgeons. Timing and type of intervention still generate debate. We sought to review our early experience with the treatment of this condition based on a hybrid approach following an aortic multi-disciplinary team meeting involving close cooperation between cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, vascular anesthetists, and cardiac anesthetists. Four patients (age 41-56 years; 3 males; 1 female) with type B aortic dissection underwent aortic arch surgery through a hybrid approach: one elective procedure consisting of ascending aorta and hemi-arch replacement with debranching followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR); one redo procedure requiring aortic arch replacement with hybrid frozen elephant trunk; two acute presentations (aortic arch replacement and debranching followed by TEVAR; AVR with ascending aorta, arch, and proximal descending thoracic aorta replacement with conventional elephant trunk and debranching). Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was required in three patients. Despite respiratory complications and slightly prolonged postoperative course, all patients survived without onset of stroke, paraplegia, malperfusion, endoleak, or need for re-exploration. Follow-up remains satisfactory. Different factors may affect outcome following complex aortic procedures. Nevertheless, close cooperation between cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists may reduce potential for complications and address aspects that may not be completely within the domain of individual specialists.

Emergency Endovascular Interventions on Descending Thoracic Aorta: A Single-Center Experience

Background

Implementation of emergency endovascular aortic repair provides an attractive opportunity in the treatment of complicated acute aortic syndromes involving descending aorta.

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for the treatment of acute surgical emergencies involving the descending thoracic aorta.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients undergoing TEVAR in a single center since 2007 was undertaken. Patients with the aortic disease treated on emergency inclusion criteria were complicated spontaneous acute aortic syndrome (csAAS), traumatic aortic acute injuries (TAIs), and other indications requiring emergent intervention. Technical and clinical success with patient mortality, survival, and reoperation rate was evaluated according to Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Results

The emergency interventions were necessary in 74 cases (51.0%), including patients with the complicated spontaneous acute aortic syndrome (csAAS) (64.8%; n = 48) and traumatic aortic acute injuries (TAIs) (31.1%). In addition, in one case aortic iatrogenic dissection (AID) and in 2 other fistulas after the previous stent graft, implantations were diagnosed. All procedures were done through surgically exposed femoral arteries while 2 hybrid procedures required additional approaches. The primary technical success rate was 95.9%, in 3 cases endoleak was reported. The primary clinical success occurred in 94.5%. All patients survived the endovascular interventions, whereas during in-hospital stay one of them died due to multiorgan failure (early mortality 1.3%). During the follow-up period, lasting 6 through 164 months (median 67), 11 patients died. Annual, five- and ten-year probability of survival was 86.4 ± 0.04%, 80.0 ± 0.05%, and 76.6 ± 0.06%, respectively. However, the rate of 5-year survivors was significantly higher after TAI (95.2%) than scAAS (63.4%) (p=0.008). Early after the procedure, one individual developed transient paraparesis (1.3%). No other serious stent-graft-related adverse events were noted within the postdischarge follow-up period.

Conclusions

Descending aortic pathologies requiring emergent interventions can be treated by endovascular techniques with optimal results and low morbidity and mortality in an experienced and dedicated team.

Changing Management of Type B Aortic Dissections

The purpose of this manuscript is to review recent trends in the management of acute type B aortic dissection. Due to its efficacy and low morbidity, thoracic endografting has rapidly been adopted as the treatment of choice for most patients with malperfusion or rupture as a consequence of acute aortic dissection. This technology is increasingly applied to patients without rupture or malperfusion, so-called "uncomplicated" dissections, to reduce the incidence of late aneurysmal degeneration in the ungrafted segments of the thoracoabdominal aorta. A variety of techniques have been proposed, including intentional rupture of the dissection membrane to obliterate the false lumen as well as the candy-plug technique to eliminate retrograde flow in the false lumen.

Novel Technique to Fenestrate an Aortic Dissection Flap using Electrocautery

Chronic distal thoracic dissections treated with thoracic endovascular repair are prone to type Ib false lumen perfusion. When the supraceliac aorta is of normal caliber, fenestration of the dissection flap proximal to the visceral vessels creates a seal zone for the thoracic stent graft and eliminates the type Ib false lumen perfusion. We describe a novel way of crossing the septum using electrocautery delivered through a wire tip then fenestrating the septum using electrocautery delivered over a 1-mm area of uninsulated wire to cut the septum. We believe the use of electrocautery creates a controlled and deliberate aortic fenestration during endovascular repair of a distal thoracic dissections.

Endovascular treatment of complicated versus uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to analyze the outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair performed for complicated and uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissections.

METHODS

Patients from WL Gore's Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute type B aortic dissections were included, and data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 5014 patients enrolled in the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment, 172 underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute type B aortic dissections. Of these repairs, 102 were for complicated acute type B aortic dissections and 70 were for uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissections. There were 46 (45.1%) procedures related to aortic branch vessels versus 15 (21.4%) in complicated type B aortic dissections and uncomplicated type B aortic dissections (P = .002). The mean length of stay was 14.3 ± 10.6 days (median, 11; range, 2-75) versus 9.8 ± 7.9 days (median, 8; range, 0-42) in those with complicated type B aortic dissections versus those with uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissections (P < .001). Thirty-day mortality was not different between groups (complicated type B aortic dissections 2.9% vs uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissections 1.4%, P = .647), as well as aortic complications (8.8% vs 5.7%, P = .449). Aortic event-free survival was 62.9% ± 37.1% versus 70.6% ± 29.3% at 3 years (P = .696).

CONCLUSIONS

In the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment, thoracic endovascular aortic repair results for complicated type B aortic dissections versus uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissections showed that 30-day mortality and perioperative complications were equally low for both. The midterm outcome was positive. These data confirm that thoracic endovascular aortic repair as the first-line strategy for treating complicated type B dissections is associated with a low risk of complications. Further studies with longer follow-up are necessary to define the role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in uncomplicated acute type B dissections compared with medical therapy. However, in the absence of level A evidence from randomized trials, results of the uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection patient cohort treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair from registries are important to understand the related risk and benefit.

Initial Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair vs Medical Therapy for Acute Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection

Importance

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has increasingly been used for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (uTBAD) despite limited supporting data.

Objective

To assess whether initial TEVAR following uTBAD is associated with reduced mortality or morbidity compared with medical therapy alone.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services inpatient claims data for adults aged 65 years or older with index admissions for acute uTBAD from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2018, with follow-up available through December 31, 2019.

Exposures

Initial TEVAR was defined as TEVAR within 30 days of admission for acute uTBAD.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular hospitalizations, aorta-related and repeated aorta-related hospitalizations, and aortic interventions associated with initial TEVAR vs medical therapy. Propensity score inverse probability weighting was used.

Results

Of 7105 patients with eligible index admissions for acute uTBAD, 1140 (16.0%) underwent initial TEVAR (623 [54.6%] female; median age, 74 years [IQR, 68-80 years]) and 5965 (84.0%) did not undergo TEVAR (3344 [56.1%] female; median age, 76 years [IQR, 69-83 years]). Receipt of TEVAR was associated with region (vs South; Midwest: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.53-0.81]; P < .001; Northeast: aOR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.50-0.79]; P < .001), Medicaid dual eligibility (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63-0.91; P = .003), hypertension (aOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.54; P = .03), peripheral vascular disease (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02-1.49; P = .03), and year of admission (2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 were associated with greater odds of TEVAR compared with 2011). After inverse probability weighting, mortality was similar for the 2 strategies up to 5 years (hazard ratio [HR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.85-1.06), as were aorta-related hospitalizations (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.99-1.27), aortic interventions (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.84-1.20), and cardiovascular hospitalizations (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.93-1.20). In a sensitivity analysis that included deaths within the first 30 days, initial TEVAR was associated with lower mortality over a period of 1 year (adjusted HR [aHR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.99; P = .03), 2 years (aHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.96; P = .008), and 5 years (aHR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80-0.96; P = .004).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, 16.0% of patients underwent initial TEVAR within 30 days of uTBAD, and receipt of initial TEVAR was associated with hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, region, Medicaid dual eligibility, and year of admission. Initial TEVAR was not associated with improved mortality or reduced hospitalizations or aortic interventions over a period of 5 years, but in a sensitivity analysis that included deaths within the first 30 days, initial TEVAR was associated with lower mortality. These findings, along with cost-effectiveness and quality of life, should be assessed in a prospective trial in the US population.

Midterm Results of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair with Reentry Closure for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection with Aneurysmal Dilatation

Objectives: This study aims to discuss the midterm results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with reentry closure for chronic type B aortic dissection (CTBAD). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 13 patients with CTBAD who underwent TEVAR with reentry closure between July 2014 and December 2020. We evaluated the false lumen (FL) cross-sectional area using computed tomography images of the descending aorta at the level of the bronchial bifurcation, Valsalva sinus, celiac artery, and infrarenal abdominal aorta pre- and postoperation. The study endpoints were technical and clinical success rates, freedom from additional aortic reintervention or surgery, and survival. Results: Technical success was obtained in 12 patients (92.3%) with no hospital mortality and neurological complications. The postoperative observation period was 49.2±21.5 months. The clinical success rate was 76.9% (10 cases), and a postoperative reduction of the FL cross-sectional area was obtained in 53.8% of patients. The 5-year overall survival rate was 64.8% with no aortic-related deaths while the 5-year freedom from additional aortic surgery rate was 66.7%. Conclusions: TEVAR with reentry closure suggests preventing FL dilatation or rupture in CTBAD, but the revision of our devices and further research with more patients and longer follow-up periods are required.

Registry of Aortic Diseases to Model Adverse Events and Progression (ROADMAP) in Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection: Study Design and Rationale

Purpose

To describe the design and methodological approach of a multicenter, retrospective study to externally validate a clinical and imaging-based model for predicting the risk of late adverse events in patients with initially uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (uTBAD).

Materials and Methods

The Registry of Aortic Diseases to Model Adverse Events and Progression (ROADMAP) is a collaboration between 10 academic aortic centers in North America and Europe. Two centers have previously developed and internally validated a recently developed risk prediction model. Clinical and imaging data from eight ROADMAP centers will be used for external validation. Patients with uTBAD who survived the initial hospitalization between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2013, with follow-up until 2020, will be retrospectively identified. Clinical and imaging data from the index hospitalization and all follow-up encounters will be collected at each center and transferred to the coordinating center for analysis. Baseline and follow-up CT scans will be evaluated by cardiovascular imaging experts using a standardized technique.

Results

The primary end point is the occurrence of late adverse events, defined as aneurysm formation (≥6 cm), rapid expansion of the aorta (≥1 cm/y), fatal or nonfatal aortic rupture, new refractory pain, uncontrollable hypertension, and organ or limb malperfusion. The previously derived multivariable model will be externally validated by using Cox proportional hazards regression modeling.

Conclusion

This study will show whether a recent clinical and imaging-based risk prediction model for patients with uTBAD can be generalized to a larger population, which is an important step toward individualized risk stratification and therapy.Keywords: CT Angiography, Vascular, Aorta, Dissection, Outcomes Analysis, Aortic Dissection, MRI, TEVAR© RSNA, 2022See also the commentary by Rajiah in this issue.

Clinical Characteristics, Incidences, and Mortality Rates for Type A and B Aortic Dissections: A Nationwide Danish Population-Based Cohort Study From 1996 to 2016

BACKGROUND

Population-based epidemiologic studies of aortic dissections (ADs) are needed. This study aimed to report clinical characteristics, incidences, and mortality rates for adult patients admitted to Danish hospitals with type A AD (TAAD) or type B AD (TBAD) from 1996 through 2016.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, population-based register study. All cases of AD registered with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes in the Danish National Patient Registry at time of admission to a hospital with available medical records underwent validation. Data were merged between nationwide health registries including the cause of death registry. Patients with validated AD were matched 1:10 on sex and age with patients with hypertension from the general Danish population.

RESULTS

Of 5018 registered cases of AD, 4183 cases underwent review and 3023 (60.2%) were validated as AD. After exclusions, the distribution of validated TAAD and TBAD was 1620 (60.5%) and 1059 (39.5%; P<0.001), 67.5% and 67.0% of patients were men, and mean ages at dissection were 63.5±12.9 and 67.5±12.2 years (P<0.001), respectively. The most prevalent comorbidities for TAAD were hypertension (55.2%), thoracic aortic aneurysms (14.6%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13.1%); for TBAD, the most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (64.1%), aortic aneurysms at any location (7.5% to 12.0%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (15.7%). The overall mean annual incidence rate was 4.2/100 000 patient-years. Incidence was significantly higher for TAAD (2.2/100 000) compared with TBAD (1.5/100 000; P<0.001). The 30-day mortality rates for validated TAAD and TBAD were 22.0% and 13.9% (P<0.001), respectively, with no significant changes over time or between sexes. Adjusted 5-year overall mortality rates for TAAD and TBAD were hazard ratio 3.2 (2.9 to 3.5; P<0.001; aortic-related cause of death, 57.0%) and hazard ratio 2.1 (1.9 to 2.4; P<0.001; aortic-related cause of death, 42.8%), respectively, compared with the general hypertensive population. Among patients who survived 30 days from dissection, the adjusted 5-year overall mortality rates were hazard ratio 1.1 (1.0 to 1.3; P=0.12; aortic-related cause of death, 23.2%) and hazard ratio 1.4 (1.2 to 1.6; P<0.001; aortic-related cause of death, 25.6%) for TAAD and TBAD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension, aortic aneurysms, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were the most prevalent comorbidities. The 30-day mortality frequencies were consistent over time with no significant differences between sexes. The 5-year mortality rate was higher for TAAD than TBAD. If the patient survived 30 days from dissection, the mortality rate for patients with TAAD was comparable with that of the general hypertensive population, but the mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with TBAD.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate. Structure: Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

13-year single-center experience with the treatment of acute type B aortic dissection

Background. Acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is catastrophic event associated with significant mortality and lifelong morbidity. The optimal treatment strategy of TBAD is still controversial. Methods. This analysis includes patients treated for TBAD at the Helsinki University Hospital, Finland in 2007-2019. The endpoints were early and late mortality, and intervention of the aorta. Results. There were 205 consecutive TBAD patients, 59 complicated and 146 uncomplicated patients (mean age of 66 ± 14, females 27.8%). In-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were higher in complicated patients compared with uncomplicated patients with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.035 and p = 0.015, respectively). After a mean follow-up of 4.9 ± 3.8 years, 36 (25.0%) and 22 (37.9%) TBAD -related adverse events occurred in the uncomplicated and complicated groups, respectively (p = 0.066). Freedom from composite outcome was 83 ± 3% and 69 ± 6% at 1 year, 75 ± 4% and 63 ± 7% at 5 years, 70 ± 5% and 59 ± 7% at 10 years in the uncomplicated group and in the complicated group, respectively (p = 0.052). There were 25 (39.1%) TBAD-related deaths in the overall series and prior aortic aneurysm was the only risk factor for adverse aortic-related events in multivariate analysis (HR 3.46, 95% CI 1.72-6.96, p < 0.001). Conclusion. TBAD is associated with a significant risk of early and late adverse events. Such a risk tends to be lower among patients with uncomplicated dissection, still one fourth of them experience TBAD-related event. Recognition of risk factors in the uncomplicated group who may benefit from early aortic repair would be beneficial.

Acute aortic syndromes: An internist's guide to the galaxy

Acute aortic syndromes (AASs) are severe conditions defined by dissection, hemorrhage, ulceration or rupture of the thoracic aorta. AASs share etiological and pathophysiological features, including long-term aortic tissue degeneration and mechanisms of acute aortic damage. The clinical signs and symptoms of AASs are unspecific and heterogeneous, requiring large differential diagnosis. When evaluating a patient with AAS-compatible symptoms, physicians need to integrate clinical probability assessment, bedside imaging techniques such as point-of-care ultrasound, and blood test results such as d-dimer. The natural history of AASs is dominated by engagement of ischemic, coagulative and inflammatory pathways at large, causing multiorgan damage. Medical treatment, multiorgan monitoring and outcome prognostication are therefore paramount, with internal medicine playing a key role in non-surgical management of AASs.

A retrospective study of thoracic endovascular aortic repair timing in patients with uncomplicated type B dissection who have a smoking history

Objective

To determine the optimal timing of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for patients with uncomplicated type B dissections who have a smoking history.

Methods

Data from 308 consecutive patients with uncomplicated type B dissections, who have a smoking history and onset-to-TEVAR time within 90 days, were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: Acute and subacute phases. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Smooth curve fitting and threshold analysis were performed to characterize the relationship between the onset-to-TEVAR time and follow-up deaths.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups. Smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis showed that if early TEVAR was performed within 9.4 days from onset, there was better long-term survival and there was no significant difference after 9.4 days.

Conclusion

By studying the relationship between onset-to-TEVAR time and all-cause mortality, we found that early TEVAR may have a lower all-cause mortality rate during follow-up in uncomplicated type B dissection patients who have a smoking history and within 90 days from onset.

Preemptive fenestrated endovascular repair aimed at perfusion of cervical branches in acute type B aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

Most of the entry tears of uncomplicated type B aortic dissection are located in the distal arch and extends in a retrograde manner to the level of the left subclavian artery. Our objective was to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness using fenestrated sent graft with complete neck vessel preservation to treat uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the record of patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection who underwent fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair in subacute phase (15-90 days) between August 2016 and April 2020. The Najuta fenestrated stent graft was placed proximally beyond he left subclavian artery (zone 0-2) in an attempt to seal the entry while preserving the neck vessels.

RESULTS

We evaluated 9 cases (male: 7, female: 2; median age 70 years). The median distance from the LSA to the proximal entry was 37 mm. The landing zones of the proximal end of the Najuta were zone 0: 3, zone 1: 2, and zone 2: 4 cases. Technical success was 100% with no 30-day death. None of the patients had a stroke, paraplegia or retrograde dissection, and no endoleak was observed. Complete aortic remodeling with false lumen resolution was obtained in all cases while each fenestrated vessels remained patent during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Preemptive thoracic endovascular aortic repair aimed at perfusion of cervical branches using the Najuta fenestrated stent is safe and effective and may be considered as a reasonable treatment option for the treatment is a safe and an effective treatment.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair and optimal medical treatment for acute type B penetrating aortic ulcer associated with intramural hematoma

To compare the safety and efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and optimal medical treatment (OMT) for type B penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) associated with intramural hematoma (IMH). From January 2015 to December 2018, 68 consecutive patients with acute type B PAU associated with IMH were enrolled in the study. TEVAR was performed following initially OMT in 30 patients (group A), and OMT was performed in 38 patients (group B). Primary outcome was aortic-related mortality. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, aortic-related adverse events, and complete aortic remodeling. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics of patients among the 2 groups except for the depth of PAU and the thickness of IMH. Patients in group B had a significant higher risk of aortic-related mortality (13.3% vs 0%, P = .045), as the same to aortic-related adverse events during follow-up. Compared to OMT, TEVAR contributed to the favorable aortic remodeling more significantly during the mid-term follow-up (85.7% vs 18.2%, P < .001). Comparing with optimal medical repair, TEVAR for patients with PAU associated with IMH could promote the favorable aortic remolding more significantly and result in lower aortic-related mortality during mid-term follow-up. It should be considered as the first-line therapeutic option when intervention is required.

Initial Single-Center Experience With the Knickerbocker Technique During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair to Block Retrograde False Lumen Flow in Patients With Type B Aortic Dissection

OBJECTIVE

Effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in type B aortic dissection is impaired by persistent retrograde false lumen flow via distal re-entry tears. Controlled, stentgraft-assisted balloon dilatation of the true lumen at its lower end, or Knickerbocker technique, may block retrograde false lumen flow and consequently improve effectiveness by inducing immediate thrombosis along the entire descending thoracic aorta.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective analysis was performed for all consecutive patients with aortic dissection treated with the Knickerbocker technique to block retrograde false lumen flow.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included for analysis. Intraoperative control angiography showed successful occlusion of the false lumen at the level of balloon dilatation in 9 out of 11 patients (82%). There was one perioperative mortality (9%), due to stroke. There were 2 early reinterventions, due to retroperitoneal bleeding and due to chyle leakage in the neck after left subclavian artery bypass. Median clinical follow-up duration was 6 (interquartile range [IQR] 2-11] months. There were 2 deaths during follow-up, one at 2 months after TEVAR from unknown cause of death, and one after 11 months due to rupture of an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm. The Knickerbocker technique led to positive aortic remodeling. At 3 months follow-up, 100% of patients showed complete false lumen thrombosis in the thoracic aorta proximal to the level of balloon dilatation, with decreasing false lumen diameters (100%) and stable (44%) or decreasing (56%) total aortic diameters. In most patients, the false lumen distal to the stentgraft (i.e. at visceral level) remained patent (11% false lumen thrombosis rate), leading to ≥2 mm dilatation at this level (78% of patients) and in the infrarenal abdominal aorta (56% of patients) at 3 months postoperatively. No distal stent-graft-induced new entry tears were noticed during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The Knickerbocker technique is feasible and effective, leading to positive aortic remodeling of the aorta covered by stentgraft in all of a small cohort of patients.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Persistent, retrograde false lumen perfusion from distal re-entries following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for Stanford type B aortic dissection, may lead to progressive, aneurysmal dilatation. Controlled, stent graft-assisted balloon dilatation of the true lumen in the distal descending aorta (i.e. Knickerbocker technique) during TEVAR effectively excludes the false lumen from persistent flow resulting in positive aortic remodeling in our small cohort of patients, and hence potentially eliminates the risk of late post-dissection aneurysm formation in the descending thoracic aorta.

Long-Term Outcomes of Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection Treated by Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Background The treatment of chronic type B aortic dissection by thoracic endovascular aortic repair has some challenges, and its long-term outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze the 5-year clinical outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair of chronic type B aortic dissection, compare the differences between patients with and without adverse aortic events (AAEs), and identify risk factors for AAEs. Methods and Results Patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair of chronic type B aortic dissection from January 2009 to June 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. The primary end points were AAEs, including aorta-related death, procedural complications, and disease progression requiring reintervention. Clinical outcomes were described at the 5-year follow-up visit. The secondary end point was the comparison of the results between patients with and without AAEs. Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were used to identify potential risk factors for AAEs. A total of 214 patients were enrolled. AAEs occurred in 46 (21.5%) patients. Compared with patients without AAEs, those with AAEs had higher rates of residual type A aortic dissection (26.1% versus 4.2%, P<0.001) and aortic diameter ≥5.5 cm (69.6% versus 11.3%, P<0.001), and a lower rate of complete false lumen thrombosis (23.9% versus 89.9%, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the median interval from symptom onset to intervention was longer in patients with AAEs (26 months versus 12 months, P=0.004). Partial or no false lumen thrombosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 14.71 [95% CI, 5.67-38.14; P<0.001]) and aortic diameter ≥5.5 cm (AOR, 10.16 [95% CI, 3.86-26.73; P<0.001]) were identified as independent risk factors for AAEs. Conclusions While thoracic endovascular aortic repair of chronic type B aortic dissection might be challenging in some cases, its long-term outcomes appeared promising as this treatment was effective in preventing catastrophic aortic events. Patients with AAEs showed higher rates of residual type A aortic dissection and aortic diameter ≥5.5 cm, a lower rate of complete false lumen thrombosis, and a longer median interval from symptom onset to intervention. Failure of complete false lumen thrombosis and an aortic diameter ≥5.5 cm were predictors of AAEs.

Hybrid and endovascular approaches to the aortic arch

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The gold standard treatment for aneurysms and dissections involving the aortic arch remains open total arch replacement. High-risk operative candidates may benefit from hybrid or completely endovascular techniques to reduce the risk of perioperative mortality and morbidity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Numerous endografts are available for investigational use in the aortic arch as part of investigational device exemption (IDE) programs. Some are fenestrated or scalloped, whereas others are branched, ranging from single branch to triple branch stent-grafts. Initial results for completely endovascular repair of the aortic arch are encouraging. Current data estimates that rates of successful deployment of arch endografts ranges from 84.2% to 100%, whereas operative mortality may be as high as 13.2%, with stroke rates being as high as 20% and spinal cord ischemia being as high as 3.1%.

SUMMARY

More data are necessary to compare hybrid and endovascular stent-grafting of the aortic arch to conventional open total arch replacement. Longitudinal follow-up is also lacking, which will determine the long-term durability of endografts in the aortic arch. However, endovascular repair represents an important opportunity for improving outcomes in high-risk patients with complex aneurysms and dissections of the aortic arch.

MRI in CFD for chronic type B aortic dissection: Ready for prime time?

OBJECTIVES

Better tools are needed for risk assessment of Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) to determine optimal treatment for patients with uncomplicated disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to inform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for TBAD by providing individualised quantification of haemodynamic parameters, for assessment of complication risks. This systematic review aims to present an overview of MRI applications for CFD studies of TBAD.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a search in Medline, Embase, and the Scopus Library identified 136 potentially relevant articles. Studies were included if they used MRI to inform CFD simulation in TBAD.

RESULTS

There were 20 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. 19 studies used phase contrast MRI (PC-MRI) to provide data for CFD flow boundary conditions. In 12 studies, CFD haemodynamic parameter results were validated against PC-MRI. In eight studies, geometric models were developed from MR angiography. In three studies, aortic wall or intimal flap motion data were derived from PC/cine MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI provides complementary patient-specific information in CFD haemodynamic studies for TBAD that can be used for personalised care. MRI provides structural, dynamic and flow data to inform CFD for pre-treatment planning, potentially advancing its integration into clinical decision-making. The use of MRI to inform CFD in TBAD surgical planning is promising, however further validation and larger cohort studies are required.

Current Understanding of Aortic Dissection

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, delivering oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to all organs. Dissection of the aorta is a lethal condition caused by a tear in the intimal layer of the aorta, followed by blood loss within the aortic wall and separation of the layers to full dissection. The aorta can be affected by a wide range of causes including acute conditions such as trauma and mechanical damage; and genetic conditions such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and connective tissue disorders; all increasing the risk of dissection. Both rapid diagnostic recognition and advanced multidisciplinary treatment are critical in managing aortic dissection patients. The treatment depends on the severity and location of the dissection. Open surgical repair is the gold standard of treatment for dissections located to the proximal part of the aorta and the arch, while endovascular interventions are recommended for most distal or type B aortic dissections. In this review article, we examine the epidemiology, pathophysiology, contemporary diagnoses, and management of aortic dissection.

Volume Analysis to Predict the Long-Term Evolution of Residual Aortic Dissection after Type A Repair

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the aortic diameter and volume during the first year after a type A repair to predict the long-term prognosis of a residual aortic dissection (RAD). Methods: All patients treated in our center for an acute type A dissection with a RAD and follow-up > 3 years were included. We defined two groups: group 1 with dissection-related events (defined as an aneurysmal evolution, distal reintervention, or aortic-related death) and group 2 without dissection-related events. The aortic diameters and volume analysis were evaluated on three postoperative CT scans: pre-discharge (T1), 3−6 months (T2) and 1 year (T3). Results: Between 2009 and 2016, 54 patients were included. Following a mean follow-up of 75.4 months (SD 31.5), the rate of dissection-related events was 62.9% (34/54). The total aortic diameters of the descending thoracic aorta were greater in group 1 at T1, T2 and T3, with greater diameters in the FL (p < 0.01). The aortic diameter evolution at 3 months was not predictive of long-term dissection-related events. The total thoracic aortic volume was significantly greater in group 1 at T1 (p < 0.01), T2 (p < 0.01), and T3 (p < 0.01). At 3 months, the increase in the FL volume was significantly greater in group 1 (p < 0.01) and was predictive for long-term dissection-related events. Conclusion: This study shows that an initial CT scan volume analysis coupled with another at 3 months is predictive for the long-term evolution in a RAD. Based on this finding, more aggressive treatment could be given at an earlier stage.

Distal aortic replacement followed by endovascular repair for the management of severe intra-pleural adhesions accidentally detected during open surgery for chronic type B aortic dissection: a report of two cases

BACKGROUND

Open repair is the most promising curative treatment option for patients with chronic type B aortic dissection. However, based on our experience, following the accidental detection of intra-pleural adhesions during open surgery for chronic type B aortic dissection, complete replacement of the diseased aorta cannot be accomplished. To overcome this problem, we switched the procedure to create a distal landing zone for subsequent endovascular repair by replacing the distal aorta with a vascular graft.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report two cases in which open repair was attempted; however, the proximal descending thoracic aorta could not be exposed due to the presence of severe adhesion in the pleural cavity. In these patients, we accessed the lower descending thoracic aorta or thoracoabdominal aorta and created a distal landing zone for subsequent endovascular repair by replacing the aorta with a vascular graft. Thereafter, endovascular repair was performed with good outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Replacement of the distal aorta, which is typically easy to access despite the presence of intra-pleural adhesions, with a vascular graft serves as a reliable distal landing zone for subsequent endovascular repair. This method may be a viable option for the management of severe adhesions accidentally detected in the pleural cavity during open repair for chronic type B aortic dissection.

MANAGEMENT OF LEFT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY IN TYPE-B AORTIC DISSECTION TREATED WITH THORACIC ENDOVASCULAR AORTA REPAIR

OBJECTIVE

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been the favored approach for the treatment of type B aortic dissection (TBAD). To obtain an adequate proximal landing zone, coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) will often be necessary. The occurrence of possible neurologic complications has continued to be debated. We investigated the management of the LSA in patients with TBAD undergoing endovascular repair.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and MEDLINE databases to October 2020 for studies of TEVAR for TBAD. Data on the study design, demographics, endograft details, LSA coverage and revascularization, mortality, complications, and follow-up were extracted and analyzed. The effects of LSA coverage and revascularization on neurologic complications and outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 26 reports (24 retrospective and 2 prospective) were deemed eligible for our study. A total of 1483 patients (mean age, 56.9 ± 6.2 years) had undergone TEVAR for acute (n = 932; 62.9%), subacute (n = 36; 2.4%), or chronic (n = 515; 34.7%) TBAD, with a success rate of 97.8% and hospital mortality of 4.9%. The LSA origin had been covered for 707 patients (47.7%), and 326 had undergone LSA revascularization (surgical, n = 96; endovascular, n = 170; unspecified or not reported, n = 60). LSA revascularization was concomitant for 68.1% of cases, after TEVAR for 1.8%, and not reported for 30.1%. Of 1146 patients, 10 (0.9%) had experienced left arm claudication, and the overall stroke rate was 3.3% (2.7% for the LSA group and 1% for the uncovered LSA group; P = .0815). Of the patients with stroke and a covered LSA, 1% (2 of 203) had undergone LSA revascularization and 4.8% (5 of 105) had not (P = .0478). Twenty-six patients (1.9%) had developed paraplegia: 0.7% (3 of 433) with a covered LSA, 1.4% (7 of 491) with an uncovered LSA (P = .3508), and not reported for 16 patients. Endoleak was present in 138 patients (13.4%) at a mean follow-up of 32.1 ± 25.6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review has shown that LSA coverage during endovascular repair for complicated TBAD will does not significantly increase the risk of neurologic complications; however, revascularization of the LSA should be always recommended.

Chronic Thoracic Aortic Dissection: How to Treat, When to Intervene

Thoracic aortic dissection (AD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Acute aortic syndrome is the first presentation of the disease in most cases. While acute AD management follows concrete guidelines because of its urgent and life-threatening nature, chronic AD is usually overlooked, although it concerns a wide spectrum of patients surviving an acute event. Acute AD survivors ultimately enter a chronic aortic disease course. Patients with chronic thoracic AD (CTAD) require lifelong surveillance and a proportion of them may present with symptoms and late complications demanding further surgical or endovascular treatment. However, the available data concerning the management of CTAD is sparse in the literature. The management of patients with CTAD is challenging as far as determining the best medical therapy and deciding on intervention are concerned. Until recently, there were no guidelines or recommendations for imaging surveillance in patients with chronic AD. The diagnostic methods for imaging aortic diseases have been improved, while the data on new endovascular and surgical approaches has increased significantly. In this review, we summarize the current evidence in the diagnosis and management of CTAD and the latest recommendations for the surgical/endovascular aortic repair of CTAD.

Procedure and Aortic Remodeling Effects of Entry Closure with Stentgraft for Type B Aortic Dissection: Comparison between the Patients with Narrow True Lumen and Those with Aneurysmal Dilated False Lumen

Objectives: Appropriateness of device selection, procedure protocol and aortic remodeling effects of entry closure (TEVAR) with stent-graft (SG) for patent false lumen type B aortic dissection (TBAD) were compared between the patients with narrow true lumen (narrow group) and those with aneurysmal dilated false lumen (aneurysmal group).

Methods: Twenty-six patients with narrow true lumen (narrow group) and 20 patients with aneurysmal false lumen (aneurysmal group) were included in this study. In narrow group, straight SG was implanted from Zone 3 regardless the distance between the left subclavian artery and entry. In aneurysmal group, straight or taped SG was implanted with proximal landing zone length 20 mm or more. Thoracic aortic anatomy was evaluated by CT and aortic remodeling was defined as true lumen diameter ≥50% of the aortic diameter and occlusion of false lumen. Aorta related death, retrograde type A aortic dissection (RTAD), stentgraft induced new entry (SINE) and aortic maximum diameter enlargement 5 mm or more (aortic expansion) were included in the aortic event.

Results: There was no procedure related complication in narrow group and 1 patient died due to aortic rupture in aneurysmal group, Type Ia endoleak by enhanced CT 7 days after TEVAR was detected in one patient in each group. Achievement of aortic remodeling was significantly better in narrow group. Aortic event occurred in only one patient in narrow group, in whom aortic expansion was observed. In aneurysmal group, aortic event occurred 12 patients (60%) and 2 RTAD, 5 SINE, and 8 aorta expansion were observed. Aortic event free rate was significantly better in narrow group.

Conclusion: TEVAR procedure for the TBAD patients with narrow true lumen seemed to be appropriate, however, different TEVAR procedure or additional procedures would be required for those with aneurysmal dilated false lumen to obtain favorable outcomes. (This is secondary publication from Jpn J Vasc Surg 2021; 30: 347–357.)

False lumen patency status and outcomes after endovascular repair of uncomplicated chronic type B dissection

BACKGROUND

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains a controversial treatment for uncomplicated chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD). This study was performed to investigate the postoperative outcomes of TEVAR, such as survival and reintervention, and the risk factors for prognoses.

METHODS

In total, 41 patients with uncomplicated cTBAD who underwent TEVAR from 2014 to 2021 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: those with false lumen complete thrombosis (FLCT) and false lumen partial thrombosis (FLPT) based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to estimate survival and freedom from reintervention. Binary logistic analysis was performed to estimate risk factors for partial thrombosis.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 31 (1-78) months, five deaths and six reinterventions had occurred at 5 years. By 1 week, thoracic FLCT had occurred in 23 (56.1%) patients and thoracic FLPT had occurred in 18 (43.9%). The rate of freedom from reintervention was significantly lower in the FLCT than in the FLPT group (p = 0.04). The 5-year survival rate of the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). Risk factors for thoracic FLPT were the distance between the re-entry site and the graft (p = 0.02) and the proximal oversizing ratio (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

TEVAR is an effective and safe treatment for uncomplicated cTBAD and has a low mortality rate. Thoracic FLCT is associated with less reintervention, but overall survival is not impacted by this difference. Patients treated with TEVAR without certain risk factors can have a good prognosis.

Staged Hybrid Repair of a Complex Type B Aortic Dissection

Due to its heterogeneous clinical picture and lengthy evolution, the management of type B aortic dissection represents a clinical challenge, often calling for complex strategies combining medical, endovascular, and open surgical strategies. We present the case of a 45-year-old female who had previously suffered a complicated type B aortic dissection requiring a femoro-femoral crossover bypass and further conservative treatment. Seven years later, due to an aneurysmal development, a staged descending aortic management was strategized, beginning with the implantation of a frozen elephant trunk device due to an insufficient proximal landing zone for endovascular repair. However, the development of a distal stent graft-induced new entry complicated the dissection and led to the formation of a second false lumen, thus prompting an expedited hybrid reconstruction. We describe a hybrid repair strategy tailored to the patient’s particular aortic anatomic conformation, combining ilio-visceral debranching and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Due to a lack of consensus on the ideal management strategy for type B aortic dissection, an individualized approach conducted by an experienced aortic team may generate the best outcome. The appropriate timing and planning of the intervention are the keys to successful results in complex type B aortic dissection cases with an elaborate anatomic conformation.

Comparative Risks of Initial Aortic Events Associated With Genetic Thoracic Aortic Disease

BACKGROUND

Pathogenic variants in 11 genes predispose individuals to heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD), but limited data are available to stratify the risk for aortic events associated with these genes.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare the risk of first aortic event, specifically thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery or an aortic dissection, among 7 HTAD genes and variant types within each gene.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of probands and relatives with rare variants in 7 genes for HTAD (n = 1,028) was assessed for the risk of first aortic events based on the gene altered, pathogenic variant type, sex, proband status, and location of recruitment.

RESULTS

Significant differences in aortic event risk were identified among the smooth muscle contraction genes (ACTA2, MYLK, and PRKG1; P = 0.002) and among the genes for Loeys-Dietz syndrome, which encode proteins in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway (SMAD3, TGFB2, TGFBR1, and TGFBR2;P < 0.0001). Cumulative incidence of type A aortic dissection was higher than elective aneurysm surgery in patients with variants in ACTA2, MYLK, PRKG1, and SMAD3; in contrast, patients with TGFBR2 variants had lower cumulative incidence of type A aortic dissection than elective aneurysm surgery. Cumulative incidence of type B aortic dissection was higher for ACTA2, PRKG1, and TGFBR2 than other genes. After adjusting for proband status, sex, and recruitment location, specific variants in ACTA2 and TGFBR2 were associated with substantially higher risk of aortic event with childhood onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene- and variant-specific data on aortic events in individuals with HTAD support personalized aortic surveillance and clinical management.

Progressive Aortic Enlargement in Medically Managed Acute SVS/STS Type B Aortic Dissections with Visceral Aortic Involvement

BACKGROUND

Aortic remodeling of the thoracic aorta has been studied in patients treated with medical or endovascular therapy for the treatment of acute aortic dissections; however, particular attention has not yet focused on identifying specific growth patterns and rates across all aortic zones. Additionally, previous studies have not delineated between dissections with and without visceral aortic involvement, and we hypothesize that these two cohorts may exhibit distinct differences. The aim of this study is to investigate aortic behavior over time in medically managed acute SVS/STS Type B dissections with visceral aortic involvement, and identify potential associations of subsequent aortic behavior with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review was performed of all patients between 2010-2020 with acute SVS/STS Type B aortic dissections with visceral aortic involvement that were not surgically managed. Short-axis centerline measurements of the true/false lumen and total aortic diameter (TAD) were taken at standardized locations relative to aortic anatomy within each aortic zone, including non-dissected zones. Measurements were taken at the time of diagnosis and at six subsequent yearly intervals. Diameter changes over time were evaluated using repeated measures mixed models linear growth analysis. Aortic enlargement was classified by growth in TAD≥5mm in either the thoracic (Thoracic Segment Enlargement [TSE], Zone 0-4) or visceral segments (Visceral Segment Enlargement [VSE], Zone 5-9).

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were identified with a median length of follow-up of 3.3 years (interquartile range [IQR]1.3-6.6 years). Follow-up past 5 years was seen in 31% of the cohort. For the entire cohort, mean thoracic growth in TAD was 2.0±2.0 mm/year and visceral growth in TAD 2.5±2.4 mm/year. TSE was observed in 65% of patients, with a median time until onset of 0.8 years (IQR 0.4-2.3 years). VSE was observed in 57% of the cohort, with a median time until onset of 1.6 years (IQR 0.9-3.3 years). Repeat measures mixed models linear growth analysis identified significant predictable linear growth in all aortic zones except for the non-dissected Zones 0-2. Odds for TSE are significantly increased in patients with known genetically triggered aortic conditions (GenTACs) (OR 2, 95% CI 1.8-4.5, p=0.044) and in cases where the dissection entry tear was in either Zone 1 or 2 (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.2-8.4, p=0.044). In adjusted regression analysis, odds for intervention in the thoracic aorta were significantly increased in patients with rapid TSE in Zone 3 (OR 3.6 [1.1-8.4], p=0.045). Similarly, odds for intervention targeting the visceral aortic segment were significantly increased in patients with Zone 9 VSE (OR 9.3, 95% CI 1.1-13.3, p=0.014). Odds for 5-year all-cause mortality were significantly increased in cases with large thoracic aneurysms (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.1-14.9, p=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic enlargement was present in the majority of patients with medically managed acute SVS/STS Type B aortic dissections with visceral aortic involvement, with analysis demonstrating predictable linear growth in all dissected zones. Patients with aortic instability demonstrated higher gross changes in diameter in addition to higher yearly rates of change compared to all comers. Odds for enlargement were impacted by both patient demographic and anatomic dissection characteristics. Growth in Zone 3 and Zone 9 significantly increased odds for aortic intervention. Odds for 5-year mortality were significantly increased in the presence of large thoracic aneurysms. Results highlight risk of progressive degeneration beyond acute phase in SVS/STS Type B aortic dissections with visceral aortic involvement, with life-long surveillance remaining crucial in management of dissections.

Aortic Perforation and Ascending Dissection Due to Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation Implantation in Cardiac Surgery

The intra-aortic balloon pump continues to be a useful ventricular assist device in cardiac surgery. Complications are estimated to be 7% to 40%, significantly high to catastrophic. We describe an aortic injury associated with the use of the device and an interdisciplinary management for the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Research and clinical translation of trilayer stent-graft of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for interventional treatment of aortic dissection

The aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening disease. The transcatheter endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) affords a minimally invasive technique to save lives of these critical patients, and an appropriate stent-graft gets to be the key medical device during an EVAR procedure. Herein, we report a trilayer stent-graft and corresponding delivery system used for the treatment of the AD disease. The stent-graft is made of nitinol stents with an asymmetric Z-wave design and two expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes. Each of inner and outer surfaces of the stent-graft was covered by an ePTFE membrane, and the two membranes were then sintered together. The biological studies of the sintered ePTFE membranes indicated that the stent-graft had excellent cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility in vitro. Both the stent-graft and the delivery system exhibited satisfactory mechanical properties and operability. The safety and efficacy of this stent-graft and the corresponding delivery system were demonstrated in vivo. In 9 canine experiments, the blood vessels of the animals implanted with the stent-grafts were of good patency, and there were no thrombus and obvious stenosis by angiography after implantation for 6 months. Furthermore, all of the 9 clinical cases experienced successful implantation using the stent-graft and its post-release delivery system, and the one-year follow-ups indicated the preliminary safety and efficacy of the trilayer stent-graft with an asymmetric Z-wave design for interventional treatment.

Usefulness of 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography in differentiating between subacute and chronic aortic dissection: initial investigation

OBJECTIVES

In the selection of thoracic endovascular repair for aortic dissection (AD), it is important to distinguish between the subacute and chronic phases, but there is no reliable way to distinguish between them in patients with unknown onset of AD. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18F-FDG)-PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) for discriminating subacute AD from chronic AD.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with AD who were medically treated and followed up for 6 months were studied. 18F-FDG PET/CT images were obtained for each patient in the subacute phase (the first scan) and at 6 months (the second scan) after the onset. Target-to-background ratio (TBR) was measured as the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) in the dissected aortic wall divided by blood pool SUV.

RESULTS

TBR was significantly higher in the first scan (mean ± SD, 1.97 ± 0.32) than in the second scan (1.69 ± 0.29, P = 0.007). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TBR for discriminating subacute AD from chronic AD was 0.76. With a threshold of 1.74, the TBR showed the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of 85%, 69%, 73%, and 82%, respectively, for the discrimination of subacute AD from chronic AD.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic assessment of dissected aortic wall by 18F-FDG PET/CT is useful in differentiating between subacute and chronic AD and can provide important information in determining the appropriate indication for treatment for patients with AD of unknown onset.

Contemporary Unplanned Readmission Trends Following Management of Type B Aortic Dissection

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

False Lumen Flow Assessment by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Long-Term Outcomes in Uncomplicated Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Despite the absence of clinical complications after an acute aortic dissection (AD) with persistent patent false lumen (FL), a high risk for clinical events may persist.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the natural evolution of noncomplicated AD and ascertain whether different FL flow patterns by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have independent prognostic value for AD-related events beyond established morphologic parameters.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-one consecutive patients, 78 with surgically treated type A dissections and 53 with medically treated type B dissections, were followed up prospectively after acute AD with persistent patent FL in the descending aorta. Maximum aortic diameter, true lumen compression, entry tear, and partial FL thrombosis by computed tomography were assessed. Systolic antegrade true lumen and FL flow volumes and diastolic antegrade and retrograde flows were analyzed by MRI during the first year after AD.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up period of 8.0 years (IQR: 4.6-10.9 years), 43 patients presented aorta-related events (25 died and 18 required endovascular treatment). FL systolic antegrade flow ≥30% with respect to total systolic antegrade flow and retrograde diastolic flow ≥80% with respect to total diastolic FL flow were predictors of aortic events. In multivariate analysis, aortic diameter >45 mm (HR: 2.91), type B dissection (HR: 2.44), and MRI flow pattern (HR: 16.87) were independent predictors of AD-related events.

CONCLUSIONS

High systolic antegrade flow volume in the FL with significant diastolic retrograde flow assessed by MRI and aortic diameter >45 mm identify patients with higher risk for complications in whom more aggressive management would be indicated.