Fate of the preserved aortic root after treatment of acute type A aortic dissection: 23-year follow-up

Indications and outcomes of second aortic procedures after acute type A dissection repair

OBJECTIVES

Aortic arch or aortic root replacement is not performed in all cases of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAD), and a second aortic procedure will become necessary over time for some patients. Indications and outcomes, of second aortic procedures have not been studied extensively.

METHODS

Characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of all patients undergoing surgical repair for type A acute aortic dissection were analysed and patients needing second aortic procedure during follow-up were identified. The latter group was divided in 2 subgroups: on-pump includes patients operated on using cardiopulmonary bypass and off-pump without cardiopulmonary bypass.

RESULTS

A total of 638 patients underwent surgery for ATAD; 8% required a second aortic procedure. The most frequent indication for the second aortic procedure was dehiscence of suture lines (44%), followed by arch dilatation (24%). In-hospital mortality was 12%. Isolated ascending aorta replacement at the first surgery was associated with higher incidence of second aortic procedure (P = 0.006). Most patients in the on-pump group underwent a proximal reoperation (75%), with a mortality rate of 14.2%. In-hospital mortality of patients in the off-pump group was 7.7%. Long-term survival analysis showed no difference between groups (P = 0,526), Off-pump patients have greater likelihood of a second intervention during follow-up (P  = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Extended aortic root surgery and customized aortic arch repair in ATAD could be reasonable to reduce the incidence and mortality of high-risk second aortic procedures.

Long-term outcomes after recurrent acute thoracic aortic dissection: Insights from the International Registry of Aortic Dissection

OBJECTIVE

With an aging population and advancements in imaging, recurrence of thoracic aortic dissection is becoming more common.

METHODS

All patients enrolled in the International Registry of Aortic Dissection from 1996 to 2023 with type A and type B acute aortic dissection were identified. Among them, initial dissection and recurrent dissection were discerned. The study period was categorized into 3 eras: historic era, 1996 to 2005; middle era, 2006 to 2015; most recent era, 2016 to 2023. Propensity score matching was applied between initial dissection and recurrent dissection. Outcome of interests included long-term survival and cumulative incidence of major aortic events defined by the composite of reintervention, aortic rupture, and new dissection.

RESULTS

The proportion of recurrent dissection increased from 5.9% in the historic era to 8.0% in the most recent era in the entire dissection cohort. In patients with type A dissection, propensity score matching between initial dissection and recurrent dissection yielded 326 matched pairs. Kaplan-Meier curves showed similar long-term survival between the 2 groups. However, the cumulative incidence of major aortic events was significantly higher in the recurrent dissection group (40.3% ± 6.2% vs 17.8% ± 5.1% at 4 years in the initial dissection group, P = .02). For type B dissection, 316 matched pairs were observed after propensity score matching. Long-term survival and the incidence of major aortic events were equivalent between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The case volume of recurrent dissection or the ability to detect recurrent dissection has increased over time. Acute type A recurrent dissection was associated with a higher risk of major aortic events than initial dissection. Further judicious follow-up may be crucial after type A recurrent dissection.

Aortic root remodeling after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection using different anastomosis techniques

Background

After surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD), remodeling of the residual aortic segments is the key outcome parameter associated with late reoperation or aorta-related adverse events. In this study, we analyzed the surgical outcomes of aTAAD using either a telescopic or continuous anastomosis technique, focusing on their impact on aortic root remodeling during the longitudinal follow-up.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2018, 112 surgical repairs of aTAAD with ascending aorta replacement and without aortic arch or aortic root replacement were performed. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and early and late outcomes were compared between the telescopic and continuous anastomosis techniques. The generalized estimating equation method was used to analyze the effects of different anastomosis techniques on serial aortic root remodeling.

Results

The telescopic anastomosis technique was used in 46 cases (41.1%), and the conventional continuous anastomosis technique was used in 66 cases (58.9%). There were no differences in in-hospital mortality or the incidence of major complications between the groups. The telescopic anastomosis group demonstrated stable postoperative regression of the aortic root diameter during follow-up. In contrast, the continuous anastomosis group showed a progressive dilatation of the aortic root. There was a trend toward better aortic root adverse event-free survival rates in the telescopic anastomosis group (P = .081).

Conclusions

The telescopic anastomosis technique is a safe alternative to the continuous anastomosis technique in the surgical repair of aTAAD, with comparable early results. In addition, telescopic anastomosis was associated with beneficial aortic root remodeling in the medium term compared with continuous anastomosis.

Update in aortic dissection

New concepts regarding the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of aortic dissection have been recently developed. The aim of this paper is to describe the current state of knowledge on this subject and discuss any controversies surrounding it. Novel findings in the patho mechanisms of aortic dissection have evolved focusing on the indications for preventive surgery, biomarkers, and four-dimensional (4D)-flow magnetic resonance imaging. New classifications of aortic dissections have been proposed (TEM, STS/SVS). Finally, recent treatment improvements in aortic dissection treatment options have been presented, i.e., the frozen elephant trunk approach, thoracic endovascular repair, and the endo-Bentall concept as a future option.

Fate of Preserved Aortic Root Following Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

We examined the long-term fate of the preserved aortic root after emergent repair of acute Type A aortic dissection. 144 patients (60% males, mean age 60.5 years) underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement for acute Type A aortic dissection. Long-term survival, as well as growth, reoperation, and adverse events of the aortic root (rupture, pseudoaneurysm, and persistent dissection) were retrospectively assessed. Operative mortality was 9%, and overall survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 87.8%, 76.4%, and 64.6%, respectively. Reoperation on the proximal aorta was performed in 16 patients (12.2%) within a median of 2.45 years post-operatively. Indications were severe aortic insufficiency (AI) (n = 6), aortic root pseudoaneurysm (n = 8), pseudoaneurysm with severe AI (n = 1), and persistent dissection with severe AI (n = 1). The aortic root grew at 0.2mm/year (interquartile range 0-0.8). Among survivors (n = 131), 28 patients (21.3%) reached aortic root diameter ≥ 45 mm (mean diameter 47.6 mm, range 45-54 mm). Survival free from proximal aortic reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years was 96.6%, 94.5%, and 92.2%, respectively. No non-reoperated patient-despite persistent, unoperated enlargement or distortion or pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root-developed free rupture or fistula to a cardiac chamber. Root-sparing ascending aortic replacement for acute Type-A aortic dissection showed satisfactory long-term outcomes with relatively low rates of re-intervention or serious aortic root adverse events despite dilatation and irregularity of aortic root contour. Dense adhesions from prior surgery, proximal aortic suture line, and Teflon felt seem to discourage free rupture or fistulization.

Short- and long-term outcomes of aortic root-sparing repair and replacement in acute type A aortic dissection repair

Acute type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency with a high mortality rate if left untreated. Management of the aortic root in this setting constitutes an intricate decision-making framework, further complicated by the emergent nature of the dissection. There exists much controversy regarding pursuit of the aggressive aortic root replacement versus a conservative root-sparing repair, alongside considerations for valve-sparing root replacement. In this review, we critically appraise the current controversy in the literature considering the fate of the aortic root, discussing the aforementioned root interventions for which provides better outcomes for mortality and risk of re-intervention. Literature search was performed using electronic database through PubMed, Google scholar, and Embase focussing on studies reporting outcomes and re-intervention rates for these approaches. Limited by the heterogeneity in surgical strategy, with most studies being single-centred retrospective experiences, further fuel this ongoing debate. The literature reveals rather contrasting results whilst comparing root-sparing repair, versus the extensive root replacement; whilst some studies report no statistically significant difference, others show one superior over the other. There is greater consensus when considering risk of re-operation, with studies showing higher rates of re-operation in root-sparing group compared to replacement; however, many others show no statistically significant difference. In conclusion, the conflicting outcomes reported in the literature, with their inherent limitations, results in the current inability to reach a definitive answer. There remains support in the current literature for both approaches with much of the decision-making being surgeon-bound with many significant influencing factors on a case-by-case basis.

Aortic root remodeling with external annuloplasty for acute type A aortic dissection: Midterm results

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the role of aortic root remodeling with external aortic annuloplasty (ARREAA) in acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD).

METHODS

From May 2011 to May 2020, 59 patients out of 240 with AAAD underwent ARREAA. Data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 61.4 ± 8.6 years and 43 patients were males (73%). Hemiarch and total arch replacement were performed in 37 (62.7%) and 14 (23.7%) patients. An aortic valvuloplasty was performed in seven patients (11.8%). Five patients (8.5%) required coronary artery bypass graft. Re-exploration for bleeding was required in six patients (10.1%). The 30-day mortality rate was 18.6%. Preoperative hemodynamic instability (odds ratio [OR] = 8.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57-46.71; p = 0.013), consciousness disorder (OR = 19.18, 95% CI = 3.02-121.72]; p = 0.002) or myocardial ischemia (OR = 6.28, 95% CI = 1.27-31.10; p = 0.013) were significantly associated with postoperative mortality. No patient was reoperated for aortic valve during the postoperative period. One patient suffered a stroke postoperatively with partial recovery. Kidney failure requiring temporary dialysis occurred in 12 patients (20.3%). At discharge, a transthoracic echocardiogram showed moderate aortic regurgitation (AR; grade 2) in two patients. During follow-up (mean = 58.4 ± 32.4 months), three patients died. The rate of mortality was 6.2%. Actuarial survival at 5 years was 76.3%. No patient required reoperation on the proximal aorta or aortic valve. At 4 years, freedom from any aortic valve or root reintervention and AR > 2 were both 100%.

CONCLUSION

In a center with expertise in valve-sparing procedures, ARREAA is a reasonable option in the surgical management of AAAD in selected patients. This technique stabilizes the aortic annulus and preserves root anatomy for durable outcomes.

Management of the aortic root in type A aortic dissection: A valve sparing approach

BACKGROUND

Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is rapidly fatal without emergency repair. Surgical outcomes have improved over the years with improvements in technique and postoperative care. Classically, supracomissural aortic replacement has been the standard of care. However, reintervention rates, particularly on the aortic root in certain groups of patients, shifted the focus towards improving long-term results of surgical repair. With regard to the aortic root, root replacement has been the gold standard. However, the surgical community realized that valve replacement in itself is a disease, and valve sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) took center stage in the care of these patients.

METHODS

We searched the Pubmed and EMBASE databases for articles related to VSRR and composite valve conduit (CVC) root replacement, and the long-term results of these techniques in TAAAD.

RESULTS

Supracomissural repair is limited by reintervention, and CVC results are affected by complications related to the prosthetic valve. Conversely, VSRR is associated with good short-term outcomes, improvement in quality of life, and it is durable.

CONCLUSION

VSRR is a sound technique in TAAAD in experienced hands.

Neomedia Repair of the Valsalva Sinus in the Treatment of Acute Type-A Aortic Dissection: Long-term Effectiveness and a Case of Pathology

Although numerous surgical techniques are employed to treat acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), controversy remains over which is the best procedure for aortic root reconstruction. Among the various techniques utilized, neomedia repair is considered to be more promising than adhesive-only repair for the treatment of a dissected aortic root. We experienced a series of neomedia sinus Valsalva repair using woven polyester fabric, and evaluated the aortic root diameter by computed tomography and severity of aortic valve insufficiency by transthoracic echocardiography. The aortic root diameter was well preserved with no progress of aortic valve insufficiency in the long-term period. Furthermore, we found that the fabric looked functioning new media in the findings obtained from the pathological examination of a neomedia repaired aortic wall sample that was obtained by chance from a patient during valve replacement surgery performed 10 years after aortic reconstruction for ATAAD. Neomedia repair using woven polyester fabric for ATAAD might facilitate the long-term durability of the surgically treated aortic root. (This is a translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol 2019; 59: 37–43.)

Thoracic aortic surgery: status and upcoming novelties

Several novel technological developments and surgical approaches have characterized the field of aortic surgery in the recent decade. The progressive introduction of endovascular procedures, minimally invasive surgical techniques and hybrid approaches have changed the practice in aortic surgery and generated new trends and questions. Also, the advancements in the manufacturing of tissue engineered vascular grafts as substitutes for aortic replacements are enlightening new avenues in the treatment of aortic disease. This review will provide an overview of the current novel perspectives, debates and trends in major thoracic aortic surgery.

The fate of residual aortic regurgitation after ascending aorta replacement in type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in postoperative aortic regurgitation (AR) and determine the predictors of significant AR and root reoperation after ascending aortic replacement (AAR) in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

From January 1995 to December 2017, 271 consecutive patients underwent valve/root-preserving AAR (n = 225) and root replacement (n = 46). AR grade trend over time was analyzed by the ordinal mixed-effects model. Significant AR was defined as AR grade ≥3+ during the follow-up period. Predischarge and follow-up echocardiograms were obtained in 95.6% and 88.8% of enrolled patients, respectively.

RESULTS

At predischarge, postoperative ≥2+ AR was present in 20 (9.3%) and 1 (2.3%) patients in the AAR and root replacement groups, respectively. With increasing time after surgery, the grade of AR increased. At 10 years, 4.6% of patients had developed 3+ or 4+ AR. Considering death as the competing risk, the 10-year cumulative incidence of significant AR was significantly higher in the AAR than in the root replacement group (12.3% vs 2.2%; P = .047). The risk of root reoperation at 10 years was not different between the groups (P = .118). On Cox analysis, preoperative ≥3+ AR (P = .002), postoperative ≥2+ AR (P = .040), and false to true lumen ratio (P = .005) were associated predictors of significant AR.

CONCLUSIONS

Although valve/root-preserving AAR demonstrated reasonable long-term outcomes when compared with root replacement, preoperative ≥3+ AR, postoperative ≥2+ AR, and high false to true lumen ratio significantly increased the risk of significant AR. Therefore, careful echocardiographic surveillance may be warranted in patients with postoperative ≥2+ AR and small true lumen.

Fate of the Preserved Sinuses of Valsalva After Emergency Repair for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) present with heterogeneous involvement of the aortic root complex. Despite this variation, the aortic root can usually be preserved the majority of the time by Teflon (WL Gore, Newark, DE) inlay patch reconstruction of the dissected sinuses of Valsalva (SOV). In this study, we report the long term anatomic, functional, and clinical outcomes associated with the preserved SOV after surgery for ATAAD.

METHODS

From 2002-2017, of 776 emergency ATAAD operations at a single institution, 558 (71.9%) underwent valve resuspension with SOV preservation. Echocardiography reports were reviewed to obtain postoperative SOV dimensions. Cumulative incidence of SOV dilation ≥ 4 5mm was calculated using the Fine-Gray method with death as a competing risk. Repeated-measures linear mixed effects model was used to determine risk factors for SOV growth over time.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 62 of 558 (11.1%) patients developed SOV diameter ≥ 45 mm. Cumulative incidence of SOV dilation ≥ 45 mm at 1, 5, and 10 years was 5.5%, 12.4%, and 18.9% respectively. In a multivariable Cox regression model, preoperative SOV diameter ≥ 45 mm was associated with a hazard ratio of 14.11 (95% confidence interval 7.03-31.62) for postoperative SOV dilation ≥ 45 mm. In a repeated-measures linear mixed effects model, preoperative and discharge SOV diameter were significant predictors of SOV dilation. Postoperative time course was also identified as significant indicating growth over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The preserved sinuses of Valsalva after surgery for ATAAD may be prone to progressive dilatation over time. Closer echocardiographic surveillance may be warranted in these patients.

The fate of aortic root and aortic regurgitation after supracoronary ascending aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fate of the preserved aortic root after supracoronary aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

Between October 1999 and March 2018, 339 patients underwent supracoronary aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection at our institution. Late outcomes were evaluated, including overall survival, aortic-related death, and aortic root-related reoperation. The median follow-up was 3.7 years (1.4-8.4 years).

RESULTS

Operative mortality was 46 patients (13.6%). The cumulative incidences at 5 years for aortic root-related reoperation, aortic-related death, and non-aortic related death were 2.5%, 14.5% and 12.4%, respectively. Multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis demonstrated greater sinus of Valsalva diameter and number of commissural detachments to be significant risk factors for a composite outcome consisting of aortic-related death or aortic root-related reoperation. Mixed-effects regression demonstrated that sinus of Valsalva diameter significantly increased with time (P < .001), and aortic regurgitation significantly worsened (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sinus of Valsalva diameter and commissural detachment were independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes after supracoronary aortic replacement. Close follow-up is particularly necessary for these patients, and aortic root replacement at the time of initial operation may lead to more favorable late outcomes.

Early outcomes in re-do operation after acute type A aortic dissection: results from the multicenter REAAD database

This study provides early results of re-operations after the prior surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) and identifies risk factors for mortality. Between May 2003 and January 2014, 117 aortic re-operations after an initial operation for AAD (a mean time from the first procedure was 3.98 years, with a range of 0.1-20.87 years) were performed in 110 patients (a mean age of 59.8 ± 12.6 years) in seven European institutions. The re-operation was indicated due to a proximal aortic pathology in ninety cases: twenty aortic root aneurysms, seventeen root re-dissections, twenty-seven aortic valve insufficiencies and twenty-six proximal anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. In fifty-eight cases, repetitive surgical treatment was subscripted because of distal aortic pathology: eighteen arch re-dissections, fifteen arch dilation and twenty-five anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. Surgical procedures comprised a total of seventy-one isolated proximals, thirty-one isolated distals and fifteen combined interventions. In-hospital mortality was 19.6 % (twenty-three patients); 11.1 % in patients with elective/urgent indication and 66.6 % in emergency cases. Mortality rates for isolated proximal, distal and combined operations regardless of the emergency setting were 14.1 % (10 pts.), 25.8 % (8 pts.) and 33.3 % (5 pts.), respectively. The causes of death were cardiac in eight, neurological in three, MOF in five, sepsis in two, bleeding in three and lung failure in two patients. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors for mortality included previous distal procedure (p = 0.04), new distal procedure (p = 0.018) and emergency operation (p < 0.001). New proximal procedures were not found to be risk factors for early mortality (p = 0.15). This multicenter experience shows that the outcome of REAAD is highly dependent on the localization and extension of aortic pathology and the need for emergency treatment. Surgery in an emergency setting and distal re-do operations after previous AAD remain a surgical challenge, while proximal aortic re-operations show a lower mortality rate. Foresighted decision-making is needed in cases of AAD repair, as the results are essential preconditions for further surgical interventions.

Long-term results of aggressive hemiarch replacement in 534 patients with type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

To present the outcomes of routinely performed hemiarch replacement in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

From 1993 to 2013, among 629 patients with acute type A dissection, 534 patients (85%) underwent hemiarch, 63 patients (10%) underwent hemiarch and antegrade thoracic stent grafting, 26 patients (4%) underwent total arch, and 6 patients (1%) underwent isolated ascending replacement. Patients with hemiarch replacement comprised the study population. Median follow-up was 4.1 years (first quartile, 1.9; third quartile, 7.8) (2462 patient years).

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was 12% (66 out of 534 patients). Survival was 80% ± 2%, 68% ± 3%, and 51% ± 3%, and 84% ± 3%, 65% ± 4%, and 41% ± 6% in DeBakey type I and II patients at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively (log rank P = .375). Freedom from distal aortic reintervention was 97% ± 1%, 90% ± 2%, and 85% ± 3% and 99% ± 1%, 97% ± 2%, and 90% ± 5% in DeBakey type I and II patients at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively (log rank P = .046). Seven patients (1.3%) required reintervention for aortic arch aneurysm and 25 patients (5%) required reintervention for descending aortopathy. The success rate for distal reintervention performed electively or urgently was 92% (24 out of 26 patients). Marfan syndrome (odds ratio, 3.43; P = .046) and DeBakey type I dissection (odds ratio, 2.49; P = .048) were independent predictors of distal aortic reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive hemiarch replacement in acute type A dissection can be performed with low mortality and low aortic arch reoperation rate. Resection of all dissected aortic wall tissue decreases, but does not eliminate, the risk of later adverse aortic events.

Aortic valve preservation and repair in acute Type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

Repair and preservation of the aortic valve in Type A aortic dissection (AAD) remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of outcomes for aortic valve (AV) repair and preservation in AAD focusing on long-term valve-related events.

METHODS

Structured searches were performed in Embase (1980-2013) and PubMed (1966-2013) for studies reporting AV repair or preservation in AAD. Early mortality and linearized rates for late mortality and valve-related events were derived. Outcome data were pooled with an inverse-variance-weighted random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of 5325 screened articles, 19 observational studies met the eligibility criteria consisting of 2402 patients with a median follow-up of 4.1 [range: 3.1-12.6 years, total 13 733 patient-years (pt-yr)]. The cohort was principally male (median = 68.1%, range: 39-89) with a median age of 59 (range: 55-68) years and Marfan's syndrome was present in 2.5%. AV resuspension was performed in 95% of the patients and the remainder underwent valve-sparing root replacement (reimplantation = 2.5% and remodelling = 2.5%). Pooled early mortality rate was 18.7% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 12.2-26.2%], and linearized late mortality rate was 4.7%/pt-yr (95% CI: 3.4-6.3). Linearized rate for AV reintervention was 2.1%/pt-yr (95% CI: 1.0-3.6), recurrent aortic insufficiency (>2+) was 0.9%/pt-yr (95% CI: 0.3-2.2) and endocarditis was 0.2%/pt-yr (95% CI: 0.1-0.5). The composite rate of thromboembolism and bleeding was 1.4%/pt-yr (95% CI: 0.7-2.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients surviving an AAD have a limited long-term survival. Preservation and repair of the aortic valve is associated with a moderate risk of reoperation, but a low risk of thromboembolism, bleeding and endocarditis.