Thoracic endovascular repair for acute complicated type B aortic dissections

Interventions in Acute or Subacute Phase for Type B Aortic Dissection

The treatment strategy for acute and subacute Stanford type B aortic dissection has changed significantly since the advent of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Indication for invasive treatment: In addition to the conventional complicated cases (rupture or malperfusion case), the indication for invasive treatment now includes cases with refractory hypertension, persistent or recurrent pain, large aortic diameter, and other conditions that are considered to have a poor prognosis with conservative treatment. Treatment methods: TEVAR is the first choice for acute, subacute, and early chronic-stage treatment, and when this is not possible, other techniques (fenestration and graft replacement) are chosen. Treatment timing: The timing of invasive treatment should be emergent in life-threatening conditions (for rupture or malperfusion case) and immediate in symptomatic cases, while in other cases, preemptive TEVAR is considered appropriate on a scheduled timing within 6 months of onset. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2023; 32: 157-163.).

Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: Insights From a Single-Center Retrospective Experience Over 12 Years

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) is currently a challenge for vascular surgeons, because of the early morbidity and mortality rates and the high risk of late aortic events up to 50% at 5 years. This study presents the initial outcomes of ATBAD treatment using optimal medical therapy alone or combined with proximal entry tear stent-graft coverage. Additionally, it provides an analysis of the evolution of the aortic diameter and its clinical consequences during the chronic phase in each group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Conducted as a retrospective, single-center study, we enrolled all consecutive ATBAD patients (n=130) treated between 2008 and 2020. The primary analysis studies the entire patient cohort based on their initial management approach, namely, medical treatment alone for uncomplicated ATBAD (n=67) or combined with stent-graft entry tear coverage (n=63). We also conducted a subgroup analysis to investigate factors associated with disease progression in the medical management group.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 29.5 months. During this time aneurysmal evolution was observed in: 42.4% of cases in the medical group compared with 21.8% in the stent-graft group, primarily affecting the thoracic aorta. The stent-graft group exhibited significant aortic remodeling, with a decrease in false lumen (FL) and thoracic aortic diameters. Initial aortic diameter ≥40 mm and FL ≥22 mm were independent risk factors for aneurysmal degeneration. Five-year survival was consistent at 76.1% in both groups.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the safety and efficacy of stent-graft entry tear coverage for ATBAD. Initial thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) appears to reduce late aortic events by promoting aortic remodeling. Considering TEVAR's safety and potential to prevent late aortic complications, it may be considered for uncomplicated ATBAD patients with an initial aortic diameter ≥40 mm or an FL ≥22 mm.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This study validates the efficacy and safety of using endovascular stent grafts to seal the proximal entry tear in cases of acute type B aortic dissections, compared to optimal medical therapy. Aortic remodelling significantly benefits from endovascular stent graft coverage of the proximal entry tear. Given the heightened risk of late aortic events observed in the medical therapy cohort, there appears to be a necessity for including endovascular interventions in the management of uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissections, particularly when aortic diameter is ≥40 mm and false lumen diameter is ≥22 mm.

Trends in the incidence, surgical management and outcomes of type B aortic dissections in Australia over the last decade

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the incidence and in-hospital outcomes of surgical repair for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) in Australia.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Australasian Vascular Audit (AVA) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The former is a total practice audit mandated for all members of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery (ANZSVS) while the latter is an independent government agency which records all healthcare data in Australia. All cases of TBAD which underwent surgical intervention (endovascular or open repair) between 2010 and 2019 were identified using prospectively recorded data from the AVA (New Zealand data was excluded). The primary outcomes were temporal trends in procedures and hospital mortality; secondary outcomes were complications and risk factors for mortality. All admissions and procedures for, and hospital deaths from, TBAD in Australia were identified in AIHW datasets using the relevant diagnosis and procedure codes, with age-standardized rates calculated for the period 2000-01 to 2018-19.

RESULTS

A total of 567 cases of TBAD underwent vascular surgical intervention (AVA data, Australia). Of these, 96.3% were treated by endovascular repair. There was an increase in the annual procedure number from 45 in 2010 to 88 in 2019. In-hospital mortality was 4.8% for endovascular repair and 19% for open repair (p = 0.021). From 2000-01 to 2018-19, the age-standardized procedure rates for TBAD (Australia) doubled, the proportion of admitted patients undergoing a procedure rose from 28% to 43%, and in-hospital deaths fell by 25%.

CONCLUSION

There has been an increasing incidence of vascular surgical intervention for TBAD in Australia. The majority of patients received endovascular therapy while the mortality from surgically managed TBAD appears to be falling.

Aortic Arch Debranching and Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) for Type B Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Since its introduction, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has revolutionized the treatment of type B aortic dissections (TBADs). However, the proximal aspect of the aortic pathology treated may infringe on the origin of the left subclavian artery or even more proximally. Hence, to ensure durable outcomes, the origin of these vessels needs to be covered, but an extra-anatomical bypass is required to perfuse vital branches, known as aortic arch debranching. This series aims to describe and delineate the disparities of aortic arch debranching during TEVAR for TBAD.

METHODS

A retrospective review and analysis of a multicenter international database was conducted to identify patients with TBAD treated with TEVAR between 2005 and 2021. Data analyzed included patient demographics, disease characteristics, operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes with follow-up on mortality and reintervention. All statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS 26. Patient survival was calculated using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 58 patients were included in the analysis, of which 27 (46.6%) presented with complicated disease and 31 were uncomplicated, of which 10 (17.2%) were classed as high risk and 21 (36.2%) low risk. Zone 2 was the most common proximal landing zone for the stent graft. Left subclavian artery bypass was performed selectively (26%), with 1 stroke occurring, likely due to embolic reasons. A further 6 underwent more proximal aortic debranching before TEVAR (10%) and was a significant risk factor for mortality and the number of stents deployed. The overall rates of reintervention and mortality were 17.2% (n = 10) and 29.3% (n = 17).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic arch debranching and TEVAR for TBAD is associated with significant mortality. Future developments to treat aortic arch pathology could incorporate branched graft devices, eliminating the need for debranching, improving stroke rates, and reducing future reinterventions.

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.

Contemporary outcomes of open repair of acute complicated type B aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

Open repair of acute complicated type B aortic dissection (ACTBAD), required when endovascular repair is not possible, is historically considered high-risk. We analyze our experience with this high-risk cohort compared with the standard cohort.

METHODS

We identified consecutive patients undergoing descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair from 1997 to 2021. Patients with ACTBAD were compared with those having surgery for other reasons. Logistic regression was used to identify associations with major adverse events (MAEs). Five-year survival and competing risk of reintervention were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 926 patients, 75 (8.1%) had ACTBAD. Indications included rupture (25/75), malperfusion (11/75), rapid expansion (26/75), recurrent pain (12/75), large aneurysm (5/75), and uncontrolled hypertension (1/75). The incidence of MAEs was similar (13.3% [10/75] vs 13.7% [117/851], P = .99). Operative mortality was 5.3% (4/75) vs 4.8% (41/851) (P = .99). Complications included tracheostomy (8%, 6/75), spinal cord ischemia (4%, 3/75), and new dialysis (2.7%, 2/75). Renal impairment, urgent/emergent operation, forced expiratory volume in 1 second ≤50%, and malperfusion were associated with MAEs, but not ACTBAD (odds ratio: 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.20-1.16], P = .1). At 5 and 10 years, there was no difference in survival (65.8% [95% CI: 54.6-79.2] vs 71.3% [95% CI: 67.9-74.9], P = .42, and 47.3% [95% CI: 34.5-64.7] vs 53.7% [95% CI: 49.3-58.4], P = .29, respectively) or 10-year reintervention (12.5% [95% CI: 4.3-25.3] vs 7.1% [95% CI: 4.7-10.1], P = .17, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In an experienced center, open repair of ACTBAD can be performed with low rates of operative mortality and morbidity. Outcomes similar to elective repair are achievable even in high-risk patients with ACTBAD. In patients unsuitable for endovascular repair, transfer to a high-volume center experienced in open repair should be considered.

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.

Dynamic and Static Vessel Malperfusion as a Consequence of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is relatively uncommon with an estimated incidence of up to 8 cases per 100,000 individuals annually. It can be classified based on presenting clinical and radiological features into complicated and uncomplicated. Following the initial tear, the direction and extent of the dissection flap is unpredictable, possibly propagating proximally or distally. One consequence of a dissection flap is the occurrence of organ malperfusion by occlusion of the origin of the branch vessel. The 2 types of malperfusion in TBAD are static and dynamic, with the latter being the more common mechanism. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has demonstrated its high safety and efficacy when used for TBAD and subsequent malperfusion.

AIMS

This original study specifically examines patients diagnosed with acute TBAD and treated with TEVAR at a single vascular unit, focusing on those presenting with organ malperfusion.

METHODS

Over 16 years, 28 TBAD patients were admitted to a single center and treated using TEVAR. After clinical examination, all patients underwent computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen/pelvis to confirm the diagnosis and classify the extent of the dissection proximally and distally. Once diagnosed, patients were transferred to the high dependency unit and started on blood pressure medication. Subsequent computed tomography scans were performed to classify patients, after which TEVAR was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty five patients underwent TEVAR for TBAD, of which 8 (32%) had symptoms of organ malperfusion. The majority of cases presented with hypertension (89%), describing a sudden onset of upper/midthoracic pain. The origin of the left subclavian artery was occluded in 14 (56%) patients with 9 (64%) needing an extra-anatomical bypass. There was only a single mortality due to a posterior circulation stroke 2 days after TEVAR. Median (range) length of coverage of thoracic aorta by the stent-graft was 33 (15-35) cm. The true lumen (TL) perfused the celiac artery in 6/8 malperfusion patients, superior mesenteric artery in 7/8, right renal artery in 6/8, and, conversely, left renal artery in only 2/8.

CONCLUSIONS

Complicated TBADs behave in an unpredictable manner as it seems the propagating intimal flap invariably maintains vital organ perfusion via the TL. Maintenance of abdominal vessels perfusion from the TL following TEVAR is vital to ensuring optimal results.

Aortic dissection in Indonesia male: 3 case report

Background

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening rare condition caused by a tear in the aortic wall which requires urgent surgery.

Case presentation

3 Indonesian males obtained a CT angiography (CTA) showing a picture of AD which was confirmed using the Stanford and De Bakey classification. The patient was successful in undergoing TEVAR and open-heart surgery which 2 patients survived and 1 patient died.

Discussion

The speed of handling in AD is the key to successful management of AD supported by an understanding of the signs and symptoms and results of thoracoabdominal CTA.

Conclusion

The ability to interpret CTA results and understand AD sign symptoms is very helpful in minimizing mortality.

Impact of high-risk features and timing of repair for acute type B aortic dissections

OBJECTIVE

The new Society for Vascular Surgery/Society for Thoracic Surgery reporting standards for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) categorize clinical presentations of aortic dissection into uncomplicated, high-risk features (HRF), and complicated groups. Although it is accepted that complicated dissections require immediate repair, the optimal timing of repair for HRF has yet to be established. This study aims to identify the ideal timing of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for HRF, as well as outcomes associated with specific HRF.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for TEVARs performed for acute and subacute TBAD with HRF from 2014 to 2020. Rupture, malperfusion, and uncomplicated patients were excluded. HRF were defined per the guidelines as refractory hypertension, pain, or rapid expansion/aneurysm of more than 40 mm. The primary outcomes were in-hospital/30-day mortality and 1-year survival with primary exposure variables being days from symptoms to repair and number of HRFs. Secondary outcomes were spinal cord ischemia, stroke, and retrograde type A dissection (RTAD).

RESULTS

Of the 1100 patients who met inclusion criteria, 811 had one HRF, 249 had two, and 40 had three. There were no significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes based on number of HRFs. There were 309 patients who underwent repair at 0 to 2 days, 262 at 3 to 6 days, 270 at 7 to 14 days, and 259 at 15 days or more. TEVAR performed at 15 days or more was independently associated with lower in-hospital/30-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.38; P = .0388) and improved 1-year survival. Postoperative stroke was associated with earlier repair (0-2 days). There was no association of timing of repair with spinal cord ischemia, retrograde type A dissection or reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

TEVAR for TBAD with HRF delayed at least 15 days from symptom onset is associated with improved survival, supporting the theory that it is best to delay TEVAR until the subacute phase. Additionally, TEVAR delayed at least 3 days is associated with a decrease in stroke. Having more than one HRF was not associated statistically with worse outcomes. Because the classification of HRF is relatively new and without guidelines for repair, this study highlights the risks of early intervention for HRF and suggests that these patients seem to benefit from at least a short stabilization period before TEVAR.

Endovascular repair of acute complicated type B aortic dissection-systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term survival and reintervention

Background

Thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) is considered the first-line therapy in the repair of acute complicated type B aortic dissection (AC-BAD). Given the difficulty of designing randomized trials in this surgical cohort, long-term outcome data is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide a complete aggregation of reported long-term survival and freedom from reintervention of AC-BAD patients based on the existing literature.

Methods

Three databases were searched from date of database inception to January 2021. The relevant references were identified and baseline cohort characteristics, survival and freedom from reintervention were extracted. The primary endpoints were survival and freedom from reintervention, whilst secondary endpoints were post-operative outcomes such as cord ischemia and endoleak. Kaplan-Meier curves were digitized and aggregated as per established procedure.

Results

A total of 2,812 references were identified in the literature search for review, with 46 selected for inclusion. A total of 2,565 patients were identified, of which 1,920 (75%) were male. The mean age of the cohort was 59.8±5.8. Actuarial survival at 2, 4, 6 and 10 years was 87.5%, 83.2%, 78.5% and 69.7%, respectively. Freedom from all secondary reintervention at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 years was 74.7%, 69.1%, 65.7%, 63.9% and 60.9%, respectively. When accounting for study quality, actuarial survival at 2, 4, 6 and 8 years was 85.4%, 79.1%, 69.8% and 63.1%, respectively. Freedom from all secondary reintervention at 2, 4, 6 and 8 years was 73.2%, 67.6%, 63.7% (maintained), respectively.

Conclusions

TEVAR is associated with promising long-term survival extended to 10 years, though rates of freedom from reintervention remain an ongoing point for improvement. Randomized controlled trials comparing endovascular with open repair in the setting of acute, complicated type B aortic dissection are needed.

Renal Artery Partial Occlusion After Aortic Dissection Is Associated With Impaired Renal Function in the Affected Kidney

BACKGROUND

The renal artery is often involved in aortic dissection, leading to kidney ischaemia and renal dysfunction. However, some patients with aortic dissection with combined renal artery involvement do not show clinical renal dysfunction. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between renal artery involvement and renal function.

METHODS

Data and images were collected from 79 patients (Group A), in Beijing Anzhen hospital between January 2015 and December 2017, who had type A aortic dissection, in order to analyse the relationship between renal artery involvement and serum creatinine. In order to further analyse the relationship between renal artery involvement and single kidney function, data from 27 patients (Group B) with aortic dissection from August 2018 to October 2018 were collected. Renal dynamic imaging was conducted, and clinical and image data were recorded.

RESULTS

Results showed that patients with one partially occluded renal artery had higher variance of serum creatinine after surgery compared with patients with one false-lumen renal artery (5.8±22.7 umol/L versus -18.7±22.7 umol/L; p=0.003). The glomerular filtration rate of a single kidney that had a partially occluded renal artery was lower than that of a single kidney with a normal renal artery (37.77±9.57 versus 42.73±10.54; p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

A partially occluded renal artery in aortic dissection was associated with impaired renal function after surgery, even though patients did not present high serum creatinine. More attention should be paid to those experiencing aortic dissection.

TEVAR for complicated and uncomplicated type B aortic dissection-Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Type B aortic dissection (TBAD), is defined as a dissection involving the aorta distal to left subclavian artery with the ascending aorta and the aortic arch not affected. TBAD is classified due to the time frame and presence of complications. Complicated TBAD (co-TBAD) patients have a greater mortality rate than uncomplicated TBAD (un-TBAD) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is considered the gold-standard intervention for these clinical challenges.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review of the literature regarding TEVAR intervention in co-TBAD and un-TBAD. A comprehensive search was undertaken across four major databases and was evaluated and assessed until June 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 16,104 patients were included in the study (7772 patients co-TBAD and 8352 un-TBAD). A significantly higher proportion of comorbidities were seen in co-TBAD patients compared with un-TBAD. Acute dissection was more frequent in the co-TBAD group (73.55% vs. 66.91%), while chronic dissection was more common in un-TBAD patients (33.8% vs. 70.73%). Postprocedure stroke was higher in co-TBAD (5.85% vs. 3.92%; p < .01), while postprocedural renal failure was higher in un-TBAD patients (7.23 vs. 11.38%; p < .01). No difference was observed in in-hospital mortality however the 30 days mortality was higher in the co-TBAD group. One-year survival was higher in the uncomplicated group but this difference was not observed in the 5-year survival.

CONCLUSION

In our analysis we can appreciate that despite significantly higher comorbidities in the co-TBAD cohort, there was no difference in in-hospital mortality between the two groups and the 5-year survival did not have any difference.

A Novel Vascular-Friendly Thoracic Stent Graft for Endovascular Repair of Acute Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel vascular-friendly thoracic stent graft for patients with acute complicated type B aortic dissection (ac-TBAD).

Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was undertaken in which we prospectively collected data in consecutive ac-TBAD patients treated by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with the Ankura Thoracic Stent. Complications, true lumen rate (TLR), and mortality were recorded. Follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter.

Results: Altogether, 63 patients with ac-TBAD in four medical centers were included. No deaths or serious complications occurred during the perioperative period. The mean follow-up time was 30.1 ± 18.9 months. All-cause mortality rate was 3.1% (n = 2). TEVAR-related mortality rate was 1.6% (n = 1) because of retrograde type A dissection (RTAD) at 6 months. The other death was caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the third postoperative month. A distal endoleak detected at 3 months in one patient (1.6%) was treated by reintervention. The use of this novel vascular-friendly thoracic stent graft in ac-TBAD postoperative patients significantly improved their TLR.

Conclusion: The novel vascular-friendly thoracic stent graft showed satisfactory results, with favorable stability of the aortic diameter during follow-up.

Clinical outcome of acute thoracic aortic syndrome in nonagenarians

BACKGROUND

Decision-making regarding the operability of thoracic aortic disease in nonagenarian patients remains controversial because outcomes of open surgical repair of the thoracic aorta are unclear. We investigated the surgical and nonsurgical outcomes of acute thoracic aortic syndrome treatment in nonagenarians.

METHODS

After evaluating data in our institute from April 2016 to March 2020, we included 10 nonagenarians who needed surgical intervention on the thoracic aorta via a median sternotomy for acute thoracic aortic syndrome. The mean age of the cohort was 91.9 ± 2.1 years. Five patients underwent open surgical repair of the thoracic aorta (surgical group), and 5 refused surgery (nonsurgical group). All patients in the surgical group performed activities of daily living independently, with a mean clinical frailty scale of 3.2 ± 0.4. The surgical group included 4 patients with type A aortic dissection and one with a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm. Hemiarch replacement was performed in 3 patients and total arch replacement in 2. The mean follow-up period was 17.8 ± 5.1 months.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality rates were 0% in the surgical and 80% in the nonsurgical group. The mean length of hospitalization was 28.4 ± 6.7 days in the surgical group. The 1-year survival rates were 100% in the surgical group and 20% in the nonsurgical group.

CONCLUSION

Open surgical repair for acute thoracic aortic syndrome via median sternotomy is a reasonable treatment option even in nonagenarians. Involvement of family members is important for decision-making to devise the optimal treatment strategy (surgical vs. medical).

Landing Zone Remodelling after Endovascular Repair of Dissected Descending Aorta

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine geometric changes in the proximal and distal aortic landing zones after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute descending aortic dissection.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data. Included are patients who underwent TEVAR for acute descending aortic dissection between 2004 and 2018. Analysed are the proximal and distal landing zones' initial geometries and their change at follow up. Median follow up time was 2.3 (first quartile 0.9, third quartile 4.5) years.

RESULTS

One hundred and one patients were included (93 type B and 8 non-A non-B dissections, aged 65 (57, 74) years old, and 29% female). Dissection extended down to the abdominal aorta in 69% patients. The proximal landing zone was non-dissected in 92 patients. The diameters of non-dissected proximal landing zones increased by 3 (-1, 5; p < .001) mm at follow up. The distal landing zone was dissected in 84% of patients. The diameters of dissected distal landing zones had increased at follow up by 7 (3, 12) mm and 4 (1, 10; both p < .001) mm measured in true lumen and total aorta, respectively, observed one year after TEVAR. Stent grafts reached their nominal diameter at follow up in 22% and 17% of proximal and distal landing zones, respectively. There were seven proximal and 10 distal stent graft induced new entries at follow up. Aortic re-intervention was necessary in 23 patients entailing 19 TEVAR extensions and four open aortic repairs.

CONCLUSION

The distal landing zone in patients undergoing TEVAR for descending aortic dissection is frequently dissected and is associated with the risk of d-SINE at follow up and the need for re-interventions after TEVAR - factors that emphasise the importance of long term follow up.

Management of acute type B aortic dissection with malperfusion via endovascular fenestration/stenting

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to evaluate the management of malperfusion in acute type B aortic dissection with endovascular fenestration/stenting.

METHODS

From 1996 to 2018, 182 patients with an acute type B aortic dissection underwent fenestration/stenting for suspected malperfusion based on imaging, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings. Data were obtained from medical record review and the National Death Index database.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 55 years. Signs of malperfusion included abdominal pain (61%), lower-extremity weakness (27%), nonpalpable lower-extremity pulses (24%), and abnormal lactate, creatinine, liver enzymes, and creatine kinase levels. Confirmed hemodynamically significant malperfusion affected the spinal cord (2.7%), celiac (24%), superior mesenteric (40%), renal (51%), and iliofemoral (43%) arterial distributions. Of the 182 patients, 99 (54%) underwent aortic fenestration/stenting, 108 (59%) had 1 or multi-branch vessel fenestration/stenting, 5 (2.7%) had concomitant thoracic endovascular aortic repair, 17 (9.3%) had additional thrombolysis or thromboembolectomy, and 48 (26%) received no intervention. After fenestration/stenting, 24 patients (13%) required additional procedures for necrotic bowel or limb and 9 patients (4.9%) had subsequent aortic repair (thoracic endovascular aortic repair, open repair) before discharge. The new-onset paraplegia was 0%. The in-hospital mortality was 7.7% over 20+ years and 0% in the last 8 years. The 5- and 10-year survivals were 72% and 49%, respectively. The significant risk factors for late mortality were age and acute paralysis (hazard ratio, 3.5; both P < .0001). Given death as a competing factor, the 5- and 10-year cumulative incidence of reintervention was 21% and 31% for distal aortic pathology, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acute type B aortic dissection with malperfusion can be managed with endovascular fenestration/stenting with excellent short- and long-term outcomes. This approach is particularly helpful to patients with static malperfusion of aortic branch vessels.

Total Arch and Descending Aorta Replacement for Retrograde Type A Aortic Dissection After Endovascular Stent Graft Replacement for Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection

Retrograde type A aortic dissection (RTAD) is a severe complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). In this regard, we present our unique surgical methods for total arch and descending aorta replacement for RTAD after TEVAR for complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD). A 52-year-old man with a history of distal arch large aneurysm was diagnosed with TBAD. Because he had sustained chest pain and his aneurysm diameter was 67 mm, TEVAR was urgently performed. After a right axillary-left axillary artery bypass, a stent graft was deployed in the descending aorta via the right femoral artery. Coil embolization was performed in the left subclavian artery. After the condition of the stent graft was checked by angiography, no Type 1 endoleak and backflow from the re-entry was observed. However, seven days after the operation, he experienced chest pain suddenly.

Computed tomography (CT) revealed forward blood flow in the descending aorta (type IA endoleak) and thrombosed aortic dissection in the ascending aorta. The distal arch diameter exceeded 70 mm. A decision was taken to immediately perform an operation. Total aortic arch and descending aorta replacement were performed through a median sternotomy with left 5th interspace thoracotomy. The operation was performed under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was accomplished. As a result of the exploration of the aortic arch, it was found that the intimal injury by the bare stent caused RTAD. The patient was successfully extubated after the operation and was discharged without any complications. RTAD can present as an early complication after descending stent grafting because of aortic instability or due to the strength of bare stents. Aortic arch and descending aorta replacement after TEVAR via a clamshell incision can be safely performed if RTAD is diagnosed early.