Central versus peripheral cannulation for acute type A aortic dissection: A meta-analysis of over 14,000 patients

OBJECTIVE

The optimal cannulation strategy for patients with acute type A aortic dissections (ATAAD) is unclear.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed to identify all studies comparing aortic and non-aortic cannulation in patients undergoing ATAAD repair. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The secondary endpoints were operative mortality, postoperative stroke, renal failure, renal replacement therapy, paraplegia, and mesenteric ischemia. Pooled meta-analyses with aggregated and reconstructed time-to-event data were performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included (aortic: 3904; non-aortic: 10,719). Ten-year overall survival was 61.1 ​% and 58.4 ​% for aortic and non-aortic cannulation, respectively (HR 1.07; 95 ​% CI 0.92-1.25; p ​= ​0.38). No statistically significant difference was observed for operative mortality (p ​= ​0.10), stroke (p ​= ​0.89), renal failure (p ​= ​0.83), or renal replacement therapy (p ​= ​0.77).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing surgery for ATAAD can undergo aortic cannulation with similar outcomes to those who undergo non-aortic cannulation.

Quantitative Electroencephalography for Predication of Neurological Dysfunction in Type A Aortic Dissection: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Type A aortic dissection presents challenges with postoperative cerebral complications, and this study evaluates the predictive value of quantitative electroencephalography for perioperative brain function prognosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) processes raw signals through filtering, amplitude integration, and time compression, displaying the data in a semilogarithmic format. Using this method, postoperative relative band power (post-RBP) α% and dynamic aEEG (ΔaEEG) grade were significantly associated with neurological dysfunction in univariate and multivariable analyses, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.876 (95% CI, 0.825-0.926) for the combined model. Postoperative relative band power α% and ΔaEEG were significantly associated with adverse outcomes, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.903 (95% CI, 0.835-0.971) for the combined model. Postoperative relative band power α% and ΔaEEG were significantly associated with transient neurological dysfunction and stroke, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.818 (95% CI, 0.760-0.876) and 0.868 (95% CI, 0.810-0.926) for transient neurological dysfunction, and 0.815 (95% CI, 0.743-0.886) and 0.831 (95% CI, 0.746-0.916) for stroke. Among 56 patients, the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography score was superior to ΔaEEG in predicting neurological outcomes (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.872 versus 0.708 [95% CI, 0.633-0.783]; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative quantitative electroencephalography monitoring offers valuable insights into brain function changes in patients with type A aortic dissection. ∆aEEG grades can aid in early detection of adverse outcomes, while postoperative relative band power and ∆aEEG grades predict transient neurological dysfunction. Quantitative electroencephalography can assist cardiac surgeons in assessing brain function and improving outcomes in patients with type A aortic dissection.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2200055980.

Relative band power in assessing temporary neurological dysfunction post- type A aortic dissection surgery: a prospective study

Temporary neurological dysfunction (TND), a common complication following surgical repair of Type A Aortic Dissection (TAAD), is closely associated with increased mortality and long-term cognitive impairment. Currently, effective treatment options for TND remain elusive. Therefore, we sought to investigate the potential of postoperative relative band power (RBP) in predicting the occurrence of postoperative TND, with the aim of identifying high-risk patients prior to the onset of TND. We conducted a prospective observational study between February and December 2022, involving 165 patients who underwent surgical repair for TAAD at our institution. Bedside Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) was utilized to monitor the post-operative brain electrical activity of each participant, recording changes in RBP (RBP Delta, RBP Theta, RBP Beta and RBP Alpha), and analyzing their correlation with TND. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors for TND. Subsequently, line graphs were generated to estimate the incidence of TND. The primary outcome of interest was the development of TND, while secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) admission and length of hospital stay. A total of 165 patients were included in the study, among whom 68 (41.2%) experienced TND. To further investigate the independent risk factors for postoperative TND, we conducted both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses on all variables. In the univariate regression analysis, we identified age (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.025; 95% CI, 1.002-1.049), age ≥ 60 years (OR, 2.588; 95% CI, 1.250-5.475), hemopericardium (OR, 2.767; 95% CI, 1.150-7.009), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.001-1.014), RBP Delta (OR, 1.047; 95% CI, 1.020-1.077), RBP Alpha (OR, 0.853; 95% CI, 0.794-0.907), and Beta (OR, 0.755; 95% CI, 0.649-0.855) as independent risk factors for postoperative TND. Further multivariate regression analyses, we discovered that CPB time ≥ 180 min (OR, 1.021; 95% CI, 1.011-1.032), RBP Delta (OR, 1.168; 95% CI, 1.105-1.245), and RBP Theta (OR, 1.227; 95% CI, 1.135-1.342) emerged as independent risk factors. TND patients had significantly longer ICU stays (p < 0.001), and hospital stays (p = 0.002). We obtained the simplest predictive model for TND, consisting of three variables (CPB time ≥ 180 min, RBP Delta, RBP Theta, upon which we constructed column charts. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) were 0.821 (0.755, 0.887). Our study demonstrates that postoperative RBP monitoring can detect changes in brain function in patients with TAAD during the perioperative period, providing clinicians with an effective predictive method that can help improve postoperative TND in TAAD patients. These findings have important implications for improving clinical care in this population.Trial registration ChiCTR2200055980. Registered 30th Jan. 2022. This trial was registered before the first participant was enrolled.

Direct aortic cannulation versus femoral arterial cannulation for early outcomes in acute type A aortic dissection: A study-level meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of direct aortic cannulation (DAC) versus femoral arterial cannulation (FAC) on clinical outcomes of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until August 25, 2023, to conduct a meta-analysis. Primary endpoints of the study were operative mortality and postoperative stroke. Secondary endpoints were cardiopulmonary bypass time, myocardial ischemic time, hypothermic circulatory arrest time, temporary neurological dysfunction (TND), combined stroke and TND, re-exploration for bleeding, and need for renal replacement therapy. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled effect size, and a leave-one-out method was used for the primary endpoints for sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

15 studies met our eligibility criteria, including a total of 7941 samples. Operative mortality was significantly lower in the DAC group with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61-0.85)]. Incidence of postoperative stroke was also lower in the DAC group with a pooled OR of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66-0.94). However, after excluding one study with the greatest weight, the difference became nonsignificant. DAC was also associated with a lower incidence of postoperative TND, and re-exploration for bleeding with a pooled OR of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.37-0.73), and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.47-0.77), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed that patients who underwent ATAAD repair with DAC had a lower incidence of operative mortality, postoperative stroke, TND, and re-exploration for bleeding compared to those who underwent FAC.

Can Open Distal Repair Be Safely Used in All Patients with Type A Acute Aortic Dissection?

PURPOSE

The distal suture line during aortic dissection repair can be performed by a closed technique or by an open technique. This study presents a retrospective comparison of both methods regarding their postoperative outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

120 patients who underwent surgery for acute aortic dissection type A were divided into two groups. In group A (n = 81), open distal anastomosis was performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion. In group B (n = 39), distal anastomosis was performed with the aorta cross-clamped under mildly hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Primary outcomes were operative mortality, neurologic morbidity, and long-term survival.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality (17.3% for the open group vs. 12.8% for the closed group, p = 0.53), permanent neurologic dysfunction (8.7% vs. 8.3%, p = 1.0), and temporary neurologic dysfunction (31.9% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.298) were not significantly different between groups. No significant difference in actuarial 5- and 10-year survival was observed (88% vs. 86% and 53 vs. 73%, respectively, p = 0.396). After propensity-score adjustment, the technique of distal aortic repair was not found to be a predictor of the primary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the open repair can be used in most if not all cases of surgical repair of type A acute aortic dissection.

A nomogram-based model to predict postoperative transient neurological dysfunctions in patients receiving acute type A aortic dissection surgery

The purposes of this study were to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting postoperative transient neurological dysfunctions (TND) in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) who underwent modified triple-branched stent graft implantation. This retrospective study developed a nomogram-based model in a consecutive cohort of 146 patients. Patient characteristics, preoperative clinical indices, and operative data were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were applied to identify the most useful predictive variables for constructing the nomogram. Discrimination and the calibration of the model was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and the decision curve analysis (DCA). At the same time, to identify and compare long-term cumulative survival rate, Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted. The incidence rate of postoperative TND observed in our cohort were 40.9%. Supra-aortic dissection with or without thrombosis, creatinine >115 μmol and albumin <39.7 g/L, selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) time >7 min and total operation time >303 min, were confirmed as independent predictors that enhanced the likelihood of TND. Internal validation showed good discrimination of the model with under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.818 and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, p > .05). DCA revealed that the nomogram was clinically useful. In the long-term survival there was no significant difference between patients with or without TND history. The results showed the predict model based on readily available predictors has sufficient validity to identify TND risk in this population, that maybe useful for clinical decision-making.

Analysis of serum calcium change trajectories and prognostic factors in patients with acute type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between serum calcium changes and short-term prognosis of patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

Patients who underwent acute type A aortic dissection surgery at Fujian Heart Medical Center between June 2019 and June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 383 patients were enrolled. According to the changing track of serum calcium in patients after acute type A aortic dissection, three potential category tracks were determined: high-level (n = 85), medium-level (n = 259), and continuous low-level groups (n = 39). Using the medium-level group as the control, regression analysis showed that poor prognosis risk was increased in the group with continuous low serum calcium (odds ratio = 2.454, P < 0.05) and in the group with continuous low serum calcium > 48 h (odds ratio = 3.595, P < 0.05). Age (odds ratio = 1.063, P < 0.001), body mass index (odds ratio = 1.138, P < 0.05), hypertension (odds ratio = 3.697, P < 0.05), and the highest lactic acid within 72 h after surgery(odds ratio = 1.093, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis after aortic dissection.

CONCLUSION

Continuous low serum calcium was an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

Preoperative Predictors of Adverse Clinical Outcome in Emergent Repair of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in 15 Year Follow Up

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) has high mortality. Improvements in surgical technique have lowered mortality but postoperative functional status and decreased quality of life due to debilitating deficits remain of concern. Our study aims to identify preoperative conditions predictive of undesirable outcome to help guide perioperative management. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis of 394 cases of AAAD who underwent repair in our institution between 2001 and 2018. A combined endpoint of parameters was defined as (1) 30-day versus hospital mortality, (2) new neurological deficit, (3) new acute renal insufficiency requiring postoperative renal replacement, and (4) prolonged mechanical ventilation with need for tracheostomy. Results: Total survival/ follow-up time averaged 3.2 years with follow-up completeness of 94%. Endpoint was reached by 52.8%. Those had higher EuroSCORE II (7.5 versus 5.5), higher incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) (9.2% versus 3.2%), neurological deficit (ND) upon presentation (26.4% versus 11.8%), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (14.4% versus 1.6%) and intubation (RF) before surgery (16.9% versus 4.8%). 7-day mortality was 21.6% versus 0%. Hospital mortality 30.8% versus 0%. Conclusions: This 15-year follow up shows, that unfavorable postoperative clinical outcome is related to ND, CAD, CPR and RF on arrival.

Femoral versus axillary cannulation in acute type A aortic dissections: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

There has been a growing interest in antegrade cannulation techniques in type A aortic dissection surgery. Axillary cannulation has previously been reported to provide better outcomes in terms of short-term mortality and neurological event. Consensus regarding the best cannulation strategy still remains controversial.

METHOD

The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were conducted up until October 3, 2020. Data regarding mortality, stroke, reoperation for bleeding and length of hospital stay, wound infection and cardiopulmonary bypass time were extracted and submitted to a meta-analysis using random-effects modelling and the I² -test for heterogeneity. Fourteen retrospective observational studies were included, enrolling a total of 2621 patients.

RESULTS

There were a total of 2621 patients (1327 axillary cannulation and 874 femoral cannulation). Axillary cannulation was associated with reduced short term mortality (pooled odds ratio [OR] = +0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = +0.25 to +0.70; p = .0009) compared to femoral cannulation. Axillary cannulation was also associated with a lower incidence of neurological events (pooled OR = +0.63, 95% CI = +0.42 to +0.94; p = .02).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analyses suggests that axillary cannulation has superior outcomes in terms of mortality and stroke following emergency surgery for type A aortic dissection. However, the lack of high quality randomized controlled trials does not make this recommendation generalisable to all units.

Femoral artery cannulation as a safe alternative for aortic dissection arch repair in the era of axillary artery cannulation

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of femoral artery cannulation as an alternative to axillary artery cannulation, we retrospectively compared outcomes between patients with axillary or femoral artery cannulation during open aortic arch repair for type A aortic dissection (TAAD).

METHODS

Between January 2014 and January 2019, 646 patients underwent open aortic arch repair with circulatory arrest for TAAD using antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (SACP) and were divided into two groups according to the site of arterial cannulation: an axillary artery group (axillary group, n=558) or a femoral artery group (femoral group, n=88). The axillary artery was considered as the primary cannulation site, and the femoral artery was used as an alternative when axillary artery cannulation was deemed unsuitable or had failed. Propensity score matching was performed to correct baseline differences.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, the patients' characteristics were comparable between groups (n=85 in each). The incidence of in-hospital mortality (10.6% vs. 14.1%; P=0.642) and stroke (3.5% vs. 5.9%; P=0.720) were comparable between the axillary and femoral groups. The incidence of newly required dialysis was lower in the femoral group, but the difference was not statistically significant (34.1% vs. 20.0%; P=0.050). Other outcomes and major adverse events were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Femoral artery cannulation produced similar perioperative outcomes to axillary cannulation after open arch repair for TAAD. The femoral artery can be used as a safe and effective alternative to the axillary artery for arterial cannulation in TAAD patients undergoing open arch repair.

Preoperative Imaging Risk Findings for Postoperative New Stroke in Patients With Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Background: Stroke is a common postoperative complication in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). We aimed to explore the preoperative imaging risk findings for postoperative new stroke in patients with ATAAD.

Methods: From January 2015 to December 2018, 174 patients with ATAAD who underwent preoperative aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) and cerebral diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as well as postoperative brain CT were included, and divided into DWI (+) and DWI (–) groups. Pre- and intraoperative variables were collected, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk predictors of postoperative new stroke.

Results: The incidence of postoperative new stroke was 18.4% (32/174) in patients with ATAAD. Postoperative stroke was detected in 13 (31.0%) patients in the DWI (+) group and in 19 (14.4%) patients in the DWI (–) group with significant difference (P = 0.016). In the DWI (+) group, the lesions of the cerebral infarction located in the unilateral cerebral hemisphere and distributed more than three lobes (P = 0.007) were an independent risk factor for postoperative new stroke. Hypotension (P = 0.002), retrograde ascending aorta dissection with thrombosis of the false lumen (P = 0.010), aortic arch entry (P = 0.035), and coronary artery involvement (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative stroke in the DWI (–) cohort.

Conclusions: Patients with ATAAD with cerebral infarction are more likely to develop postoperative new stroke; thus, a preoperative DWI examination may be necessary. DWI lesions distributed more than 3 lobes in the unilateral hemisphere suggest a high possibility of postoperative stroke. For patients with ATAAD with normal brain, particular attention should be given to the CTA findings of false lumen thrombosis, aortic arch entry, and coronary artery involvement to avoid postoperative stroke.

Cardiopulmonary bypass duration is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and stroke or early death in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) receiving total aortic arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk procedure (TAR with FET).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 258 consecutive patients was conducted at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from December 2014 to June 2016. Patients who received TAR with FET for ATAAD were included. An adverse outcome (AO) was defined as 30-day mortality or stroke. Additionally, an AO was compared using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The incidence of AO was 13.6% (n = 35). The 30-day mortality rate was 10.8% and the stroke rate was 9.3%. Patients were aged 47.9 ± 10.6 years old. The duration of CPB was an independent predictor of occurrence of AO after adjusting for confounding factors by multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.101, 95% confidence interval 1.003-1.208). In matched analysis, CPB duration remained a risk factor of AO.

CONCLUSIONS

The duration of CPB is an independent predictor of AO in surgical repair for ATAAD. The underlying mechanisms of this association are important for developing improved prevention strategies.

Risk factors for neurological dysfunctions after surgical repair of acute aortic dissection type A

Introduction

Technical improvement and new operative strategies significantly influence survival and outcomes after the treatment of acute aortic dissection type A (AADA). However, postoperative complications and particularly neurological dysfunctions (ND) are still very common.

Aim

To identify preoperative and intraoperative factors as well as immediate postoperative conditions with an influence on the occurrence of neurological complications of surgical treatment of AADA and accordingly take action to reduce them.

Material and methods

Between January 2013 and December 2018, 240 patients with AADA were emergently surgically treated. All patients were divided into two groups: group I - patients with postoperative ND (subgroup Ia - patients with mild, transient ND and Ib - patients with severe ND) and group II - patients without ND.

Results

Neurological damage after the operation was registered in 87 (39.5%) patients. Thirty (13.6%) patients had mild ND and 57 (25.9%) severe. Presence of preoperative neurological deficit, reduced level of consciousness, supra-aortic vessel dissection, hemodynamic instability, and excessive postoperative bleeding with hypotension are factors with a highly statistically significant association with the occurrence of severe ND. Neurological complications were not identified in 66.7% of patients who were axillary cannulated versus 55.9% of patients cannulated in the other way but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.1099).

Conclusions

Advanced neuroprotective strategies during surgical treatment of AADA are associated with favorable neurological outcomes, especially in a group of patients with identified risk factors for ND.

Stroke in acute type A aortic dissection: the Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (NORCAAD)

OBJECTIVES

Stroke is a serious complication in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Previous studies investigating stroke in ATAAD patients have been limited by small cohorts and have shown diverging results. We sought to identify risk factors for stroke and to evaluate the effect of stroke on outcomes in surgical ATAAD patients.

METHODS

The Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection database included patients operated for ATAAD at 8 Scandinavian Hospitals between 2005 and 2014.

RESULTS

Stroke occurred in 177 (15.7%) out of 1128 patients. Patients with stroke presented more frequently with cerebral malperfusion (20.6% vs 6.3%, P &lt; 0.001), syncope (30.6% vs 17.6%, P &lt; 0.001), cardiogenic shock (33.1% vs 20.7%, P &lt; 0.001) and pericardial tamponade (25.9% vs 14.7%, P &lt; 0.001) and more often underwent total aortic arch replacement (10.7% vs 4.7%, P = 0.016), compared to patients without stroke. In the 86 patients presenting with cerebral malperfusion, 38.4% developed stroke. Thirty-day and 5-year mortality in patients with and without stroke were 27.1% vs 13.6% and 42.9% vs 25.6%, respectively. Stroke was an independent predictor of early- [odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–3.05; P &lt; 0.001] and midterm mortality (hazard ratio 1.68, 95% CI 1.27–2.23; P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke in ATAAD patients is associated with increased early- and midterm mortality. Preoperative cerebral malperfusion and impaired haemodynamics, as well as total aortic arch replacement, were more frequent among patients who developed stroke. Importantly, a large proportion of patients presenting with cerebral malperfusion did not develop a permanent stroke, indicating that signs of cerebral malperfusion should not be considered a contraindication for surgery.

Preoperative neurological deficit in acute type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to evaluate postoperative outcomes in patients with type A aortic dissection with preoperative neurological deficits independent of shock.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2017, 150 of 1600 patients, operated on for aortic dissection type A in 3 centres, presented with preoperative new onset neurological deficits. Postoperative outcomes were classified using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) as ‘no to moderate disability’ (mRS 0–3) or as ‘poor clinical outcome’ (mRS 4–6). Clinical and radiographic data were analysed.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients (62%) had no to moderate disability and 57 (38%) had a poor clinical outcome. The in-hospital mortality rate was 18% (28 patients). Patients with poor clinical outcomes were significantly older (P = 0.01) and had a significantly higher incidence of hypertension (P = 0.04), history of stroke (P = 0.03) and common carotid artery occlusion (left common carotid artery: P = 0.01; right common carotid artery: P &lt; 0.01). One-third of all patients developed haemodynamic instability (P = 0.27). Cardiopulmonary bypass (P &lt; 0.01) and cross-clamp (P = 0.03) times were significantly longer in patients with poor clinical outcomes. Age (odds ratio 1.041; P = 0.02) and history of stroke (odds ratio 2.651; P = 0.03) were predictive of poor clinical outcome; coma was not. Haemorrhagic transformation occurred in 7 patients without any independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with preoperative neurological deficit have no to moderate disability postoperatively but commonly develop preoperative haemodynamic instability. This study suggests that an immediate surgical approach may be reasonable in patients with preoperative neurological deficit or coma.

Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection and Malperfusion Syndrome May Normalize Survival to that of Patients with Uncomplicated Type A Aortic Dissection

Objectives  Malperfusion syndrome in the setting of acute Type A dissection (ATAD) is typically associated with poor prognosis. We evaluated the contemporary outcomes of patients with ATAD presenting with and without malperfusion syndrome who underwent aortic surgery.

Methods  We performed a single-center, retrospective review of 103 consecutive patients that underwent surgery for ATAD. The cohort was dichotomized by patients with and without malperfusion syndromes. Multivariate and bivariate analyses were performed to evaluate association between the presence of malperfusion syndrome and operative outcomes.

Results  A total of 29 (28.1%) patients presented with malperfusion syndrome. The 30-day mortality for patients presenting with and without malperfusion was 13.7 and 9.4%, respectively ( p  = 0.49). Patients with malperfusion syndrome had a shorter mean admission-to-incision interval of 4.3 ± 2.5 hours compared with 6.3 ± 4.6 hours for those without malperfusion ( p  = 0.02). Difference in 30-day mortality for patients with and without malperfusion syndrome was found to be nonsignificant on multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio: 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.40–5.82, p  = 0.49).

Conclusions  This series demonstrated that there was nonsignificant difference in early- or midterm outcomes for patients with and without malperfusion syndrome. Patients with malperfusion were taken to the operating room more rapidly than those without, which offers a potential explanation for the comparable outcome of the malperfusion cohort.

Safety of Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest During Unilateral Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion for Aortic Arch Surgery

BACKGROUND

Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) with adjunctive unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (UACP) is widely used as a cerebral protection strategy during aortic arch surgery. However, the ideal temperature for HCA during UACP remains unknown. The study compared clinical outcomes of patients in different temperature groups for HCA during UACP.

METHODS

From January 2009 to January 2016, 1691 patients who underwent aortic arch surgery for HCA during UACP in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were categorized into 2 groups according to nasopharyngeal temperature before initiating systemic circulatory arrest: the low temperature group (≤ 24°C, 22.9°C; 22.0°C-23.5°C; n = 1207) and the high temperature group (24.1°C-28.0°C, 24.6°C; 24.3°C-24.9°C; n = 484). After balancing the differences of baseline conditions by propensity score matching, 473 pairs of patients were matched, and the prognosis was compared with matched patients.

RESULTS

The multivariable Cox regression analysis shows the high temperature group was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.93; P = 0.03). After matching, the high temperature group was still an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32-0.98; P = 0.04). In subgroup analyses, there was an interaction between the high temperature group and UACP > 40 minutes for 30-day mortality (P_{for interaction}< 0.05). The high temperature group had a significant protective effect in the UACP ≤ 40 minutes subgroup (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.74; P = 0.01) but not in the UACP > 40 minutes subgroup (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.46-2.20; P = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the high temperature (24.1°C-28.0°C) management strategy for HCA during UACP is safer for UACP ≤ 40 minutes. High temperature benefits were not found in patients for UACP > 40 minutes.

Impact of ascending aortic, hemiarch and arch repair on early and long-term outcomes in patients with Stanford A acute aortic dissection

BACKGROUND:

Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency associated with major morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of three different surgical approaches in patients with Stanford A AAD.

METHODS:

From January 2006 to March 2015 a total of 240 consecutive patients with diagnosed Stanford A AAD underwent elective, isolated surgical aortic repair in our centre. Patients were divided into three groups according to the extent of surgical repair: isolated replacement of the ascending aorta, hemiarch replacement and total arch replacement. Patients were followed up for up to 9 years. After univariate analysis multinomial logistic regression was performed for subgroup analysis. Baseline characteristics and endpoints as well as long-term survival were analysed.

RESULTS:

There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of demographics and preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics. Incidence of in-hospital stroke ( p = 0.034), need for reopening due to bleeding ( p = 0.031) and in-hospital mortality ( p = 0.017) increased significantly with the extent of the surgical approach. There was no statistical difference in terms of long-term survival ( p = 0.166) among the three groups. Applying multinomial logistic regression for subgroup analysis significantly higher odds for stroke ( p = 0.023), reopening for bleeding ( p = 0.010) and in-hospital mortality ( p = 0.009) for the arch surgery group in comparison to the ascending aorta surgery group as well as significantly higher odds for stroke ( p = 0.029) for the total arch surgery group in comparison to the hemiarch surgery group were identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

With Stanford A AAD the incidence of perioperative complications increased significantly with the extent of the surgical approach. Subgroup analysis and long-term follow up in patients undergoing isolated ascending or hemiarch surgery showed a lower incidence of cerebrovascular events compared with surgery for total arch replacement.

Impact of reduced left ventricular function on repairing acute type A aortic dissection: Outcome and risk factors analysis from a single institutional experience

Preoperative left ventricular dysfunction is a risk factor for postoperative mortality and morbidity in cardiovascular surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass, including thoracic aortic surgery. Using a retrospective study design, this study aimed to clarify the short- and mid-term outcomes of patients who underwent acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair with reduced left ventricular function.Between July 2007 and February 2018, a total of 510 adult patients underwent surgical repair of ATAAD in a single institution. The patients were classified as having left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% (low EF group, n = 86, 16.9%) and LVEF ≥50% (normal group, n = 424, 83.1%) according to transesophageal echocardiographic assessment at the operating room. Preoperative demographics, surgical information, and postoperative complication were compared between the two groups. Three-year survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method. Serial echocardiographic evaluations were performed at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperation.Demographics, comorbidities, and surgical procedures were generally homogenous between the 2 groups, except for a lower rate of aortic arch replacement in the low EF group. The averaged LVEFs were 44.3 ± 2.5% and 65.8 ± 6.6% among the low EF and normal groups, respectively. The patients with low EF had higher in-hospital mortality (23.3% versus 13.9%, P = .025) compared with the normal group. Multivariate analysis revealed that intraoperative myocardial failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was an in-hospital mortality predictor (odds ratio, 16.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-234.32; P = .034), as was preoperative serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL. For patients who survived to discharge, the 3-year cumulative survival rates were 77.8% and 82.1% in the low EF and normal groups, respectively (P = .522). The serial echocardiograms revealed no postoperative deterioration of LVEF during the 3-year follow-up.Even with a more conservative aortic repair procedure, the patients with preoperative left ventricular dysfunction are at higher surgical risk for in-hospital mortality. However, once such patients are able to survive to discharge, the midterm outcome can still be promising.

Identification of CTA-Based Predictive Findings for Temporary and Permanent Neurological Dysfunction after Repair in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

The aim of this study was to determine CT risk findings predictive of temporary neurological dysfunction (TND) and permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) after surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). A total of 255 patients (41 ± 16 years, 79% male) with ATAAD underwent aortic CT angiography (CTA) and surgical repair consecutively from January 2013 to June 2016. The CTA findings of the 255 patients for the thoracic aorta and carotid artery were analysed to identify risk factors predictive of TND and PND. Thirty-eight patients (15%) suffered TND, and 18 (7%) exhibited PND. Common carotid artery (CCA) dissection (OR = 4.63), lower enhancement of unilateral ICA (OR = 3.02) and aortic arch tears (OR = 2.83) were predictors of postoperative TND, while PND was best predicted by retrograde ascending aorta (aAO) dissection (OR = 5.62) and aortic arch tears (OR = 6.74). In CCA dissection, the extent of the entire CCA and proximal ICA (P = 0.014), a low-enhancement false lumen with re-entry (P = 0.000) and a severely narrowed true lumen without re-entry (P = 0.005) significantly increased the risk of postoperative TND. In patients with ATAAD, specific CT findings allow the individual risk of postoperative TND and PND to be identified and may guide subsequent surgical management.

Current hospital mortality, neurological deficit, and mid-term survival after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in Argentina

OBJECTIVE

To present the current in-hospital outcomes and mid-term survival of acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) surgery performed by a group of dedicated high-volume thoracic aortic surgeons in a University Hospital in Argentina.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data over a 6-year period (2011-2016) was performed on a consecutive series of 53 adult patients who underwent emergency cardiac surgery for AAAD in the Buenos Aires University Hospital in Argentina.

RESULTS

A mean of 8.8 AAAD repairs were performed yearly during the 6-year period. In-hospital mortality was 17%, and was statistically equivalent to the expected operative mortality rate of 21% (EuroSCORE II) (observed-to-expected mortality ratio 0.81; p=0.620). New neurological deficit appeared postoperatively in 6% of cases, and the observed major postoperative morbidity rate was 42%. All-cause death cumulative survival probability was 0.711 (SE 0.074), with a mean follow-up period of 49.2 (SE 5.0) months. Cumulative survival probability for in-hospital survivors was 0.903 (SE 0.053), with a mean follow-up period of 62.5 (SE 3.6) months.

CONCLUSION

Although the present results do not reach international standards, AAAD surgery in our institution was associated with an acceptable mortality risk and satisfactory mid-term survival compared with previous local studies. In addition to in-hospital mortality, the incidence of new permanent neurological deficit after surgery must be considered the most devastating complication to avoid. Patient-focused care in referral aortic centers with surgery performed by specialized teams should be encouraged in order to improve surgical outcomes in acute aortic dissection surgery in Argentina.

Perioperative hyperglycemia and neurocognitive outcome after surgery: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Preliminary evidence suggest a possible relationship between perioperative hyperglycemia, postoperative delirium (POD) or cognitive dysfunction (POCD). We aim to present the available clinical evidence related to chronic (i.e. diabetes mellitus) or acute perioperative hyperglycemia as risk factors for POD/POCD.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search of EMBASE (via Ovid, 1974-present) online medical database and MEDLINE (via PubMed or Ovid, 1946-present) was performed. All types of clinical studies including randomized controlled trials, prospective, as well as retrospective cohort studies were screened. Clinical studies that reported original information on the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or acute perioperative abnormal glucose levels and POD or POCD were selected. Reviews and editorials (i.e. articles not presenting original preclinical or clinical research) were excluded and case-reports were not considered for analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our search resulted in 2356 papers for screening, from which we selected 29 studies that met our inclusion criteria. DM was investigated in 24 observational papers, acute perioperative hyperglycemia in six observational studies and two randomized controlled trials examined the effect of perioperative glucose lowering on POD/POCD. Diabetes was associated with POD or POCD in 18/24 observational studies and 6/6 of the included observational studies found that perioperative hyperglycemia was associated with POD/POCD, independent of diabetes. The two randomized controlled trials had a different trial design and reported conflicting results.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the available evidence, DM and acute perioperative hyperglycemia may be associated with an increased risk for POD/POCD. These conclusions are based mostly on observational studies and deserve more and dedicated research. This systematic review may direct the design of future studies.

Cerebral malperfusion in acute aortic dissection

Cerebral malperfusion in association with acute type A aortic dissection is uncommon but can have a considerable effect on the outcome of treatment. Successful treatment requires the individual and effective removal of each of the factors associated with malperfusion. In addition to the conventional surgical procedures, endovascular treatment has become an option for restoring perfusion. However, artificial perfusion and/or surgical procedures can lead to new malperfusion, which is not necessarily apparent to surgeons and which is difficult to predict. Thus, a number of modalities need to be applied to monitoring the current status of perfusion to enable timely treatment. Since each of the diagnostic modalities has its merits and demerits, one should use them effectively while being mindful of the pitfalls. In addition, a delay in the diagnosis in the pre-hospital stage is an important determinant of the surgical outcomes of aortic dissection. Portable echocardiography, which has been recently developed, may be useful for improving this situation. However, an early diagnosis largely depends on the physician's awareness and basic echocardiography skills. Surgeons should make general physicians aware of this message.

Analysis of early and long-term outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection according to the new international aortic arch surgery study group recommendations

To evaluate predictors of early and long-term outcomes of surgical repair of acute Type A aortic dissection. Retrospective single-centre study evaluating patients surgically treated between 1998 and 2013. Clinical follow-up was performed. Complications were classified according to the International Aortic Arch Surgery Study Group recommendations. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate analysis of preoperative and operative data. One hundred eighty-five patients were evaluated. The follow-up was complete for 180 patients (97 %). Mean age was 63 years, 82 % had a DeBakey type I aortic dissection, 18 % a type II. Eleven patients (6 %) died intraoperatively, 119 of the remaining (68 %) had postoperative complications. Thirty-day mortality was 21 % (38 patients). Average ICU and hospital stay were 6 and 14 days, respectively. During a mean follow-up time of 6 ± 4 years we observed 44 deaths (31 %). Twenty patients (14 %) needed late thoracic aorta reoperation. Results from the multivariate analysis are as follows. Thirty-day mortality was associated with abdominal pain at presentation (p < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative complications was related to older age at intervention (p < 0.01) and longer cross-clamp time (p < 0.01). Mortality at follow-up was significantly increased by older age at intervention (p < 0.01), with a logarithmic growth after 60 years, female sex (p < 0.01), preoperative limb ischemia (p = 0.02) and DHCA (p < 0.01). The surgical results of type A aortic dissection are affected by age at intervention with a logarithmic increase of late mortality in patients older than 60 years.

Neurologic aspects of cardiac emergencies

In this review, cardiac arrest is discussed, with a focus on neuroprognostication and the emerging data, with regard to identifying more accurate predictors of neurologic outcomes in the era of therapeutic hypothermia. Topics discussed include recent controversies with regard to targeted temperature management in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest; neurologic complications associated with surgical disease and procedures, namely aortic dissection, infective endocarditis, left ventricular assist devices, and coronary artery bypass grafting; and the cause, pathogenesis, and management of neurogenic stunned myocardium.

Axillary versus femoral arterial cannulation in type A acute aortic dissection: evidence from a meta-analysis of comparative studies and adjusted risk estimates

OBJECTIVES

There is a growing perception that femoral arterial cannulation (FAC), by reversing the flow in the thoracoabdominal aorta, may increase the risk of retrograde brain embolization, dissection and organ malperfusion in type A aortic dissection. Axillary artery cannulation (AXC) has been reported to improve operative outcomes by allowing antegrade blood flow. However, FAC still remains largely utilized as a consensus for the routine use of AXC has not yet been reached.

METHODS

A meta-analysis on comparative studies reporting operative outcomes using AXC versus FAC was performed. Pooled weighted incidence rates for end points of interest (both adjusted and unadjusted) have been computed using an inverse variance model.

RESULTS

Overall, a total of 8 studies including 793 patients were analysed (AXC = 396, FAC = 397). AXC was associated with reduced risk for in-hospital mortality [risk ratio (RR): 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-0.58; P < 0.001] and permanent neurological deficit (PND) (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 37.-0.93; P = 0.02) when compared with FAC. Pooled adjusted estimates confirmed that AXC was independently associated with a significantly reduced incidence of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.36-0.82; P = 0.004; I(2) = 57%) and PND (adjusted OR: 0.19; 95%CI: 0.07-0.54; P = 0.002; I(2) = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis demonstrated that AXC is superior to FAC in reducing in-hospital mortality and the incidence of PND in patients operated on for type A acute aortic dissection.

Modified hypothermic circulatory arrest for emergent repair of acute aortic dissection type a: a single-center experience

Background

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) with antegrade cerebral perfusion has been historically preferred for organ protection during surgical repair of the acute aortic dissection type A. However, in the past decades, different perfusion-specific strategies with a growing trend to increase the body temperature at circulatory arrest emerged. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical results of our modified protocol for cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia management.

Methods

Between February 2007 and September 2012, 54 consecutive patients suffering from acute aortic dissection type A underwent emergent surgery. All patients received hypothermic circulatory arrest in combination with antegrade cerebral perfusion. The patients were divided into two subsets according to the degree of hypothermia and perfusion strategies: namely the DHCA group and the group of modified hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA).

Results

The overall 30-day mortality was 27.8% and was not significantly different between groups (DHCA, 33.3%, MHCA, 19%; p=0.253). The requirement for blood product transfusion in MHCA patients was significantly less as as compared with the patients in the DHCA group. No difference occurred in the incidence of temporary neurologic dysfunction, dialysis-dependent renal failure, or reexploration for bleeding between two groups of patients. The use of MHCA was identified as a protective factor against the postoperative composite complications (OR, 0.78; CI, 0.52 to 0.98; p=0.04) and the prolonged intensive care unit stay (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.98; p=0.04).

Conclusions

Moderate hypothermia in combination with selective brain perfusion and systemic retrograde perfusion is associated with adequate cerebral and visceral protection, reduced postoperative complications and shortened intensive care unit stay in our series. This modified perfusion strategy may help in improving perioperative outcomes in this particular group of patients.