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OBJECTIVE: Female sex is a known risk factor in most cardiac surgery, including coronary and valve surgery, but unknown in acute type A aortic dissection repair. METHODS: From 1996 to 2018, 650 patients underwent acute type A aortic dissection repair; 206 (32%) were female, and 444 (68%) were male. Data were collected through the Cardiac Surgery Data Warehouse, medical record review, and National Death Index database. RESULTS: Compared with men, women were significantly older (65 vs 57 years, P < .0001). The proportion of women and men inverted with increasing age, with 23% of patients aged less than 50 years and 65% of patients aged more than 80 years being female. Women had significantly less chronic renal failure (2.0% vs 5.4%, P = .04), acute myocardial infarction (1.0% vs 3.8%, P = .04), and severe aortic insufficiency. Women underwent significantly fewer aortic root replacements with similar aortic arch procedures, shorter cardiopulmonary bypass times (211 vs 229 minutes, P = .0001), and aortic crossclamp times (132 vs 164 minutes, P < .0001), but required more intraoperative blood transfusion (4 vs 3 units) compared with men. Women had significantly lower operative mortality (4.9% vs 9.5%, P = .04), especially in those aged more than 70 years (4.4% vs 16%, P = .02). The significant risk factors for operative mortality were male sex (odds ratio, 2.2), chronic renal failure (odds ratio, 3.4), and cardiogenic shock (odds ratio, 6.8). The 10-year survival was similar between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians and women should be cognizant of the risk of acute type A aortic dissection later in life in women. Surgeons should strongly consider operations for acute type A aortic dissection in women, especially in patients aged 70 years or more.

We performed a contemporary assessment of clinical and radiographic factors of stroke after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Patients undergoing TEVAR from 2006 to 2017 were identified. We assessed clinical and radiographic data, including preoperative head and neck computed tomography, Doppler ultrasonography, and intraoperative angiography. Our primary outcome was stroke after TEVAR. Four hundred seventy-nine patients underwent TEVAR, mean age 68.1 ± 19.5 years, 52.6% male. Indications for TEVAR included aneurysms (n = 238, 49.7%) or dissections (n = 152, 31.7%). Ishimaru landing zones were Zone 2 (n = 225, 47.0%), Zone 3 (n = 151, 31.5%), or Zone 4 (n = 103, 21.5%). Stroke occurred in 3.8% (n = 18) of patients, with 1.9% (8) major events (modified Rankin Scale3). Pathophysiology was predominantly embolic (n = 14), and occurred in posterior (n = 6), anterior (n = 6), or combined circulation (n = 4), and in the left hemisphere (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 6). Univariate analysis suggested use of lumbar drain (33.3% versus 57.2%, P = 0.04), inability to revascularize the left subclavian artery (16.7% vs 5.2%, P = 0.04) and number of implanted components (2.5 ± 1.2 vs 2.0 ± 0.97, P = 0.03) were associated with stroke. Multivariable analysis identified number of implanted components (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.17-2.67 P = 0.00) and inability to revascularize the left subclavian artery as independent predictors of stroke. Stroke was associated with a higher perioperative mortality (27.8% vs 3.9%, P0.01). Stroke after TEVAR is primarily embolic in nature and related to both anatomic and procedural factors. This may have important implications for device development in the era of endovascular arch repair.

Various surgical options have been described for the treatment of aberrant subclavian arteries and an associated Kommerell diverticulum.Between 1999 and 2019, 43 patients underwent a repair, comprising 26 (61%) endovascular and 17 (39%) open approaches. The endovascular approach consisted of initial subclavian revascularization followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The open approach included total arch replacement (12%) and reverse hemiarch repair with left thoracotomy (53%) or right thoracotomy (35%). The perioperative and long-term outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.No mortality occurred in the endovascular group, whereas there was 1 (6%) in the open approach group. Patients in the endovascular group demonstrated a shorter hospital stay (3.5 days vs 10.0 days; P = .001) and less frequent prolonged mechanical ventilation (0% vs 24%; P = .019), with a lower occurrence of pneumonia (0% vs 24%; P = .019). Among patients who had the endovascular approach, shrinkage of Kommerell diverticulum or aberrant vessel origin was seen in 96%. Furthermore, relief of dysphagia was confirmed in 92% (12/13), including patients without Kommerell diverticulum (n = 3) after endovascular repair. The cumulative incidence of treatment failure or aortic reintervention at 7 years was 21% and 14 % in the endovascular and open approach groups, respectively (P = .62). Two (8%) patients in the endovascular group required an open reintervention. One reintervention was performed for persistent dysphagia in the setting of an untreated complete vascular ring, and the other was for persistent false lumen flow associated with aortic dissection.The treatment approach should be individualized on the basis of the aortic disease and comorbidities. The endovascular approach is a viable and effective alternative in the presence of suitable landing zones.

Background The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Quality Measurement Task Force has developed risk models and composite performance measures for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR), isolated mitral valve replacement or repair (MVRR), AVR+CABG, and MVRR+CABG. To further enhance its portfolio of risk-adjusted performance metrics, STS has developed new risk models for multiple valve operations ± CABG procedures. Methods Using July 2011 to June 2019 STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database data, risk models for AVR+MVRR (n = 31,968) and AVR+MVRR+CABG (n = 12,650) were developed with the following endpoints: Operative Mortality, major morbidity (any 1 or more of the following: cardiac reoperation, deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis, stroke, prolonged ventilation, and renal failure), and combined mortality and/or major morbidity. Data were divided into development (July 2011 to June 2017; n = 35,109) and validation (July 2017 to June 2019; n = 9509) samples. Predictors were selected by assessing model performance and clinical face validity of full and progressively more parsimonious models. Performance of the resulting models was evaluated by assessing discrimination and calibration. Results C-statistics for the overall population of multiple valve ± CABG procedures were 0.7086, 0.6734, and 0.6840 for mortality, morbidity, and combined mortality and/or morbidity in the development sample, and 0.6953, 0.6561, and 0.6634 for the same outcomes, respectively, in the validation sample. Conclusions New STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database risk models have been developed for multiple valve ± CABG operations, and these models will be used in subsequent STS performance metrics.

Despite the rapid adoption of transcatheter aortic replacement (TAVR), surgical TAVR valve explantation (TAVR-explant) and the clinical impact of explanted TAVR device type are not well described.TAVR-explant from 2016 to 2019 was queried using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Database. A total of 483 patients with documented explanted valve type, consisting of 330 (68%) patients with balloon-expandable and 153 (32%) patients with self-expandable devices, were identified. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. The secondary outcome was the need for any simultaneous procedures with TAVR-explant.The mean age was 72.8 years, 38% of the patients were female, and 51% demonstrated New York Heart Association functional class III to IV symptoms. During TAVR-explant, 63% of patients required other simultaneous procedures, including aortic repair (27%), mitral procedures (22%), coronary artery bypass grafting (15%), and tricuspid procedures (7%). Patients with a self-expandable device underwent more frequent ascending aortic replacement (22% vs 9%; P.001) than those with a balloon-expandable device, whereas the aortic root replacement rate was similar (19% vs 24%; P = .22). The overall 30-day mortality was 18% without differences in the mortality or other major complications between the groups. Of the 157 patients with isolated surgical aortic valve replacement and available STS predicted risk of mortality score, the observed-to-expected (O/E) mortality ratio was 2.2.The TAVR-explant outcomes were comparable between patients with balloon-expandable devices and patients with self-expandable devices, whereas ascending aortic replacement was observed more frequently in patients with self-expandable devices. Younger patients undergoing TAVR should be informed of the future TAVR-explant risk that may accompany a higher O/E ratio and frequent morbid concurrent procedures.

To determine long-term survival and reoperation rate in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and patients with a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) after stentless aortic valve replacement (AVR)/aortic root replacement (ARR).Between 1992 and 2014, 1293 patients underwent first AVR/ARR with a stentless aortic valve using the modified inclusion operating technique, including 741 patients with a TAV and 552 with a BAV. Using propensity scoring with 26 variables, 330 matched pairs were identified with AVR with or without ascending aorta/arch replacement. Data were obtained through chart review, surveys, and the National Death Index.Patient demographics were similar in the propensity score-matched groups. Both groups had similar cardiopulmonary bypass, cross-clamp, and hypothermia circulatory arrest times, cerebral protection strategies, and rate of aortic arch replacement. The median size of implanted valves was similar (BAV: 27 mm [range, 25-29 mm] vs TAV: 27 mm [range, 25-27 mm]). Compared with the TAV group, the BAV group had a shorter hospital stay (6 days vs 7 days;The BAV patients had better long-term survival but a higher reoperation rate compared with TAV patients after stentless AVR. Our findings suggest caution in the use of bioprostheses for BAV patients.

BACKGROUND. Despite the risk of new persistent opioid use after cardiac surgery, postdischarge opioid use has not been quantified and evidence-based prescribing guidelines have not been established. METHODS. Opioid-naive patients undergoing primary cardiac surgery via median sternotomy between January and December 2019 at 10 hospitals participating in a statewide collaborative were selected. Clinical data were linked to patient-reported outcomes collected at 30-day follow-up. An opioid prescribing recommendation stratified by inpatient opioid use on the day before discharge (0, 1–3, or ≥4 pills) was implemented in July 2019. Interrupted time-series analyses were performed for prescription size and postdischarge opioid use before (January to June) and after (July to December) guideline implementation. RESULTS. Among 1495 patients (729 prerecommendation and 766 postrecommendation), median prescription size decreased from 20 pills to 12 pills after recommendation release (P < .001), while opioid use decreased from 3 pills to 0 pills (P < .001). Change in prescription size over time was +0.6 pill/month before and −0.8 pill/month after the recommendation (difference = −1.4 pills/month; P = .036). Change in patient use was +0.6 pill/month before and −0.4 pill/month after the recommendation (difference = −1.0 pills/month; P = .017). Pain levels during the first week after surgery and refills were unchanged. Patients using 0 pills before discharge (n = 710) were prescribed a median of 0 pills and used 0 pills, while those using 1 to 3 pills (n = 536) were prescribed 20 pills and used 7 pills, and those using greater than or equal to 4 pills (n = 249) were prescribed 32 pills and used 24 pills. CONCLUSIONS. An opioid prescribing recommendation was effective, and prescribing after cardiac surgery should be guided by inpatient use.

Neomedia has been frequently used for aortic root repair in acute type A aortic dissection. We aimed to determine the efficacy and necessity of neomedia during acute type A aortic dissection root repair.From January 2010 to February 2021, 308 patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic root repair with neomedia (n = 132) or without neomedia (n = 176). Of these, 121 matched pairs were identified using propensity score matching based on age, sex, coronary artery disease, preoperative renal failure, acute stroke, prior cardiac surgery, cardiogenic shock, coronary malperfusion, preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and severe aortic insufficiency.After matching, the preoperative demographics and comorbidities were well balanced in both groups. Compared with the neomedia group, the no neomedia group had less hemiarch (57% vs 69%, P = .05) and more zone 1 arch replacements (12% vs 4.1%, P = .03), shorter hypothermic circulatory arrest time (28 vs 36 minutes, P .001), and shorter crossclamp time (120 vs 131 minutes, P = .02). Postoperative outcomes were similar, and the odds ratio by univariable logistic model of no neomedia for operative mortality was 0.83 (P = .76). Aortic root growth over 11 years (0.11 vs 0.16 mm/year, P = .66), 5-year freedom from greater than mild aortic insufficiency (84% vs 85%, P = .80), reoperation for root pathology (1 patient in each group), and 8-year survival (80% [95% confidence interval, 69-97] vs 71% [95% confidence interval, 55-82], P = .26) were similar between the neomedia and no neomedia groups.In patients with acute type A aortic dissection, aortic root repair with or without neomedia was equally safe and effective. Neomedia use could be avoided in acute type A aortic dissection repair.

The anatomic complexity of aortic dissection remains a challenge in endovascular treatment. The dissection flap may contain defects allowing accidental guidewire passage from one lumen into the other, and inadvertent device placement into the false lumen can occur. The description of this complication and its bail-out maneuvers are sparse in the literature. Herein, we describe seven patients with errant endoprosthesis re-routed with minimally invasive intervention into the true lumen.

Background Management of type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion poses a significant challenge. Although involvement of craniocervical vessels is undoubtedly critical, it is not well investigated in the surgical literature. Methods Between 1997 and 2019, 775 patients presented with acute type A aortic dissection and 80 (10%) with cerebral malperfusion. All patients were transferred from outside institutions. Medical records and imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed. Results Fifty-nine patients (74%) underwent an open repair, 2 (3%) had an endovascular aortic repair, 2 (3%) had carotid stenting, and 18 (23%) received nonoperative management. In-hospital mortality of all comers was 40.0%, and 81.3% were neurology related. Among the 45 patients (56%) in whom cerebrocervical imaging studies were available, 11 (24%) had an internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and 28 (62%) had a common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion without ICA involvement as the culprit lesion. Six comatose patients (55%) were in the ICA group and 10 comatose patients (36%) in the CCA group (P = .28). All patients with ICA occlusion developed cerebral edema and herniation syndrome regardless of the management and died. In contrast 79% of patients with unilateral or bilateral CCA occlusion survived to hospital discharge (P Conclusions ICA occlusion in the presence of type A aortic dissection may be a surrogate marker for dismal neurologic outcomes regardless of the surgical approach, whereas CCA occlusion or comatose state should not preclude surgical candidacy. A prompt neck computed tomography angiography may be warranted in patients with cerebral malperfusion.

The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of nonsurgically managed acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) in the contemporary era.From January 1996 to December 2021, 999 patients presented with ATAAD at our institution, of whom 839 patients underwent open aortic repair (surgical cohort) whereas 148 patients were managed nonoperatively (nonsurgical cohort) because of severe comorbidities, organ failure from malperfusion syndrome, and patients' wishes. Data were obtained from chart review, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons warehouse, the national death index, and Michigan death index database.The combined in-hospital + 30-day mortality rate was 9 times higher in the nonsurgical cohort compared with the surgical cohort (70% vs 7.9%). In the nonsurgical cohort, compared with the first decade (1996-2010), patients during the second decade (2011-2021) had a lower in-hospital+30-day mortality rate (58% vs 87%; P.001); lower incidence of aortic rupture (8% vs 21%; P=.008), and a higher 3-year survival rate (29% vs 13%; P=.005). Within the nonsurgical cohort, compared with patients without malperfusion syndrome, the patients with malperfusion syndrome had similar in-hospital + 30-day mortality but a greater incidence of aortic rupture (21% vs 6.1%, P=.01) with an odds ratio of 4.2 (P=.03); compared with classic type A dissection, the patients with intramural hematoma had a lower in-hospital+30-day mortality rate (52% vs 72%, P=.02) with an odds ratio of 0.36 (P=.02).Surgery remained the mainstream treatment for ATAAD. Nonsurgical management still had a role for those who were not surgical candidates because of comorbidities or malperfusion syndrome, especially in those with acute type A intramural hematoma.

Despite the rapid adoption of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the frequency and clinical outcomes of reoperation after TAVR are not well-described.Between 2011 and 2020, 1719 patients underwent a TAVR at our institution. Among these, 32 patients (2%) required a reoperation. Additionally, 16 patients who received a TAVR at another institution received a reoperation at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed these 48 patients. The median interval from TAVR to reoperation was 2.3 years.Primary reoperations included 37 TAVR valve explants (TAVR-explant; 77%) with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), 8 mitral repairs/replacements (17%), 2 coronary artery bypass grafting procedures (4%), and 1 tricuspid valve replacement (2%). Forty-nine percent of nonaortic valve cardiac lesions were present at the time of TAVR. Furthermore, 18 TAVR-explant patients (49%) were deemed anatomically unsuitable for repeat TAVR based on the index TAVR imaging. During TAVR-explant, 6 patients (16%) with native TAVR sustained various degrees of aortic trauma. Patients with unplanned aortic repair demonstrated a smaller sinotubular junction diameter than those without unplanned repair. In contrast, no unplanned aortic repair was needed in the 14 patients with previous SAVR or the latest 20 consecutive patients. The overall in-hospital mortality was 15%, with an observed-to-expected morality ratio of 1.8.The clinical impact of post-TAVR reoperation remains substantial despite the lower frequency of unplanned aortic repair over time. The necessity of reoperations or unfavorable repeat TAVR anatomy appears predictable at the time of the index TAVR, and implanters must be mindful of "lifetime management" strategy during candidate selection.

Background Despite the rapid adoption of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), there are scant data regarding aortic valve reintervention after initial TAVR. Methods Between 2011 and 2019, 1487 patients underwent a TAVR at the University of Michigan. Among these, 24 (1.6%) patients required an aortic valve reintervention. Additionally, 4 patients who received a TAVR at another institution underwent a valve reintervention at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed these 28 patients. Results The median age was 72 years, 36% were female and 86% of implanted TAVR devices were self-expandable. The leading indications for reintervention were structural valve degeneration (39%) and paravalvular leak (36%). The cumulative incidence of aortic valve reintervention was 4.6% at 8 years. Most (71%) were deemed unsuitable for repeat TAVR because of the need for concurrent cardiac procedures (50%), unfavorable anatomy (45%), or endocarditis (10%). TAVR valve explant was associated with frequent concurrent procedures, consisting of aortic repair (35%), mitral repair/replacement (35%), tricuspid repair (25%), and coronary artery bypass graft (20%). Seventy-one percent of aortic procedures were unplanned but proved necessary because of severe adhesion of the devices to the contacting tissue. There were 3 (15%) in-hospital mortalities in the TAVR valve explant group, whereas there was no mortality in the repeat TAVR group. Conclusions Repeat TAVR procedure was frequently not feasible because of unfavorable anatomy and/or the need for concurrent cardiac procedures. Careful assessment of TAVR procedure repeatability should be weighed at the initial TAVR workup especially in younger patients who are expected to require a valve reintervention.

BACKGROUND. Patients with acute type A aortic dissection with a previous cardiac surgery (PCS) and malperfusion syndrome (MPS) are extremely difficult to manage and have poor outcomes. METHODS. From 1996 to 2018, 668 patients underwent emergent open aortic repair or endovascular fenestration/stenting for MPS for an acute type A aortic dissection, including those with PCS (PCS, n = 64) and those without PCS (No-PCS, n = 604). The groups were further divided into PCS+MPS, PCS+No-MPS, No-PCS+MPS, and No-PCS+No-MPS. RESULTS. Compared with the No-PCS group, the PCS group had significantly more coronary artery disease, acute renal failure, and mesenteric and renal MPS. Forty-two percent of patients with PCS underwent upfront endovascular fenestration/stenting for endovascular-amendable MPS. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with PCS+MPS (40%) compared with PCS+No-MPS (5.9%), No-PCS+MPS (30%) and No-PCS+No-MPS (6.7%). Multivariable logistic regression showed cardiogenic shock (odds ratio, 7.3) and MPS (odds ratio, 6.6) were risk factors for in-hospital mortality (P < .0001). After recovering from MPS the PCS group (n = 54) had similar rates of postoperative complications, including 30-day mortality (7.4% vs 6.3%, P = .77), compared with the No-PCS group (n = 557). The 5-year survival was significantly lower in the PCS group compared with the No-PCS group (60% vs 72%, P = .004) and was lowest in those with PCS+MPS (46%). PCS was not a significant risk factor for in-hospital (odds ratio, 1.2; P = .63) or late (hazard ratio, 1.3; P = .27) mortality. CONCLUSIONS. Because of severe preoperative comorbidities and the complexity of open aortic repair, in acute type A aortic dissection patients with PCS and MPS, endovascular fenestration and stenting first with delayed redo sternotomy and central aortic repair was a valid approach.

This Society for Vascular Surgery/Society of Thoracic Surgeons (SVS/STS) document illustrates and defines the overall nomenclature associated with type B aortic dissection. The contents describe a new classification system for practical use and reporting that includes the aortic arch. Chronicity of aortic dissection is also defined along with nomenclature in patients with prior aortic repair and other aortic pathologic processes, such as intramural hematoma and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. Complicated vs uncomplicated dissections are clearly defined with a new high-risk grouping that will undoubtedly grow in reporting and controversy. Follow-up criteria are also discussed with nomenclature for false lumen status in addition to measurement criteria and definitions of aortic remodeling. Overall, the document provides a facile framework of language that will allow more granular discussions and reporting of aortic dissection in the future.

It is controversial if extension of aortic dissection into arch branches should be an indication for replacement of the arch and its branches in acute type A aortic dissection.From 2008 to April 2018, 399 patients underwent open repair for an acute type A aortic dissection, and 190 patients had known innominate and/or left common carotid artery dissection without malperfusion syndrome, including no arch procedure (n = 1)/hemiarch replacement (n = 109) and zone 1/2/3 arch replacement (n = 80) with replacement of 1 to 4 arch branch vessels.Median patient age was 58 years. Preoperative comorbidities were similar between groups, except the hemiarch group had more coronary artery disease (22% vs 3%, P = .0002). Both groups underwent similar aortic root procedures and other concomitant procedures with equivalent cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times. The zone 1/2/3 group had longer hypothermic circulatory arrest times with greater use of antegrade cerebral perfusion (all P.05). The perioperative and midterm outcomes were similar between the hemiarch and zone 1/2/3 arch groups, including 30-day mortality (7% vs 5%), rates of transient ischemic attack and stroke, incidence rates of reoperation for distal aortic pathology with a mean follow-up time of 3.5 years, and 5-year survival (79% [95% confidence interval, 69%-87%] vs 85% [95% confidence interval, 71%-93%]). However the hemiarch group had a trend of increased cumulative incidence of reoperation (8-year, 23% vs 9%; P = .33).In acute type A aortic dissection, dissection of arch branches alone should not be an indication for routine zone 1/2/3 arch replacement; however zone 1/2/3 arch replacement could be considered to prevent future reoperations in select patients.

As surgical mortality decreases and endovascular utilization increases, it is unknown whether volume-outcome relationships exist in thoracic aortic dissection repair. We characterized volume-outcome relationships for surgical and endovascular management of thoracic aortic dissection.Patients aged more than 18 years undergoing repair of thoracic aortic dissection in the United States between 2010 and 2014 were identified in seven all-payer state inpatient administrative databases. Patients were divided into groups based on type of repair: surgical repair of type A dissection (TAAD), surgical repair of type B dissection (TBAD), and endovascular repair (TEVAR). Hierarchical logistic regression models evaluated the association between hospital volume and in-hospital mortality.Overall in-hospital mortality rate was 13.4% (890 of 6650), highest after TAAD (463 of 2918, 15.9%), followed by TBAD (270 of 1934, 14.0%) and TEVAR (157 of 1798, 8.7%). Volume-outcome relationships for adjusted in-hospital mortality were demonstrated for TAAD and TBAD (P-trend.001), but not TEVAR (P-trend = .11). Adjusted in-hospital mortality differed most for TAAD (fewer than 3 cases per year: 21%, 95% confidence interval, 18% to 24%; vs 11 or more cases per year: 12%, 95% confidence interval, 8% to 16%; P.001) and TBAD (fewer than 2 cases per year: 18%, 95% confidence interval, 15% to 22%; vs 11 or more cases per year: 9%, 95% confidence interval, 5% to 12%; P.001), whereas TEVAR did not differ between quartiles. Adjusted mortality was lower at centers with 26 or more overall annual thoracic dissection repairs, compared with any of the three lower-volume quartiles (P.001).This study demonstrated lower mortality at high-volume hospitals for overall repair of aortic dissection, persisting separately for surgical repair of TAAD and TBAD, but not TEVAR. As endovascular technology advances and practice patterns consequently change, analyses should focus on understanding the balance between procedural volume, mortality, and access to care for thoracic aortic dissection.

Mechanisms contributing to acute kidney injury (AKI) after acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) include renal malperfusion or underlying renal dysfunction. We characterized AKI after ABAD and evaluated its potential for adverse clinical and aortic outcomes.Between 1995 and 2016, 478 patients without prior dialysis requirement (mean age, 62.1 years; 60.5% male) presented with ABAD. Renal malperfusion was identified in 87 (18.2%). AKI was assessed by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria.AKI was seen in 252 (52.7%; stage 1 in 130, stage 2 in 71, stage 3 in 51) and was associated with increased hospitalization (11 days vs 7 days with no AKI, p = 0.008). Independent predictors of AKI included hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.69), chronic kidney disease (OR, 3.98), congestive heart failure (OR, 2.36), and visceral (OR, 2.19), renal (OR, 3.18), or limb malperfusion (OR, 2.18, all p0.05). Early mortality occurred in 44 (9.2%) and was independently predicted by stages 2 (OR, 4.38) and 3 AKI (OR, 6.30; both p0.03). The 10-year survival was 46.5%, and independent predictors of late death included aortic diameter (OR, 1.02), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 2.02), chronic kidney disease (OR, 3.51), and stages 2 (OR, 2.74) and 3 AKI (OR, 2.26, all p0.01). The 10-year freedom from aortic rupture, repeat dissection, or need for reintervention was 39.8%. Independent predictors of late aortic events included hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.55), diabetes (OR, 0.38), aortic diameter (OR, 1.03), and connective tissue disease (OR, 2.54, all p0.03), but not AKI (p = 0.149).AKI is common after ABAD and increases early mortality and hospital stay and diminishes late survival. Despite its adverse effect on survival, AKI is not associated with late aortic events.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has increased in volume as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Comparisons of total episode expenditures, while largely ignored thus far, will be key to the value proposition for payers. METHODS: We evaluated 6,359 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries undergoing TAVR (17 hospitals, n=1,655) or SAVR (33 hospitals, n=4,704) in Michigan between 2012 and 2016. Payments through 90 post-discharge days between TAVR and SAVR were price-standardized and risk-adjusted. Centers were divided into terciles of procedural volume separately for TAVR and SAVR, and payments were compared between lowest and highest terciles. RESULTS: Payments (± standard deviation) were higher for TAVR than SAVR ($69,388 ± $22,259 vs. $66,683 ± $27,377, p

Objective The study objective was to determine if hemiarch replacement is an adequate arch management strategy for patients with acute type A aortic dissection and arch branch vessel dissection but no cerebral malperfusion. Methods From January 2008 to August 2019, 479 patients underwent open acute type A aortic dissection repair. After excluding those with aggressive arch replacement (n = 168), cerebral malperfusion syndrome (n = 34), and indeterminable arch branch vessel dissection (n = 1), 276 patients with an acute type A aortic dissection without cerebral malperfusion syndrome who underwent hemiarch replacement comprised this study. Patients were then divided into those with arch branch vessel dissection (n = 133) and those with no arch branch vessel dissection (n = 143). Results The median age of the entire cohort was 62 years, with the arch branch vessel dissection group being younger (60 vs 62 years, P = .048). Both groups had similar aortic arch and descending thoracic aortic diameters, with significantly more DeBakey type I dissections (100% vs 80%) in the arch branch vessel dissection group. The arch branch vessel dissection group had more aortic root replacement (36% vs 27%, P = .0035) and longer aortic crossclamp times (153 vs 128 minutes, P = .007). Postoperative outcomes were similar between the arch branch vessel dissection and no arch branch vessel dissection groups, including stroke (10% vs 5%, P = .12) and operative morality (7% vs 5%, P = .51). The arch branch vessel dissection group had a significantly greater cumulative incidence of reoperation (8-year: 19% vs 4%, P = .04) with a hazard ratio of 2.89 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-8.27; P = .048), which was similar between groups among only DeBakey type I dissections (8-year: 19% vs 5%, P = .11). The 8-year survival was similar between the arch branch vessel dissection and no arch branch vessel dissection groups (76% vs 74%, P = .30). Conclusions Hemiarch replacement was adequate for patients with acute type A aortic dissection with arch branch vessel dissection without cerebral malperfusion syndrome, but carried a higher risk of late reoperation.

Objective To compare the short- and long-term outcomes of unilateral and bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (uni-ACP and bi-ACP) in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair. Methods From 2001 to 2017, 307 patients underwent surgical repair of an ATAAD using uni-ACP (n = 140) and bi-ACP (n = 167). Data were collected through the Department of Cardiac Surgery Data Warehouse, medical record review, and the National Death Index database. Results The demographics and preoperative comorbidities were similar between the uni-ACP and bi-ACP groups. Both groups had similar rates of procedures for aortic valve/root, ascending aorta, frozen elephant trunk, and other concomitant procedures. Perioperative outcomes were not significantly different between the 2 groups (30-day mortality: uni-ACP 3.4% vs bi-ACP 7.8%, P = .12) except reoperation for bleeding was significantly lower in uni-ACP (5% vs 12%, P = .03). Between the uni-ACP and bi-ACP groups, overall postoperative stroke rate (6% vs 9%, P = .4) and left brain stroke rate (0.7% vs 3.0%, P = .23) were not significantly different. The odds ratio of uni-ACP versus bi-ACP was 0.87 (P = .80) for postoperative stroke and 0.86 (P = .81) for operative mortality. The mid-term survival was better in the uni-ACP group, P = .027 (5-year: 84% vs 76%). The hazard ratio of all-time mortality for uni-ACP versus bi-ACP was 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.33-1.65), P = .46. Conclusions In ATAAD, both uni-ACP and bi-ACP are equally effective to protect the brain with low postoperative stroke rates and mortality in hemiarch to zone 3 arch replacement. Uni-ACP is recommended for its simplicity and less manipulation of arch branch vessels.

The study objective was to determine the optimal treatment for patients with acute type A aortic dissection and previous cardiac surgery.A total of 545 patients underwent open repair of an acute type A aortic dissection (July 1996 to January 2017), including patients with (n = 50) and without previous cardiac surgery (n = 495). Data were collected through the University of Michigan Cardiac Surgery Data Warehouse, medical record review, and the National Death Index database.Compared with patients without previous cardiac surgery, patients with previous cardiac surgery were older (62 vs 59 years, P = .24) and had significantly more coronary artery disease (48% vs 14%, P .001), peripheral arterial disease (24% vs 11%, P = .01), connective tissue disorders (15% vs 4.5%, P = .004), and acute renal failure on presentation (28% vs 15%, P = .02); and significantly more concomitant mitral or tricuspid procedures, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, and more intraoperative blood transfusions. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative major complications between previous cardiac surgery and no previous cardiac surgery groups, including stroke, myocardial infarction, new-onset dialysis, and 30-day mortality (8.9% vs 6.3%, P = .55). Multivariable logistic model showed the significant risk factors for operative mortality were cardiogenic shock (odds ratio, 9.6; P .0001) and male gender (odds ratio, 3.7; P = .006). The 5- and 10-year unadjusted survivals were significantly lower in the previous cardiac surgery group compared with the no previous cardiac surgery group (66% vs 80% and 42% vs 66%, respectively, P = .02). However, previous cardiac surgery itself was not a significant risk factor for operative mortality (odds ratio, 1.6; P = .36) or all-time mortality (hazard ratio, 1.3; P = .33).Acute type A aortic dissection in patients with previous cardiac surgery can be repaired with favorable operative mortality and long-term survival, and should be treated surgically.

Background Surgery in patients with Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is controversial. Although the presence of symptoms is an accepted indication, the KD itself may be a risk factor for dissection and rupture, although size criteria for operation are undefined. Methods A retrospective review of 19 adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of KD between March 2004 and June 2013 was performed. Mean age was 48 years (range, 32 to 68 years). Fifteen patients were female, 15 were symptomatic, and 13 had a right aortic arch. Sixteen patients with aberrant subclavian artery underwent a two-stage procedure involving subclavian–common carotid artery transposition or bypass followed by aortic resection, including origin of the KD, with interposition graft reconstruction. Aortic resection was performed with left heart bypass (n = 10) or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (n = 9). Results There were no deaths or strokes. Complications after aberrant subclavian artery revascularization were transient ptosis (n = 3), graft occlusion (n = 1), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n = 1),phrenic nerve injury (n = 1), and reintubation (n = 1). Complications after aortic resection were intraoperative type A dissection (n = 1), phrenic nerve injury (n = 1), chylothorax (n = 1), and transient neurologic dysfunction (n = 1). Mean hospital stay after aberrant subclavian artery revascularization was 2 ± 2 days and after aortic resection, 6.4 ± 2.4 days. Of 18 available pathology specimens, all 18 showed medial degeneration. Mean follow-up was 3.3 years. Conclusions This is the largest reported single-center experience with the surgical management of KD in adults, verifying its safety and efficacy. The high percentage of KD with medial degeneration suggests asymptomatic patients with an enlarged KD also may benefit from resection.

Objective Structural changes within the aorta after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute complicated type B thoracic aortic dissections (ABAD) remain unknown. This study reviewed and analyzed morphologic changes, volumetric data, and clinical outcomes of patients with ABAD. Methods Forty-one consecutive patients with ABAD, all with the volumetric analysis of aortic luminal changes and ≥1 year of follow-up, were treated as a part of a single-center U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved investigational device exemption (IDE) trial from 2002 to 2009. Indications were malperfusion in 17, rupture in 12, chest pain in 6, acute enlargement in 4, and uncontrolled hypertension in 2. Duration of symptoms was ≤14 days. Three-dimensional M2S computed tomography reconstructions (Medical MetRx Solutions, West Lebanon, NH) were analyzed for aortic volume and diameter changes, regression of the false lumen, and expansion of the true lumen. Results Emergent surgery was required in 17 (42%) patients, excluding one death at induction. Procedural success rate was 92.5%. The 30-day mortality was 4.9% for malperfusion, 4.9% for rupture, and 0% for all others, with late mortality of 0%, 9.8%, and 7.3%, respectively. Mean follow-up was 12.4 months. Permanent stroke and paraplegia rates were 4.9% (n = 2) and 0%. Ten of 12 secondary interventions were performed for 6 proximal endoleaks, 1 distal cuff endoleak, and 3 distal reperfusions. For the 33 patients without endoleaks, the true lumen volume increased by 29% at 1 month, 51% at 1 year, and 80% at 5 years. Volume regression of the false lumen was 69%, 76%, and 86%, respectively. The true lumen volume did not change at 1 month or 1 year in the endoleak group (n = 7) but increased 50% at 2 years after secondary intervention. A 10% reduction of abdominal aortic volume distal to endograft occurred over 5 years in the absence of endoleaks. Conclusions TEVAR offers a promising solution to patients with ABAD. Aortic morphologic changes occur shortly after TEVAR and remain predictable up to 5 years with continuous expansion of the true lumen and regression of the false lumen. A lack of increase in the true lumen volume is associated with endoleaks or distal reperfusion.

Objectives Brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas (BBAVF) can be performed in one or two stages. We compared primary failure rates, as well as primary and secondary patency rates of one- and two-stage BBAVF at two institutions. Methods Patients undergoing one- and two-stage BBAVF at two institutions were compared retrospectively with respect to age, sex, body mass index, use of preoperative venous duplex ultrasound, diabetes, hypertension, and cause of end-stage renal disease. Categorical variables were compared using chi-square and Fisher's exact test, whereas the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare continuous variables. Patency rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model with propensity analysis to determine hazard ratios. Results Ninety patients (60 one-stage and 30 two-stage) were identified. Mean follow-up was 14.2 months and the mean time interval between the first and second stage was 11.2 weeks. Although no significant difference in early failure existed (one-stage, 22.9% vs two-stage, 9.1%; P = .20), the two-stage BBAVF showed significantly improved primary functional patency at 1 year at 88% vs 61% ( P = .047) (hazard ratio, 0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], .04–.80; P = .03). Patency for one-stage BBAVF markedly decreased to 34% at 2 years compared with 88% for the two-stage procedure ( P = .047). Median primary functional patency for one-stage BBAVF was 31 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 11–54) vs 79 weeks (IQR, 29–131 weeks) for the two-stage procedure, respectively ( P = .0015). Two-year secondary functional patency for one- and two-stage procedures were 41% and 94%, respectively ( P = .015). Conclusions Primary and secondary patency at 1 and 2 years as well as functional patency is improved with the two-stage BBAVF when compared with the one-stage procedure. Lower primary failure rates prior to dialysis with the two-stage procedure approached, but did not reach statistical significance. While reasons for these finding are unclear, certain technical aspects of the procedure may play a role.

In this small series, Hosoyama and colleagues 1 have described their use of negative pressure wound therapy and delayed sternal closure after resection and replacement of infected ascending aortic grafts to decrease the risk of recurrent infection. They performed daily dressing changes at the intensive care unit (ICU) bedside for 9 days, without hemorrhagic complications. All 4 patients survived, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 5 years. For 1 patient, they were evenable toeradicateCandidainfection,a difficult organism to treat in the mediastinum. The mortality from ascending aortic graft infection can be as high as 35%. Approaches to this difficult problem have led to variable success in treating the infection without significant morbidity and mortality, and more importantly, preventing recurrent infection. Antibiotic therapy alone is rarely successful without other measures to debride infected tissue. Mediastinal debridement without graft resection, followed by coverage with an omental or muscle flap, avoids the morbidity of graft replacement, but patients may need to continue lifelong, suppression antibiotic therapy for the remaining graft itself. Replacing infected Dacron graft with new Dacron or homograft may be more effective, but this is a fairly major operation, especially in older patients with multiple comorbidities, complications from sepsis, and decreased nutritional reserve. This group’s approach, of performing graft resection and replacement, using omental coverage, leaving the chest open, performing daily dressing changes in the ICU until cultures cleared, and delaying sternal closure, was aggressive but successful. The materials used are available in any hospital, and although the process is labor intensive, performing dressing changes in the ICU obviates the need for daily transport to the operating room and the use of operating room time.