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Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection are complex diagnoses that require management by multidisciplinary providers using a variety of medical therapies, surgical interventions, and lifestyle modifications. Pharmacological agents, such as β-blockers (atenolol) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (losartan), have been mainstay treatments for several years, and research from the past decade has continued to evaluate these and other medication classes to further improve patient morbidity and mortality. Combination β- and renin-aldosterone-angiotensin blockade, statins, metformin, antioxidants, and vitamins have been evaluated as therapeutics in both thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, as well as the effects of various antibiotics (ie, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines) and benefits of lifestyle modifications (eg, diet and exercise) and enhanced patient-centered care and treatment adherence. In addition, as our understanding of the genetic, biochemical, and pathophysiological mechanisms behind these diseases expands, so do potential targets for future therapeutic research (eg, interleukins, matrix metalloproteases, and mast cells). This review incorporates the major meta-analyses, systematic and generalized reviews, and clinical trials published from 2010 through 2021 that focus on these topics in thoracic aortic aneurysms (and abdominal aneurysms when thoracic literature is scarce). Several key ongoing clinical trials, case studies, and in vivo/in vitro studies are also mentioned. Furthermore, we discuss current gaps in the literature and the abundance of clinical evidence for some interventions in abdominal aneurysms with few thoracic correlates, thus indicating a need for investigation of these subjects in the latter.

Pregnancy-associated aortic dissection (AD) is a rare event, with an incidence of 0.0004% per pregnancy. The work of the Aortic Dissection Collaborative identified pregnancy-associated AD as a high-priority topic, despite its rarity. The Pregnancy Working Group, which included physicians and patient stakeholders, performed a systematic literature review of pregnancy-associated AD from 1960 to 2021 and identified 6,333 articles through PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science. The inclusion criterion was AD in pregnant populations and exclusion criteria were case reports, conference abstracts, and languages other than English. Assessment of full-text articles for eligibility after removal of duplicates from all databases yielded 68 articles to be included in the final review. Topics included were timing of AD in pregnancy, type of AD, and management considerations of pregnancy-associated AD. The Pregnancy Working Group identified gaps in knowledge and future areas of research for pregnancy-associated AD, including clinical management, mental health outcomes post AD, reproductive and genetic counseling, and contraception after AD. Future collaborative projects could be a multicenter, international registry for all pregnancy-associated AD to refine the risk factors, best practice and management of AD in pregnancy. In addition, future mixed methodology studies may be useful to explore social, mental, and emotional factors related to pregnancy-associated AD and to determine support groups' effect on anxiety and depression related to these events in the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Telemedicine uses telephone-based or any form of digital communication for remote clinical services. It has been a field of interest for the last century, with broader implementation of telemedicine technologies during the last 25 years. The COVID-19 pandemic was an impetus for the adoption of these technologies globally across all health care services, including patient care, surgical practice, and workflow. As part of the patient engagement work in the Aortic Dissection Collaborative, this topic was identified as an important patient-centered research topic. Telemedicine has been adopted increasingly in vascular surgery; however, there is little evidence on appropriate use of these technologies pertaining to treating patients with aortic dissection or aortopathy in general. This landscape review summarizes the uses of telemedicine applications pre and post pandemic in medicine and vascular surgery, with a particular focus on uses in aortopathy. Using common resource databases, we identified articles related to the history of telemedicine, its current utilization, and application to vascular surgery and/or aortopathy. We briefly review the history of telemedicine and illustrate a range of applications in medicine before the pandemic, along with its rapid uptake globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. The enablers and barriers to using telemedicine are explored, although as a whole there is satisfaction with its integration among patients and providers. To address these, we offer recommendations to address future research as it pertains to telemedicine technologies in aortic dissection.

Although the topics of surgical techniques and medical therapies have been widely studied in aortic dissection (AD), studies examining the short- and long-term impact of this event on mental health are largely lacking. Many of the studies have used the 36-Item Short Form Survey at variable time points after the event. However, AD as medical trauma has a complex impact on a person's identity. Its implications for emotional, mental, social, existential, and self-concept could be explored more robustly. This topic was identified as a topic of interest by the AD Collaborative. The AD Collaborative Mental Health Working Group was formed and performed a landscape review to summarize current literature surrounding quality of life research in those who have experienced AD, identify gaps in knowledge, and to outline future research questions.

Aortic dissection confers high mortality and morbidity rates despite advances in treatment, impacts quality of life, and contributes immense burden to the healthcare system globally. Efforts to prevent aortic dissection through screening and management of modifiable risk factors and early detection of aneurysms should incorporate genomic information, as it is integral to stratifying risk. However, effective integration of genomic-guided risk assessment into clinical practice will require addressing implementation barriers that currently permeate our healthcare systems. The Aortic Dissection Collaborative was established to define aortic dissection research priorities through patient engagement. Using a collaborative patient-centered feedback model, our Genomic Medicine Working Group identified related research priorities that could be investigated by pragmatic interventional studies aimed at aortic dissection prevention, utilization of genomic information to improve patient outcomes, and access to genomic medicine services. Further research is also needed to identify the genomic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors that contribute to aortic dissection so these data can be incorporated into future comparative effectiveness studies to prevent aortic dissection.

Understanding what matters most to patients can help guide research in a direction that is best situated to provide evidence that is responsive to their core concerns. This can better inform the treatment decision-making process for patients and their physicians. The Aortic Dissection (AD) Collaborative built a collaborative AD research infrastructure involving patients and other stakeholders to facilitate patient-centered outcomes research training, support, and networking among those affected by AD. Two surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and October 2020 to gather information from people with and at risk for AD and their family members to better understand their experiences and needs. Discussion of survey and interview results were then articulated as seven key topics for future research to meet the needs of the AD community. Working groups were assembled to address each of the key topics. The groups conducted landscape reviews that were focused on providing guidance for future research that directly addresses the needs identified by the AD community. Recommendations for future research generated by the working groups were compiled by the Aortic Dissection Collaborative. From these recommendations, the Aortic Dissection Collaborative advisors and stakeholders identified high-priority research questions. The research questions form the basis for a third survey, disseminated to the Virtual Research Network between November 2021 and February 2022. Final analysis of the survey will identify top ranked research questions and assess willingness to participate. These results will inform the development of future patient-centered outcomes research and comparative effectiveness research proposals.

PURPOSE: To describe the design and methodological approach of a multicenter, retrospective study to externally validate a clinical and imaging-based model for predicting the risk of late adverse events in patients with initially uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (uTBAD).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Registry of Aortic Diseases to Model Adverse Events and Progression (ROADMAP) is a collaboration between 10 academic aortic centers in North America and Europe. Two centers have previously developed and internally validated a recently developed risk prediction model. Clinical and imaging data from eight ROADMAP centers will be used for external validation. Patients with uTBAD who survived the initial hospitalization between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2013, with follow-up until 2020, will be retrospectively identified. Clinical and imaging data from the index hospitalization and all follow-up encounters will be collected at each center and transferred to the coordinating center for analysis. Baseline and follow-up CT scans will be evaluated by cardiovascular imaging experts using a standardized technique.RESULTS: The primary end point is the occurrence of late adverse events, defined as aneurysm formation (≥6 cm), rapid expansion of the aorta (≥1 cm/y), fatal or nonfatal aortic rupture, new refractory pain, uncontrollable hypertension, and organ or limb malperfusion. The previously derived multivariable model will be externally validated by using Cox proportional hazards regression modeling.CONCLUSION: This study will show whether a recent clinical and imaging-based risk prediction model for patients with uTBAD can be generalized to a larger population, which is an important step toward individualized risk stratification and therapy.Keywords: CT Angiography, Vascular, Aorta, Dissection, Outcomes Analysis, Aortic Dissection, MRI, TEVAR© RSNA, 2022See also the commentary by Rajiah in this issue.

Venous thromboembolism is a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Catheter-directed thrombolytics is the primary treatment used to relieve critical obstructions, though its efficacy varies based on the thrombus composition. Non-responsive portions of the specimen often remain in situ, which prohibits mechanistic investigation of lytic resistance or the development of diagnostic indicators for treatment outcomes. In this study, thrombus samples extracted from venous thromboembolism patients were analyzed ex vivo to determine their histological properties, susceptibility to lytic therapy, and imaging characteristics. A wide range of thrombus morphologies were observed, with a dependence on age and etymology of the specimen. Fibrinolytic inhibitors including PAI-1, alpha 2-antiplasmin, and TAFI were present in samples, which may contribute to the response venous thrombi to catheter-directed thrombolytics. Finally, a weak but significant correlation was observed between the response of the sample to lytic drug and its magnetic microstructure assessed with a quantitative MRI sequence. These findings highlight the myriad of changes in venous thrombi that may promote lytic resistance, and imaging metrics that correlate with treatment outcomes.

Establishing the reproducibility of expert-derived measurements on CTA exams of aortic dissection is clinically important and paramount for ground-truth determination for machine learning.Four independent observers retrospectively evaluated CTA exams of 72 patients with uncomplicated Stanford type B aortic dissection and assessed the reproducibility of a recently proposed combination of four morphologic risk predictors (maximum aortic diameter, false lumen circumferential angle, false lumen outflow, and intercostal arteries). For the first inter-observer variability assessment, 47 CTA scans from one aortic center were evaluated by expert-observer 1 in an unconstrained clinical assessment without a standardized workflow and compared to a composite of three expert-observers (observers 2-4) using a standardized workflow. A second inter-observer variability assessment on 30 out of the 47 CTA scans compared observers 3 and 4 with a constrained, standardized workflow. A third inter-observer variability assessment was done after specialized training and tested between observers 3 and 4 in an external population of 25 CTA scans. Inter-observer agreement was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots.Pre-training ICCs of the four morphologic features ranged from 0.04 (-0.05 to 0.13) to 0.68 (0.49-0.81) between observer 1 and observers 2-4 and from 0.50 (0.32-0.69) to 0.89 (0.78-0.95) between observers 3 and 4. ICCs improved after training ranging from 0.69 (0.52-0.87) to 0.97 (0.94-0.99), and Bland-Altman analysis showed decreased bias and limits of agreement.Manual morphologic feature measurements on CTA images can be optimized resulting in improved inter-observer reliability. This is essential for robust ground-truth determination for machine learning models.• Clinical fashion manual measurements of aortic CTA imaging features showed poor inter-observer reproducibility. • A standardized workflow with standardized training resulted in substantial improvements with excellent inter-observer reproducibility. • Robust ground truth labels obtained manually with excellent inter-observer reproducibility are key to develop reliable machine learning models.

Objective We established a program for retrieval of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters within our hospital system. When percutaneous retrieval fails, we only recommend open surgical removal for symptoms and other complications. We examined our outcomes with conservative management of unsuccessful percutaneous retrieval and open surgical removal for symptomatic/complicated IVC filters. Methods All patients with history of IVC filter placement who were referred to us for retrieval between 2010 and 2016 were evaluated. Before retrieval, patients were evaluated for risk of future venous thromboembolic events and ongoing need for IVC filtration. Asymptomatic patients with unsuccessful percutaneous filter retrieval were recommended to have annual follow-up with plain abdominal radiographs and to take daily low-dose aspirin. Patients with symptoms referable to the indwelling filter and those with complications were offered open surgical removal. Results There were 213 patients with a history of IVC filter placement who underwent 220 percutaneous attempts for retrieving 214 IVC filters (four patients had two attempts, one patient had three attempts). Technical success in percutaneously retrieving the filter was 180 of 214 (84.1%) at a median of 5.5 months (interquartile range [IQR], 3.5-9.2) from implant. The median filter dwell time was significantly longer in unsuccessful compared with successful retrieval attempts (8.3 months [IQR, 4.3-15.1 months] vs 5.5 months [IQR, 3.2-8.7 months]; P = .011). Of the 34 filters in 33 patients that could not be retrieved percutaneously, all had either significant filter barb penetration through the caval wall or a tilt angle of greater than 15°. The majority of patients (67%) remained asymptomatic without any further complications over a mean follow-up of 24 months (IQR, 12-50 months). No asymptomatic patients developed symptoms or complications over the follow-up period. Two of the five patients who were symptomatic underwent open surgical removal via minilaparotomy. An additional six patients who failed percutaneous retrieval at other institutions were referred to us for open surgical removal owing to symptoms or complications. Technical success for all open surgical removal of IVC filters was 100%. All patients had resolution of their symptoms after percutaneous or open surgical removal. Conclusions Asymptomatic patients with unsuccessful percutaneous IVC filter retrieval seem to have low complications in midterm follow-up despite significant filter strut penetration. Without symptoms or other complications, such patients do not require referral for open surgical filter removal. Symptomatic patients can expect low morbidity and resolution of symptoms after percutaneous or open surgical removal. Further studies are needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of routinely removing asymptomatic IVC filters.

All patients surviving an acute aortic dissection require continued lifelong surveillance of their diseased aorta. Late complications, driven predominantly by chronic false lumen degeneration and aneurysm formation, often require surgical, endovascular, or hybrid interventions to treat or prevent aortic rupture. Imaging plays a central role in the medical decision-making of patients with chronic aortic dissection. Accurate aortic diameter measurements and rigorous, systematic documentation of diameter changes over time with different imaging equipment and modalities pose a range of practical challenges in these complex patients. Currently, no guidelines or recommendations for imaging surveillance in patients with chronic aortic dissection exist. In this document, we present state-of-the-art imaging and measurement techniques for patients with chronic aortic dissection and clarify the need for standardized measurements and reporting for lifelong surveillance. We also examine the emerging role of imaging and computer simulations to predict aortic false lumen degeneration, remodeling, and biomechanical failure from morphological and hemodynamic features. These insights may improve risk stratification, individualize contemporary treatment options, and potentially aid in the conception of novel treatment strategies in the future.

Introduction: Young women with stroke represent a unique patient population. There are a variety of sex-specific etiologies that warrant a different approach to evaluation and secondary prevention in young women. Secondary prevention begins during the acute hospitalization, thus, certain aspects of the history and evaluations may be indicated early after stroke. We describe our center’s experience with young women presenting with stroke over a 2.5-year period. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of women between 18-45 years, identified from our stroke registry (1/2015 to 5/2018). An assessment of key variables regarding common stroke risk factors (RFs), sex-specific RFs, (pregnancy history, estrogen use, migraine, autoimmune conditions) and workup (pregnancy test, hypercoagulable states, substance use) was conducted. Results: Of 198 women with acute ischemic stroke in our study period, medical RFs of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and atrial fibrillation were each ascertained for more than 98% of women. Lifestyle RFs of tobacco use and alcohol use were reported for 85.9% and 87.6%, respectively and urine drug screens were performed in 67%. Obstetric history (gravida/para) was obtained in only 19.7%, pregnancy tests were conducted in 69.2%, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were only reported in patients who were pregnant (2%) or post-partum (5.6%). Oral contraceptive (OCP) or hormone replacement (HRT) was reported in 6.6% and migraine with or without aura in 12.6%. Among 76 patients (38.4%) with cryptogenic stroke, obstetric history was reported in only 25%, OCP/HRT use in 5.3%, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome was assessed in 64%. Conclusion: The acute stroke hospitalization is a critical period for identification of stroke etiology and assessment of cardiovascular risk. There are known sex disparities in standard evaluation and management of stroke. In pre-menopausal women, gaps in care may be even greater if the history and assessment are not completed with sex-specific variables in mind. We suggest a standard approach to the history and assessment of young women. We plan to implement this approach in our patient population while tracking the impact on care.

Aortic dissection (AD) is recognized as a potentially fatal condition and its standard treatment has been surgical intervention for acute type A AD (TAAD) and complicated acute type B AD (TBAD), and medical management for uncomplicated acute type B AD. Due to rapidly evolving device technologies and minimally invasive surgical techniques that have lowered perioperative risk, there are paradigm shifts for the indications and treatment options for both TAAD and TBAD. In this article, we will discuss the current indications and treatment options for TAAD and TBAD by chronicity of the disease, which comprises four categories: acute TAAD, chronic (repaired) TAAD, acute TBAD, and chronic TBAD. We will also discuss the knowledge gaps in the current surgical management strategies and literature evidence. Open surgical intervention remains the reference standard for acute TAAD and chronic TAAD with complications until an endoprosthesis that will suit the complex anatomy of aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch is developed. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is now the first line for complicated acute and chronic TBADs. However, we need a larger trials to support the safety and durability of the procedures in patients with uncomplicated TBAD. Without additional data, patients are left to choose between existing treatment options, such as open surgical repair and stent-grafting.

The Aortic Dissection (AD) Collaborative was established to evaluate patient-centered research priorities in AD. Education was identified as a topic of interest by the stakeholders. The AD Collaborative Education Working Group evaluated existing educational resources and identified areas amenable to comparative effectiveness research. The most important positive qualities of available AD education resources are ease of use, diversity of representation, accessibility, and organization. The most important negative qualities of these resources are non-patient-centered language, promotional themes, and those with limited applicability and accessibility. Through a series of focus groups, the Working Group identified target audiences for AD education and educational material content and critically assessed and prioritized barriers to effective AD education. Both the target audiences and the barriers include clinicians and patients themselves. The Working Group defined initiatives to overcome barriers, to include a comprehensive, universally agreed on AD resource that is updated in real time and making education accessible to all relevant target audiences. The Working Group then prioritized needs for comparative effectiveness research in AD education and determined that clinician education is the top priority for future efforts. The Working Group determined that assessment and evaluation of specific and appropriate screening strategies is the second most important priority. Finally, the Working Group identified patient education as the third most important priority, specifically determining how patients and their support groups learn best, the ideal strategies for information dissemination, and methods of assessing understanding and satisfaction with the education process.

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening rare disease that occurs as a spontaneous tear in the wall of the aorta. Survivors of AD go on to have a chronic disease process that requires lifelong follow-up and management. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has strained health systems and impacted practice in the United States, the effects of these impacts on people living with or at risk for AD is not well understood. This mixed methods project examined the experiences of people in the AD community during the COVID-19 pandemic between March and October 2020. Results reveal that the AD community lacked clear guidance on the role aortic health status plays in COVID-19 risk and experienced significant disruptions in aortic healthcare. At the same time, the new expansion in access to medical care with telehealth conferred unforeseen benefits in the form of reduced barriers for access to specialized aortic health care.

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-changing event that is often accompanied by a loss of normal quality of life. Survivors of AD go on to have a chronic disease that requires lifestyle modification, medical management, and surgical repair of the aorta. Clinical care includes multiple disciplines, health care settings, and often different geographic locations. This qualitative assessment examined the experiences of people with and at risk for AD. The following four themes emerged: "unnecessary drama" at diagnosis, unmet needs for information and support, the burden of self-advocacy and care coordination, and living with unaddressed mental health impacts. Our findings inform recommendations to advance patient-centered care delivery for individuals with and at risk for AD, improving communication of timely and relevant information, and an approach to care that acknowledges the whole person in clinical decision making.

Venous thromboembolism is a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Catheter-directed thrombolytics is the primary treatment used to relieve critical obstructions, though its efficacy varies based on the thrombus composition. Non-responsive portions of the specimen often remain in situ, which prohibits mechanistic investigation of lytic resistance or the development of diagnostic indicators for treatment outcomes. In this study, thrombus samples extracted from venous thromboembolism patients were analyzed ex vivo to determine their histological structure, lytic susceptibility, and imaging characteristics. A wide range of thrombus morphologies were observed, with a dependence on age and etymology of the specimen. The lytic inhibitor PAI-1 was present in samples, and may contribute to the lytic resistance of venous thrombi. Finally, a correlation was observed between the lytic response of the sample and its magnetic microstructure assessed with a quantitative MRI sequence. These findings highlight the myriad of changes in venous thrombi that may promote lytic resistance, and imaging metrics that correlate with treatment outcomes.

We report a successful treatment of extent III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm complicated with stenoocclusive visceral and iliac arteries in a 27-year-old woman with Takayasu arteritis. Distal first technique and a bypass to the left femoral artery was performed to maintain the pelvic circulation for spinal cord protection as the patient had right external iliac artery occlusion and left common iliac artery occlusion. In addition, we performed endarterectomy of the visceral branch orifices during the extent III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The patient recovered without spinal cord injury and serum creatinine improved from 1.22 to 0.53 mg/dL.

The purpose of this study was to redefine indications of open descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the younger population.Between 1991 and 2017, 2012 patients undergoing descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair at our institution were divided into 2 groups for comparison: younger (50 years; 276 [14%]) and older (≥50 years; 1736 [86%]). Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.Younger patients had significantly more heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD; 53% vs 9%, P.001) and chronic dissections (64% vs 26%, P.001) and fewer comorbidities. The younger cohort underwent more extent II repairs (28% vs 15%, P.001). Operative mortality was significantly lower in younger patients (6% vs 17%, P.001). Significant disabling complications (composite of operative mortality, paraplegia/paraparesis, stroke, and dialysis) were seen in 17% of the younger patients and in 40% of older patients 40% (P.001). In multivariate analysis, extent of repair and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent predictors for significant disabling complications in the younger cohort. Additional aortic interventions were required in 12% in the younger group and in 4% in the older group (P.001), and nearly one-third were in the treated segment (ie, treatment failure) in both groups. Younger patients requiring additional reintervention had significantly higher incidence of HTAD (66% vs 9%, P.001). Survival rate was significantly higher in the younger patient group, with a 10-year survival rate of 74.6% ± 2.9% vs 40.7% ± 1.3% (log-rank P.001).Patients younger than 50 years with descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm have low surgical risks, and open repairs can be performed with excellent short-term and durable long-term results. Open surgical repairs should be considered initially in younger patients requiring descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs. HTAD warrants closer postoperative surveillance.

The presented glossary highlights the concepts and terminology related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although this list should not be considered all-inclusive, it will provide our vascular surgical community with a common vocabulary to help propel change toward improved diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, practices, and culture. As these concepts and terminology find their place in our everyday lives, the Society for Vascular Surgery and its leadership believe that expanding the diversity, equity, and inclusion of vascular surgical professionals is a mission-critical step. This mission will help us improve patient experience through successfully delivering culturally sensitive care for our diverse community. Now is the time.

A single-institutional study comparing early and long-term outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) was performed to determine the appropriate treatment option for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA).Between 2005 and 2014, 438 DTAA patients were treated (TEVAR, 88; OSR, 350). Acute dissection and traumatic injury were excluded. Perioperative and follow-up data were reviewed. Stratified analyses were conducted to identify patients most likely to benefit from TEVAR. A propensity score for TEVAR was developed by logistic regression, and predictive logistic and Cox regression models for death were adjusted for propensity score.TEVAR patients were frequently older women with emergent status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or coronary artery disease. TEVAR had similar immediate (0% vs 1%; p = 0.588) and delayed (5% vs 6%, p = 1.000) motor deficits and early mortality (6% vs 12%, p = 0.121) but lower dialysis (3% vs 18%, p0.001), respiratory failure (10% vs 34%, p0.001), and intensive care unit stay (2.0 vs 5.0 days, p0.001). Early mortality after TEVAR was lower in septuagenarians (3% vs 16%, p0.02), glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 mL/min (8% vs 32%, p0.049), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6% vs 21%, p0.02), defined as target population that had fourfold mortality reduction (p0.006) attributable to TEVAR. Propensity-adjusted predictors of early mortality predictors included OSR (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; p0.024), target population (OR, 7.7; p0.001), diabetes (OR, 3; p0.009), peripheral vascular disease (OR, 4.7; p0.001), and emergent status (OR, 4.6; p0.001). Propensity-adjusted determinants of survival were age, glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 mL/min, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emergent status.In older patients with significant comorbidities, TEVAR demonstrated superior results compared with OSR and may be preferable in this target population.

In the present study, we defined the outcomes and effects of pregnancy in a cohort of women of childbearing age with acute aortic dissection (AAD).We reviewed our database of AAD to identify all eligible female patients. Women aged 45 years were included. Data on pregnancy timing with respect to the occurrence of dissection, the demographic data, dissection extent, dissection treatment, dissection-related outcomes, overall maternal and fetal mortality, and genetic testing results were analyzed.A total of 62 women aged 45 years had presented to us with AAD from 1999 to 2017. Of the 62 women, 37 (60%) had had a history of pregnancy at AAD. Of these 37 patients, 10 (27%) had had a peripartum aortic dissection, defined as dissection during pregnancy or within 12 months postpartum. Of the 10 AADs, 5 were type A and 5 were type B. Three patients had presented with AAD during pregnancy (one in the second and two in the third trimester). Five patients (50%) had developed AAD in the immediate postpartum period (within 3 months) and two (20%) in the late postpartum period. For the immediate postpartum AADs (3 months), four of the five patients delivered via cesarean section. Of these 10 peripartum AADs, 3 (30%) had occurred in patients with known Marfan syndrome. In-hospital mortality for those with peripartum AAD was 10% (1 of 10). Fetal mortality was 20% (2 of 10).The frequency of aortic dissection in women of childbearing age at our institution was low. However, pregnancy might increase the risk of those young women genetically predisposed to dissection events. From these data, this risk appears to be greatest in the immediate postpartum period, even for those who undergo cesarean section. Close clinical and radiographic surveillance is required for all women with suspected aortopathy, especially in the third trimester and early postpartum period.

Background: Initial optimal management of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) with intramural hematoma (ATAIMH) remains controversial, especially between centers in the Eastern vs . Western worlds. We examined the literature and our experience to report outcomes after repair of ATAIMH. Methods: We reviewed the hospital, follow-up clinic records and online mortality databases for all patients who presented to our center for open repair of ATAAD between 1999 and 2014. Preoperative characteristics, early and long-term outcomes were compared between classic ATAAD vs . ATAIMH. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank statistics. Results: Of the 523 repaired ATAAD, 101 patients (19%) presented with IMH and 422 (81%) had classic dissection. ATAIMH were significantly older (64.8±12.9 vs . 56.8±14.6 years; P

Background Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a surgical emergency associated with high mortality and morbidity. We analyzed our 15-year experience in the management of ruptured ATAAD (rATAAD) and non-rATAAD to determine the predictors of early and late mortality. Methods We reviewed all cases with ATAAD between 1999 and 2014. Patients were grouped into rATAAD and non-rATAAD based on intraoperative confirmation. Clinical data on preoperative characteristics and in-hospital and long-term outcomes were analyzed to determine risk factors for early and long-term mortality. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log rank statistics. Results Of the 489 total ATAAD repairs, 75 patients (15.3%) had rATAAD. The rATAAD patients were older compared with non-rATAAD (64.4 ± 16.2 versus 57.3 ± 14.2 years, respectively; p = 0.0001) and commonly female (31 of 75 [41.3%] versus 107 of 414 [25.9%], respectively; p = 0.006). Early mortality was higher among rATAAD patients that among non-rATAAD patients (19 of 75 [25.3%] versus 48 of 414 [11.6%], respectively; p = 0.002); predictors included rupture, age, malperfusion syndrome, and coronary artery disease. Patients aged 70 years or more with malperfusion syndrome had a 7.7-fold risk of 24-hour mortality ( p = 0.0003) that was augmented by rATAAD ( p = 0.004). Long-term survival was lower among rATAAD than non-rATAAD (57.4% versus 78.2%, respectively, at 5 years; p p = 0.01), low glomerular filtration rate ( p = 0.001), and high-risk group ( p = 0.004). These risk factors were used to construct a predictive model for estimating the probability of early mortality in ATAAD. Conclusions Rupture is associated with significantly higher mortality in ATAAD. This predictive model provides surgical risk assessment for early mortality after rATAAD. For acceptable surgical candidates, immediate aortic repair can provide favorable outcomes.

Objective To review short-term outcomes and long-term survival and durability after open surgical repairs for chronic distal aortic dissections in patients whose anatomy was amenable to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Methods Between February 1991 and August 2017, we repaired chronic distal dissections in 697 patients. Of those patients, we enrolled 427 with anatomy amenable to TEVAR, which included 314 descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAAs) and 105 extent I thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). One hundred eighty-five patients (44%) had a history of type A dissection, and 33 (7.9%) had a previous DTAA/TAAA repair. Variables were assessed with logistic regression for 30-day mortality and Cox regression for long-term mortality. Time-to-event analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Results Thirty-day mortality was 8.4% (n = 36). In all, 22 patients (5.2%) developed motor deficit (paraplegia/paraparesis), and 17 (4.0%) experienced stroke. Multivariable analysis identified low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; 60 years as predictive of long-term mortality. Forty-five patients required subsequent aortic procedures, including 8 reinterventions to the treated segment. Freedom from any aortic procedures was 85% at 10 years, and aortic procedure-free survival was 45% at 10 years. Hereditary aortic disease was the sole predictor for any aortic interventions (hazard ratio, 3.2; P = .004). Conclusions Open surgical repair provided satisfactory low neurologic complication rates and durable repairs in chronic distal aortic dissection. Patients without low eGFR, redo, and COPD are the low-risk surgical candidates and may benefit from open surgical repair at centers with similar experience to ours. Patients with hereditary aortic disease warrant close surveillance.

Background Trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vascular injuries are present in approximately 1% to 2% of trauma patients, with the majority of injuries occurring to the extremities. Trauma patients with vascular injuries have been shown to have increased morbidity and mortality as well as the need for increased resources compared with those without vascular injuries. This study aimed to determine predictors of poor outcomes in infrainguinal bypasses performed for traumatic arterial injury. Methods All patients admitted between September 1999 and July 2015 who underwent infrainguinal arterial bypass for trauma at a single level I trauma center were included for analysis. The primary outcome was a composite of thrombosis leading to graft abandonment, revision, amputation, or death. Data were analyzed by univariate descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses. Long-term data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results During the study period, 108 patients presented with and underwent infrainguinal arterial bypass for traumatic arterial injury. The cohort had a mean age of 35.8 years (16/108 female [15%]). The average Injury Severity Score was 15.2; admission glomerular filtration rate, 79.3 mL/min/1.73 m2; Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), 6; and injury to operating room time, 5.1 hours. Of 108 patients, 37 (34%) had penetrating injury, 71 (66%) had blunt injury, 10 (9.3%) had diabetes mellitus, and 76 (70.4%) had a below-knee target for bypass. Univariate risk factors for poor outcome included age >40 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.27 [1.40-7.65]; P Conclusions Poor outcomes in infrainguinal bypass for trauma are significantly predicted by the MESS, with poor outcomes occurring >50% of the time when MESS is ≥9 and >75% of the time when MESS is ≥11. Whereas amputation vs revascularization is a decision that also depends on nerve and soft tissue damage and other comorbidities, the MESS helps frame the data for the clinician and can aid in decision-making. Patients and family should understand that poor outcomes are more likely when MESS is ≥9. For patients with MESS ≥11, primary amputation can be considered.

Sarcopenia may be an indicator of frailty. We used the total psoas area index (TPAI) to identify sarcopenia and evaluated the effect of preoperative TPAI on outcomes after descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) repair.Patients with DTAA between 2007 and 2015 who were undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) with available preoperative imaging were analyzed. Sarcopenia was defined as TPAI6.5cmA total of 282 of 386 DTAA repairs had imaging available for TPAI measurements; 71 of 282 (25%) patients underwent TEVAR, and 211 of 282 (75%) underwent OSR. Preoperative sarcopenia was similar in the two groups (OSR, 57% vs TEVAR, 48%, p = 0.188). Risk factors for sarcopenia were age70 years, female sex, and large body surface area, whereas heritable thoracic aortic disease was a protective factor. OSR-treated patients with sarcopenia were older compared with patients without sarcopenia (p0.001), whereas TEVAR-treated patients had a similar age category distribution (p = 0.187). Patients with sarcopenia had significantly increased adverse events compared with patients who did not have sarcopenia in both groups (sarcopenia-TEVAR, 41% vs nonsarcopenia-TEVAR, 16%, p = 0.020; sarcopenia-OSR, 49% vs nonsarcopenia-OSR, 32%, p = 0.012). Determinants of long-term mortality were increasing age (parameter estimate [PE], 0.06, p 0.001), TPAI as a decreasing linear function (PE, 0.36, p = 0.003), OSR (PE, 2.92, p = 0.003), and interaction between OSR and TPAI (PE, -0.34, p = 0.010). The interaction term showed that OSR increases long-term mortality risk in more sarcopenic patients.Preoperative sarcopenia significantly correlated with postoperative adverse events and long-term mortality after DTAA repair. If anatomically feasible, TEVAR should be considered in sarcopenic patients.

Background— Aortic dissection remains the most common aortic catastrophe. In the endovascular era, the management of acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) is undergoing dramatic changes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with ATBAD who were treated at our center over a 13-year period. Methods and Results— We reviewed patients with ATBAD between 2001 and 2014, analyzing variables based on status (complicated [c] versus uncomplicated [u]) and treatment modalities. We defined cATBAD as rupture, expansion of diameter on imaging during the admission, persistent pain, or clinical malperfusion leading to a deficit in cerebral, spinal, visceral, renal, or peripheral vascular territories at presentation or during initial hospitalization. Postoperative outcomes were defined as deficits not present before the intervention. Outcomes were compared between the groups by use of Kaplan-Meier and descriptive statistics. We treated 442 patients with ATBAD. Of those 442, 60.6% had uATBAD and were treated medically, and 39.4% had cATBAD, of whom 39.0% were treated medically to 30.0% with open repair, 21.3% with thoracic endovascular aortic repair, and 9.7% with other open peripheral procedures. Intervention-free survival at 1 and 5 years was 84.8% and 62.7% for uATBAD, 61.8% and 44.0% for cATBAD-medical, 69.2% and 47.2% for cATBAD-open, and 68.0% and 42.5% for cATBAD–thoracic endovascular aortic repair, respectively ( P =0.001). Overall survival was significantly related primarily to complicated presentation. Conclusions— In our experience, early and late outcomes of ATBAD were dependent on the presence of complications, with cATBAD faring worse. Although uATBAD was associated with favorable early survival, late complications still occurred, mandating radiographic surveillance and open or endovascular interventions. Prospective trials are required to better determine the optimal therapy for uATBAD.

Controversy remains regarding management of acute type A dissection with intramural hematoma (IMH). Our purpose was to analyze our experience and report outcomes after repair of acute type A aortic dissection with IMH.We analyzed all patients from a single center who underwent open repair for acute type A aortic dissection with IMH.Between 2000 and 2013, we performed 418 repairs for acute type A aortic dissection. These were divided into 2 groups of patients: 64 patients (15%) with type A IMH and 354 patients (85%) with typical dissection. Those with IMH were older (62.4 ± 13.9 years vs 56.7 ± 14.7 years; P .0046) and presented with reduced renal function (ie, glomerular filtration rate) (P .0341), less frequently with distal malperfusion, and less frequently with rupture (P .0116). With IMH, the time from presentation to repair was, by strategy, longer (median, 67 vs 6 hours; P .0001), but no mortality occurred within 3 days of presentation. Mortality with IMH did not differ from typical dissection: 7 out of 64 patients (10.9%) versus 52 out of 354 patients (14.7%; P = .4276). A lower incidence of postoperative dialysis in the IMH group approached significance: 6 out of 63 patients (9.5%) versus 64 out of 347 patients (18.4%; P = .0820). When adjusted for age and renal function, late survival was improved with IMH (P .0343).Repair of acute type A aortic dissection with IMH is associated with significant early morbidity and mortality, differing minimally from typical aortic dissection. Although expectant repair within 3 days may be applied, the purposeful delay imparted little advantage. Improved late outcomes may be seen with IMH, but continued long-term surveillance is required for verification.

Secondary aortoenteric fistula is a rare and dreaded complication of aortic graft replacement. This case demonstrates successful management of a patient with thoracic aortic graft infection resulting in aortoesophageal fistula and the feasibility of combined endovascular approach as a temporary measure to stabilize the patient in extremis, followed by a definitive surgical repair. The patient had a remote history of descending aortic repair and an emergent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for upper gastrointestinal bleeding 2 months ago. We performed a three-staged operation involving extraanatomic bypass, total infected aortic graft excision, and primary closure of the esophageal perforation with muscle flap coverage, from which he eventually recovered.

Objective Aortic dissection is a dynamic process that can progress both proximal and distal to the initial entry tear. We sought to determine associations for development of proximal progression or new type A aortic dissection (NTAD) after acute type B dissection (ATBD) and its effect on survival of the patient. Methods We reviewed all cases of acute aortic dissection that we managed from 1999 to 2014. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to identify correlates of NTAD. Multivariable regression and proportional hazards regression analysis was done to determine the effect of dissection progression on long-term survival. Results Among 477 cases of ATBD managed, 19 (4.0%) patients developed NTAD during a median follow-up of 4.1 (interquartile range, 1.4-7.7) years. Median time from diagnosis of ATBD to NTAD was 124 (interquartile range, 23-1201) days. Baseline predictors for development of NTAD at initial ATBD admission included bicuspid aortic valve ( P = .006) and age P = .012). Although not statistically significant, point estimates indicate that thoracic endovascular aortic repair was twice as frequent in NTAD cases as in non-NTAD cases. Overall 5-year survival was 70.2%. Patients who had repair of NTAD appear to have longer survival, although this effect is on the margin of statistical significance ( P = .051). After risk factor and correlates of NTAD adjustment, this effect was no longer apparent ( P = .089). Conclusions The natural history of ATBD is such that there is a persistent risk of NTAD, with the highest risk in the first 6 months. Factors associated with NTAD include bicuspid aortic valve and young age. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair did not have a large effect on risk. Timely diagnosis and repair of NTAD are associated with good survival rates. Lifelong surveillance is warranted in all cases of descending thoracic aortic dissection regardless of initial treatment modality.

We describe an unusual case of aortic perforation by a vertebral osteophyte, complicated by a mycotic pseudoaneurysm, in a patient who underwent successful repair. To our knowledge, no similar case has been reported previously.

Background The need for intercostal artery (ICA) reattachment in surgery for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) remains controversial. We reviewed our experience over a 14-year period to assess the effects of ICA management on neurologic outcome after DTAA/TAAA repair. Methods Intraoperative data were reviewed to ascertain the status of T3-12 ICAs and L1-4 ICAs. Arteries were classified as reattached, ligated, occluded, or not exposed. Temporality of reattachment or ligation in response to an intraoperative ischemic event (ie, loss of motor evoked potentials [MEPs]) was noted. Adjustment for other predictors of immediate or delayed paraplegia (DP) was performed by multiple logistic regression. The effects of specific artery level and type of reattachment technique were assessed using stratified contingency tables. Results A total of 1096 DTAA/TAAAs were performed between 2001 and 2014. The mean patient age was 64 ± 15 years, and 37% were female. Spinal cord ischemia was identified in 10% of patients, including 35 (3%) immediate cases and 77 (7%) DP cases. Overall DP resolution was 47% at discharge. ICA ligation and intraoperative MEP changes were strong predictors of postoperative paraplegia. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that T8-12 ICA ligation significantly increased the risk for paraplegia (odds ratio, 1.3/artery; P 65 years, glomerular filtration rate, extent of II/III aneurysm, increased operative time, and intraoperative MEP loss. Conclusions Loss of intraoperative MEPs is serious, and increases the risk of paraplegia in any ICA management strategy. Even with intact MEP, ligation of T8-12 ICAs is associated with increased risk. These findings support reattachment of T8-12 ICAs whenever feasible.