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Background: Over the past 25 years, diagnosis and therapy for acute aortic dissection (AAD) have evolved. We aimed to study the effects of these iterative changes in care., Methods: Patients with nontraumatic AAD enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (61 centers; 15 countries) were divided into time-based tertiles (groups) from 1996 to 2022. The impact of changes in diagnostics, therapeutic care, and in-hospital and 3-year mortality was assessed. Cochran-Armitage trend and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests were conducted to test for any temporal trend., Results: Each group consisted of 3785 patients (mean age, ≈62 years old; ≈65.5% males); nearly two-thirds had type A AAD. Over time, the rates of hypertension increased from 77.8% to 80.4% ( P =0.002), while smoking (34.1% to 30.6%, P =0.033) and atherosclerosis decreased (25.6%-16.6%; P <0.001). Across groups, the percentage of surgical repair of type A AAD increased from 89.1% to 92.5% ( P <0.001) and was associated with decreased hospital mortality (from 24.1% in group 1 to 16.7% in group 3; P <0.001). There was no difference in 3-year survival ( P =0.296). For type B AAD, stent graft therapy (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) was used more frequently (22.3%-35.9%; P <0.001), with a corresponding decrease in open surgery. Endovascular in-hospital mortality decreased from 9.9% to 6.2% ( P =0.003). As seen with the type A AAD cohort, overall 3-year mortality for patients with type B AAD was consistent over time ( P =0.084)., Conclusions: Over 25 years, substantial improvements in-hospital survival were associated with a more aggressive surgical approach for patients with type A AAD. Open surgery has been partially supplanted by thoracic endovascular aortic repair for complicated type B AAD, and in-hospital mortality has decreased over the time period studied. Postdischarge survival for up to 3 years was similar over time., Competing Interests: Dr Eagle received modest grant support from W.L. Gore, Terumo, and Medtronic. Dr Trimarchi is a consultant and speaker for W.L. Gore and Medtronic. Dr Patel is a consultant for W.L. Gore, Medtronic, and Terumo. Dr Gleason received grant support from Medtronic and is a medical advisory board member for Abbott. The other authors report no conflicts.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is an age-related and life-threatening vascular disease. Telomere shortening is a predictor of age-related diseases, and its progression is associated with premature vascular disease. The aim of the present work was to investigate the impacts of chronic hypoxia and telomeric DNA damage on cellular homeostasis and vascular degeneration of TAA. We analyzed healthy and aortic aneurysm specimens (215 samples) for telomere length (TL), chronic DNA damage, and resulting changes in cellular homeostasis, focusing on senescence and apoptosis. Compared with healthy thoracic aorta (HTA), patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) showed telomere shortening with increasing TAA size, in contrast to genetically predisposed bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). In addition, TL was associated with chronic hypoxia and telomeric DNA damage and with the induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). TAA-TAV specimens showed a significant difference in SASP-marker expression of IL-6, NF-κB, mTOR, and cell-cycle regulators (γH2AX, Rb, p53, p21), compared to HTA and TAA-BAV. Furthermore, we observed an increase in CD163 + macrophages and a correlation between hypoxic DNA damage and the number of aortic telocytes. We conclude that chronic hypoxia is associated with telomeric DNA damage and the induction of SASP in a diseased aortic wall, promising a new therapeutic target.

Importance: Early data revealed a mortality rate of 1% to 2% per hour for type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) during the initial 48 hours. Despite advances in diagnostic testing and treatment, this mortality rate continues to be cited because of a lack of contemporary data characterizing early mortality and the effect of timely surgery., Objective: To examine early mortality rates for patients with TAAAD in the contemporary era., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study examined data for patients with TAAAD in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection between 1996 and 2018. Patients were grouped according to the mode of their intended treatment, surgical or medical., Exposure: Surgical treatment., Main Outcomes and Measures: Mortality was assessed in the initial 48 hours after hospital arrival using Kaplan-Meier curves. In-hospital complications were also evaluated., Results: A total of 5611 patients with TAAAD were identified based on intended treatment: 5131 (91.4%) in the surgical group (3442 [67.1%] male; mean [SD] age, 60.4 [14.1] years) and 480 (8.6%) in the medical group (480 [52.5%] male; mean [SD] age, 70.9 [14.7] years). Reasons for medical management included advanced age (n = 141), comorbidities (n = 281), and patient preference (n = 81). Over the first 48 hours, the mortality for all patients in the study was 5.8%. Among patients who were medically managed, mortality was 0.5% per hour (23.7% at 48 hours). For those whose intended treatment was surgical, 48-hour mortality was 4.4%. In the surgical group, 51 patients (1%) died before the operation., Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, the overall mortality rate for TAAAD was 5.8% at 48 hours. For patients in the medical group, TAAAD had a mortality rate of 0.5% per hour (23.7% at 48 hours). However, among those in the surgical group, 48-hour mortality decreased to 4.4%.

Background: Improved understanding of the mechanisms that sustain persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSpAF) is essential for providing better ablation solutions. The findings of traditional catheter-based electrophysiological studies can be impacted by the sedation required for these procedures. This is not required in non-invasive body-surface mapping (ECGI). ECGI allows for multiple mappings in the same patient at different times. This would expose potential electrophysiological changes over time, such as the location and stability of extra-pulmonary vein drivers and activation patterns in sustained AF., Materials and Methods: In this electrophysiological study, 10 open-heart surgery candidates with LSpAF, without previous ablation procedures (6 male, median age 73 years), were mapped on two occasions with a median interval of 11 days (IQR: 8-19) between mappings. Bi-atrial epicardial activation sequences were acquired using ECGI (CardioInsight™, Minneapolis, MN, United States)., Results: Bi-atrial electrophysiological abnormalities were documented in all 20 mappings. Interestingly, the anatomic location of focal and rotor activities changed between the mappings in all patients [100% showed changes, 95%CI (69.2-100%), p < 0.001]. Neither AF driver type nor their number varied significantly between the mappings in any patient (median total number of focal activities 8 (IQR: 1-16) versus 6 (IQR: 2-12), p = 0.68; median total number of rotor activities 48 (IQR: 44-67) versus 55 (IQR: 44-61), p = 0.30). However, individual zones showed a high number of quantitative changes (increase/decrease) of driver activity. Most changes of focal activity were found in the left atrial appendage, the region of the left lower pulmonary vein and the right atrial appendage. Most changes in rotor activity were found also at the left lower pulmonary vein region, the upper half of the right atrium and the right atrial appendage., Conclusion: This clinical study documented that driver location and activation patterns in patients with LSpAF changes constantly. Furthermore, bi-atrial pathophysiology was demonstrated, which underscores the importance of treating both atria in LSpAF and the significant role that arrhythmogenic drivers outside the pulmonary veins seem to have in maintaining this complex arrhythmia., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Osorio-Jaramillo, Cox, Klenk, Kaider, Angleitner, Werner, Strassl, Mach, Laufer, Ehrlich and Ad.)

Our aim was to analyze outcomes of patients aged 70 years or above presenting with type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA). A retrospective analysis of the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) was conducted. Patients aged 70 years or above (n = 1449) were stratified according to presence or absence of CVA before surgery (CVA: n = 110, 7.6%). In-hospital outcomes and mortality up to 5 years were analyzed. Additionally, in-hospital outcomes of patients who received medical management were described. No patient presenting with CVA over the age of 87 years underwent surgery. The rates of in-hospital mortality and post-operative CVA were significantly higher in patients presenting with CVA (in-hospital mortality: 32.7% vs 21.7%, P = 0.008; post-operative CVA: 23.4% vs 8.3%, P < 0.001). Presence of CVA was independently associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.35 - 6.60, P = 0.007). In survivors of the hospital stay, presenting CVA had no independent influence on mortality up to 5 years (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 0.99 - 2.31, P = 0.54). In medically managed patients, exceedingly high rates of in-hospital mortality (71.4%) and CVA (90.9%) were noted. Patients presenting with TAAAD and CVA at ≥ 70 years of age are at significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality, although long-term mortality is not affected in hospital survivors. Medical management is associated with poor outcomes. We believe that surgical management should be offered after critical assessment of comorbidities., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A hallmark of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) is the degenerative remodeling of aortic wall, which leads to progressive aortic dilatation and resulting in an increased risk for aortic dissection or rupture. Telocytes (TCs), a distinct type of interstitial cells described in many tissues and organs, were recently observed in the aortic wall, and studies showed the potential regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) homeostasis by TC-released shed vesicles. The purpose of the present work was to study the functions of TCs in medial degeneration of TAA. During aneurysmal formation an increase of aortic TCs was identified in human surgical specimens of TAA-patients, compared to healthy thoracic aortic (HTA)-tissue. We found the presence of epithelial progenitor cells in the adventitial layer, which showed increased infiltration in TAA samples. For functional analysis, HTA- and TAA-telocytes were isolated, characterized, and compared by their protein levels, mRNA- and miRNA-expression profiles. We detected TC and TC-released exosomes near SMCs. TAA-TC-exosomes showed a significant increase of the SMC-related dedifferentiation markers KLF-4-, VEGF-A-, and PDGF-A-protein levels, as well as miRNA-expression levels of miR-146a, miR-221 and miR-222. SMCs treated with TAA-TC-exosomes developed a dedifferentiation-phenotype. In conclusion, the study shows for the first time that TCs are involved in development of TAA and could play a crucial role in SMC phenotype switching by release of extracellular vesicles.

Background: Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) represents a surgical emergency requiring intervention regardless of time of day. Whether such a "evening effect" exists regarding outcomes for TAAAD has not been previously studied using a large registry data., Methods: Patients with TAAAD were identified from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissections (1996-2019). Outcomes were compared between patients undergoing operative repair during the daytime (D), defined as 8 am-5 pm, versus the evening (N), defined as 5 pm-8 am., Results: Four thousand one-hundrd and ninety-seven surgically treated patients with TAAAD were identified, with 1824 patients undergoing daytime surgery (43.5%) and 2373 patients undergoing evening surgery (56.5%). Daytime patients were more likely to have undergone prior cardiac surgery (13.2% vs. 9.5%; p < .001) and have had a prior aortic dissection (4.8% vs. 3.4%; p = .04). Evening patients were more likely to have been transferred from a referring hospital (70.8% vs. 75.0%; p = .003). Daytime patients were more likely to undergo aortic valve sparing root procedures (23.3% vs. 19.2%; p = .035); however, total arch replacement was performed with equal frequency (19.4% vs. 18.8%; p = .751). In-hospital mortality (D: 17.3% vs. N. 16.2%; p = .325) was similar between both groups. Subgroup analysis examining the effect of weekend presentation revealed no significant mortality difference., Conclusions: A majority of TAAAD patients underwent surgical repair at night. There were higher rates of postoperative tamponade in evening patients; however, mortality was similar. The expertise of cardiac-dedicated operative and critical care teams regardless of time of day as well as training paradigms may explain similar mortality outcomes in this high risk population., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Competing Interests: The authors report no relationships that could be construed as a conflict of interest.

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common after cardiac surgery and is associated with an inferior outcome. The high cure rate compared with non-POAF raises questions regarding the electrophysiologic mechanism. Despite being common, until now the electrophysiologic mechanism of POAF was never assessed., Methods: Ten patients (5 men; mean age, 75 ± 5 years) with POAF underwent noninvasive 3-dimensional beat-by-beat mapping and were compared with 10 patients (6 men; mean age, 70 ± 10 years) with preoperative persistent AF (PEAF) undergoing open heart procedures. Three-dimensional mappings were compared by the nature and location of focal and rotor activity using the validated Bordeaux classification., Results: Rotor activity was present in both atria of all patients; 299 rotors (mean, 30 ± 12) were mapped in the POAF group and 289 (mean, 29 ± 22) in the PEAF group. The most common region for macro reentry in both groups was the pulmonary vein area. Left atrium and left atrial appendage activity accounted for 59% (177/299 POAF group) and 62% (180/289 PEAF group) of all drivers. Rotor activity in the right atrium was documented in all patients. Focal activity was captured in only 2 patients in the POAF group and in 6 patients in the PEAF group., Conclusions: The mechanism of POAF is comparable with that of PEAF. Rotor activity was similar in both groups, but focal activity was numerically less common in the POAF group, which may be related to differences in atrial tissue remodeling. In POAF, transient substrate changes seem to facilitate the development of AF. A better understanding of atrial tissue changes by mapping and tissue analysis should lead to better preventive approaches., (Copyright © 2020 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study retrospectively assessed in-hospital mortality and long-term results of emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for patients with life-threatening acute complicated type B aortic dissection (acTBD)., Methods: Between March 2001 and December 2016, there were 55 patients (40 male; median age, 52 ± 13 years) with an acTBD who were treated with TEVAR for malperfusion (58%), aortic rupture (18%), or persistent untreatable pain with true lumen reduction or rapid aortic diameter enlargement (24%) as a sign of disease progression. The patients were categorized according to clinical appearance into two groups: group A, malperfusion, pending rupture, or rupture; and group B, persistent ongoing pain, rapid enlargement of aortic diameter, or significant changes in the true to false lumen ratio. Four patients (7%) had undergone previous aortic surgery., Results: Technical success (coverage of the primary intimal tear) was achieved in 50 patients (91%). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 9% (n = 5), and there was a statistically significant difference in early mortality between group A and group B (7% vs 2%; P < .02). Causes of in-hospital death were all aorta related, including a rupture during the procedure and on the first postinterventional day in two patients and redissection (ascending aorta, n = 2; descending aorta, n = 1) with a consequent aortic rupture after TEVAR in the remaining three. Permanent neurologic dysfunction occurred in five patients (stroke, n = 2; paraplegia, n = 3). Overall, 19 patients (34%) developed early endoleaks (type IA, n = 5; type IB, n = 11; type II, n = 2; type IB plus type II, n = 1). Therefore, 5 patients needed early (within 30 days) endovascular intervention because of a type IA (n = 2), type IB (n = 3), or type II endoleak (n = 1) and the rapid progression of aortic diameter, persistent signs of ischemia (n = 2), or rupture (n = 1), whereas the remaining 14 patients were treated conservatively and followed up by computed tomography angiography. Seven patients with early endoleaks needed an endovascular intervention (n = 3) or conventional surgery (n = 4) because of aortic progression in the follow-up period (mean interval after procedure, 92 ± 56 months). The actual survival rates were 87%, 85%, and 75% at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years, respectively, and freedom from aorta-related death was 87%, 87%, and 77% at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years, respectively. Freedom from reintervention for any cause using a Kaplan-Meier analysis was 70%, 68%, 68%, and 63% at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years, respectively., Conclusions: TEVAR of acTBD has been proven to be an excellent treatment modality in this cohort of high-risk patients, with promising midterm and long-term results., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The study objective was to study the electrophysiologic mechanism of atrial fibrillation using a noninvasive, beat-by-beat, 3-dimensional mapping technique in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing concomitant surgical ablation., Methods: In this pilot trial, 10 patients (6 male; mean age, 70 ± 10 years) with persistent atrial fibrillation were mapped preoperatively with a noninvasive surface system (ECVUE, CardioInsight, Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn). Eight patients were candidates for mitral valve surgery, 1 patient was a candidate for aortic valve and ascending aortic replacement, and 1 patient was a candidate for coronary bypass surgery. In 5 patients, tricuspid valve repair was also performed. The Cox-Maze III/IV was performed using combined cryoablation and bipolar radiofrequency, and the left appendage was removed in all cases. The median preprocedural duration of atrial fibrillation was 30 months, and the diameter of the left atrium was 63 mm. Atrial regions were divided according to the Bordeaux classification., Results: Preoperative mapping was successful in all patients with clear identification of the potential mechanism of atrial fibrillation. Biatrial pathology was recognized in all subjects. Rotor and macro re-entry activity were present in all patients, whereas focal activity was demonstrated in only 6 patients. Rotor activity in the right atrium was documented in all patients., Conclusions: This is the first report on the preoperative use of the ECUVE in surgical candidates for concomitant surgical procedures. The fact that a biatrial mechanism for atrial fibrillation was detected in all patients emphasizes the importance of a Cox-Maze III/IV procedure to treat patients with valvular heart disease and nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation. Preoperative mapping has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of the pathophysiology in atrial fibrillation and better guide the surgical ablation procedure of choice in a single patient., (Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and it remains a challenge to diagnose and treat. The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection was established in 1996 with the mission to raise awareness of this condition and provide insights to guide diagnosis and treatment. Since then, >7300 cases have been included from >51 sites in 12 countries. Although presenting symptoms and physical findings have not changed significantly over this period, the use of computed tomography in the diagnosis has increased, and more patients are managed with interventional procedures: surgery in type A AAD and endovascular therapy in type B AAD; with these changes in care, there has been a significant decrease in overall in-hospital mortality in type A AAD but not in type B AAD. Herein, we summarized the key lessons learned from this international registry of patients with AAD over the past 20 years., (© 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Background: Presenting systolic blood pressure (SBP) is a powerful predictor of mortality in many cardiovascular settings, including acute coronary syndromes, cardiogenic shock, and acute heart failure., Objectives: This study evaluated the association of presenting SBP with in-hospital outcomes, specifically all-cause mortality, in acute aortic dissection (AAD)., Methods: The study included 6,238 consecutive patients (4,167 with type A and 2,071 with type B AAD) enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection. Patients were stratified in 4 groups according to presenting SBP: SBP >150, SBP 101 to 150, SBP 81 to 100, or SBP ≤80 mm Hg., Results: The relationship between presenting SBP and in-hospital mortality displayed a J-curve association, with significantly higher mortality rates in patients with very high SBP (26.3% for SBP >180 mm Hg in type A AAD, 13.3% for SBP >200 mm Hg in type B AAD; p = 0.005 and p = 0.018, respectively) as well as in those with SBP ≤100 mm Hg (29.9% in type A, 22.4% in type B; p = 0.033 and p = 0.015, respectively). This relationship was mainly from increased rates of in-hospital complications (acute renal failure, coma, and mesenteric ischemia/infarction in patients with SBP >150 mm Hg; stroke, coma, cardiac tamponade, myocardial ischemia/infarction, and acute renal failure in patients with SBP ≤80 mm Hg). Notably, presenting SBP ≤80 mm Hg was independently associated with in-hospital mortality in both type A (p = 0.001) and type B AAD (p = 0.003)., Conclusions: Presenting SBP showed a clear J-curve relationship with in-hospital mortality in patients with AAD. Although this association was related to increased rates of comorbid conditions at the edges of the curve, SBP ≤80 mm Hg was an independent correlate of in-hospital mortality., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To provide data on the management and outcomes of patients with acute retrograde aortic dissection (AD) originating from a tear in the descending aorta with extension into the aortic arch or ascending aorta. All patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection from 1996-2015 were reviewed. Retrograde AD was defined by primary tear in the descending aorta with proximal extension into the arch or ascending aorta. Primary end points were in-hospital management strategy and mortality. We identified 101 patients with retrograde AD (67 men; 63.2 ± 14.0 years). During index hospitalization, medical (MED), open surgical (SURG), and endovascular (ENDO) therapies were undertaken in 44, 33, and 22 patients, respectively. The SURG group presented with larger ascending aorta (P = 0.04) and more frequent ascending aortic involvement (81.8% [27/33] vs 22.7% [15/66], P < 0.001) compared with the MED and ENDO groups. Early mortality rate was 9.1% (4/44), 18.2% (6/33), and 13.6% (3/22), for the MED, SURG, and ENDO groups (P = 0.51), respectively. A favorable early mortality rate was observed in patients with retrograde extension limited to the arch (8.6% [5/58]) vs into the ascending aorta (18.6% [8/43], P = 0.14). Early mortality rate of patients with retrograde AD with primary tear in the descending aorta (12.9% [13/101]) was significantly lower than those with classic type A AD presenting with primary tear in the ascending aorta (20.0% [195/977], P = 0.001). A subset of patients with acute retrograde AD originating from primary tear in the descending aorta might be managed less invasively with acceptable early results, particularly among those with proximal extension limited to the arch., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Postoperative myocardial infarction remains a serious complication in cardiac surgery. The incidence and impact of this condition in acute type A aortic dissection are poorly understood., Methods: A total of 1445 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent surgery were enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection from 1996 to 2013. Individuals with preoperative myocardial infarction at hospital presentation and a history of myocardial infarction were excluded. Patients with postoperative myocardial infarction (n = 38, 2.6%) were compared with those without postoperative myocardial infarction (n = 1407, 97.4%)., Results: The postoperative myocardial infarction group was more often of white race (100% vs 90%, P = .043) with bicuspid aortic valve (15.6% vs 4.5%, P = .015). Imaging demonstrated more aortic root involvement (75.8% vs 49.5%, P = .003), pericardial effusion (65.5% vs 44.1%, P = .022), and coronary artery compromise (27.3% vs 10.2%, P = .022). Patients with postoperative myocardial infarction were more frequently hypotensive or in shock during surgery (42.9% vs 25.5%, P = .021). Patients with postoperative myocardial infarction were more likely to have undergone root replacement (54.5% vs 33.3%, P = .011), coronary artery bypass grafting (28.6% vs 7.4%, P < .001), or aortic valve replacement (40.0% vs 23.8%, P = .027), and less likely to have had complete arch replacement (2.8% vs 14.0%, P = .050). Median circulatory arrest time was higher in postoperative myocardial infarction (60 vs 38 minutes, P = .024). In-hospital mortality (57.9% vs 16.3%, P < .001) and Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year mortality (P = .007) were distinctly higher in postoperative myocardial infarction., Conclusions: Postoperative myocardial infarction is a devastating complication of type A aortic dissection repair. It is associated with bicuspid aortic valve, root involvement, pericardial effusion, and extent of surgical repair. Patients with postoperative myocardial infarction have higher serious postoperative complications, in-hospital mortality, and 5-year mortality rates than those without postoperative myocardial infarction., (Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Stroke is a highly dreaded complication of type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD). However, little data exist on its incidence and association with prognosis., Methods and Results: We evaluated 2202 patients with TAAAD (mean age 62 ± 14 years, 1487 [67.5%] men) from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection to determine the incidence and prognostic impact of stroke in TAAAD. Stroke was present at arrival in 132 (6.0%) patients with TAAAD. These patients were older (65 ± 12 versus 62 ± 15 years; P=0.002) and more likely to have hypertension (86% versus 71%; P=0.001) or atherosclerosis (29% versus 22%; P=0.04) than patients without stroke. Chest pain at arrival was less common in patients with stroke (70% versus 82%; P<0.001), and patients with stroke presented more often with syncope (44% versus 15%; P<0.001), shock (14% versus 7%; P=0.005), or pulse deficit (51% versus 29%; P ≤ 0.001). Arch vessel involvement was more frequent among patients with stroke (68% versus 37%; P<0.001). They had less surgical management (74% versus 85%; P<0.001). Hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with stroke (median 17.9 versus 13.3 days; P<0.001). In-hospital complications, such as hypotension, coma, and malperfusion syndromes, and in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-2.65) were higher among patients with stroke. Among hospital survivors, follow-up mortality was similar between groups (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-2.89)., Conclusions: Stroke occurred in >1 of 20 patients with TAAAD and was associated with increased in-hospital morbidity but not long-term mortality. Whether aggressive early invasive interventions will reduce negative outcomes remains to be evaluated in future studies.

Background: Prior cardiac surgery (PCS) can complicate the presentation and management of patients with type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD). This report from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection examines this hypothesis., Methods and Results: A total of 352 of 2196 patients with TAAAD (16%) enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection had cardiac surgery before dissection, including coronary artery bypass grafting (34%), aortic or mitral valve surgery (36%), aortic surgery (42%), and other cardiac surgery (16%). Those with PCS were older, had a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, and presented later from symptom onset to hospital presentation and diagnosis (all P<0.05). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher for PCS patients (34% versus 23%; P<0.001). Five-year mortality was independently predicted by PCS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.95), age >70 years (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.40-5.05), medical management (HR, 5.10; 95% CI, 2.43-10.71), distal communication (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.35-5.14), and coma (HR, 9.50; 95% CI, 2.05-44.05). Among patients with PCS, in-hospital (43% medical versus 30% surgical; P=0.033) and intermediate-term mortality was higher in patients with medical versus surgical management. Propensity-matched analysis revealed significant increase in mortality with medical management, but not with PCS., Conclusions: PCS delays presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of TAAAD and is an important adverse risk factor for early and intermediate-term mortality. This effect may be because of increased medical management in this patient population.

Background: The classification of aortic dissection into acute (<14 days from symptom onset) versus chronic (≥14 days) is based on survival estimates of patients treated decades before modern diagnostic and treatment modalities were available. A new classification of aortic dissection in the current era may provide clinicians with a more precise method of characterizing the interaction of time, dissection location, and treatment type with survival., Methods: We developed separate Kaplan-Meier survival curves for Type A and Type B aortic dissection using data from the International Registry of Aortic Dissection (IRAD). Daily survival was stratified based on type of therapy provided: medical therapy alone (medical), nonsurgical intervention plus medical therapy (endovascular), and open surgery plus medical therapy (surgical). The log-rank statistic was used to compare the survival curves of each management type within Type A and Type B aortic dissection., Results: There were 1815 patients included, 67.3% male with mean age 62.0 ± 14.2 years. When survival curves were constructed, 4 distinct time periods were noted: hyperacute (symptom onset to 24 hours), acute (2-7 days), subacute (8-30 days), and chronic (>30 days). Overall survival was progressively lower through the 4 time periods., Conclusions: This IRAD classification system can provide clinicians with a more robust method of characterizing survival after aortic dissection over time than previous methods. This system will be useful for treating patients, counseling patients and families, and studying new diagnostic and treatment methods., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this analysis was to assess short and mid-term results of patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for 4 different indications., Methods: From 1996 to 2010, 300 patients (80 female, 220 male, median age 67 years [20 to 88]) underwent TEVAR at our department. Among them were 137 descending thoracic aneurysms (DTA), 80 type B dissections (60 acute, 20 chronic), 59 perforating aortic ulcer (PAU), and 24 traumatic aortic transections (ATAT). Hospital mortality and mid-term survival among different indications for TEVAR were evaluated., Results: Overall hospital mortality in our series was 5% (n = 15). Seven patients with DTA (5%), 4 patients with type B dissections (5%), 2 patients with PAU (3.4%), and 2 ATAT (8%) patients died during their hospital stay. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significant differences in survival rates according to the various indications for TEVAR (p < 0.001). Overall long-term mortality was 86%, 63%, and 44% at 1, 5, and 10 years. Early and late endoleak rate was 18% and 8%, respectively., Conclusions: The TEVAR has evolved into a safe and effective therapy for different aortic pathology resulting in promising long-term results. Nevertheless, the indication for TEVAR has direct impact on the success of the procedure. Patients with acute type B aortic dissections and acute traumatic aortic lesions seem to benefit the most from TEVAR., (Copyright © 2013 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the efficacy and midterm results of endovascular treatment of acute complicated type B dissection., Methods: From January 1998 to March 2004, 29 patients (7 women and 22 men) with acute complicated aortic type B dissection (mean age, 61 years; range, 22-78), defined as aortic rupture, malperfusion, intractable pain, or uncontrolled hypertension, underwent endovascular stent graft placement with the Medtronic Talent device. Five patients (17%) had undergone previous surgery on the ascending aorta and/or aortic valve. The mean aortic diameter at intervention was 48 ± 13 mm. Follow-up was 100% complete and averaged 53 ± 41 months., Results: The technical feasibility and success with deployment proximal to the entry tear was 100%, requiring partial or total coverage of the left subclavian artery in only 1 patient (3%). Hospital mortality was 17% ± 7% (70% confidence limit) with 6 late deaths. The causes of hospital death included multiorgan failure in 2 patients, aortic rupture in 2, and retrograde dissection in 1 patient. Three patients (10%) who survived the procedure developed neurologic complications (2 strokes and 1 transient ischemic attack). One patient required early conversion to surgery because of retrograde type A dissection. Furthermore, 4 patients developed a type Ia endoleak. A postprocedural increase in the distal aortic diameter was observed in 3 patients. The actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years was 79% and 61%, respectively. Freedom from treatment failure at 1 and 5 years (including reintervention, aortic rupture, device-related complications, aortic-related death, or sudden, unexplained late death) was 82% and 77%, respectively., Conclusions: Endovascular stent graft placement in acute complicated type B aortic dissection proves to be a promising alternative therapeutic treatment modality in this relatively difficult patient cohort. Refinements, especially in stent design and application, could further improve the prognosis of patients in this life-threatening situation., (Copyright © 2013 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and midterm results of endovascular treatment of acute, complicated type B aortic dissection., Methods: Between January 2001 and February 2010, 32 patients (7 women, 25 men) with acute, complicated type B aortic dissection (mean age, 56 years; range, 35 to 83 years), defined as either aortic rupture, malperfusion, intractable pain, or uncontrolled hypertension, underwent endovascular stent graft placement with either the Gore Excluder/TAG device (n = 11), Medtronic Talent/Valiant device (n = 16), Bolton Relay (n = 2), or a combination of these stents (n = 3). Follow-up was 94% complete and averaged 26 ± 23 months., Results: Technical feasibility and success with deployment proximal to the entry tear was 87%, requiring partial or total coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) in 9 patients (28%). Hospital mortality was 12% ± 11% (95% confidence limit) with 2 late deaths (17 and 98 months after implant). Causes of hospital death included rupture in 2, retrograde type A dissection in 1, and multiorgan failure in 1 patient. Three patients (11%) experienced new neurologic complications (2 paraparesis and 1 hemiparesis). Six patients with malperfusion required branch vessel stenting. Furthermore, 2 had an early type Ia endoleak. Actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years was 81% and 76%, respectively. Freedom from treatment failure at 1 and 5 years (including reintervention, aortic rupture, device-related complication, and aortic related death) was 78% and 61%, respectively., Conclusions: Endovascular stent-graft placement in acute, complicated type B aortic dissection proves to be a promising alternative therapeutic treatment modality in this relatively difficult patient cohort. Refinements, especially in stent design and application, may further improve the prognosis of patients in this life-threatening situation., (Copyright © 2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute traumatic injury of the thoracic aorta (TAI) is a life-threatening complication in patients who sustain deceleration or crush injuries. This study was conducted to examine the results in patients who underwent endovascular repair with the Talent (Medtronic/AVE, Santa Rosa, CA) thoracic stent graft for acute traumatic injury., Methods: Out of 457 consecutive endograft patients, 41 (9%) were treated for traumatic aortic conditions. There were 36 males with a mean age of 36 +/- 14 years. Mean aortic diameter at the time of intervention was 34 mm +/- 9 (range, 20 to 70 mm). The mean length of covered aorta was 106 mm (range, 5 to 130 mm) with only one stent graft used in 98% (40) of all cases. Median follow-up period for hospital survivors was 13 months (1.0 to 69.0 months)., Results: Stent graft implantation was technically successful in all cases (100%). One patient died during hospitalization, yielding an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 2.4%. Procedural-related paraplegia was zero and a primary endoleak was observed in 1 patient. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (3 respiratory failures, 1 multiorgan failure). No patient required conversion to open surgical repair., Conclusions: The treatment of acute traumatic injuries of the descending thoracic aorta with the Talent stent graft is a feasible and safe technique; it provides low morbidity and mortality rates in the early postoperative period, and early results are encouraging. However, long-term studies are worthwhile to evaluate the effectiveness and the durability of this procedure.

Objective: This study examined midterm results after treatment with the endovascular Talent thoracic stent graft (Medtronic/AVE, Santa Rosa, Calif) in patients with acute or chronic aortic dissection., Methods: In the Talent Thoracic Retrospective Registry, 180 patients were treated for acute or chronic aortic dissection (mean age: 59.6 +/- 13.0 years). Thirty-seven (20.6%) patients had acute aortic complications with signs of rupture, distal malperfusion, or persistent pain; the remainder were in stable condition. Aortic diameter was 53.5 +/- 14.3 mm, the distance from the left subclavian artery to the proximal entry tear was 44.1 +/- 41.9 mm, and dissection extended beyond the celiac axis in 88.3% of cases. Length of covered aorta measured 138.9 +/- 45.7 mm, with one stent graft used in 125 (69.4%) patients., Results: Procedural success was 98.3%. Nine patients died within 30 days, yielding an overall early mortality of 5.0%. For in-hospital outcome, multivariate analysis showed that age greater than 75 years (odds ratio [OR] 4,9; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.6-15.1; P = .006), American Society of Anesthesiologists class greater than III (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.0-7.5; P = .04), and emergency status (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.3-8.9; P = .01) were independent predictors of major adverse events. Compared with electively treated patients, emergency status was associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality (13.5% vs 2.1%; P = .003) and neurologic events (16.2% vs 4.2%; P = .01). However, patients with acute dissection had a smaller baseline diameter and were less often identified to have secondary endoleaks and progressive enlargement. Average follow-up for hospital survivors was 22.3 +/- 17.0 months with an estimated survival of 94.9% +/- 1.7% at 30 days, 90.6% +/- 2.3% at 12 months, 90.6% +/- 2.3% at 24 months, and 81.8% +/- 4.8 % at 36 months. During follow-up, 30 patients required a total of 32 secondary interventions including 12 open and 20 endovascular procedures, accounting for an estimated 71.5% freedom from reinterventions at 36 months. Follow-up imaging revealed stable or decreasing thoracic aortic diameter in 80.5% of patients., Conclusion: Endovascular treatment for aortic dissection is associated with reasonably low morbidity and mortality. Long-term surveillance is crucial to define more comprehensively the durability of stent graft treatment of aortic dissection and to determine which patients are appropriate candidates for stent graft therapy.

Objective: Predictors of late conversion to conventional surgery after thoracic endovascular stent-graft placement are currently unknown., Methods: We analyzed data from 422 of 457 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular thoracic repair with the Medtronic Talent thoracic stent-graft (Medtronic/AVE, Santa Rosa, Calif). Of these, 16 patients (3.8%) required late conversion to open surgery during a median follow-up interval of 17 months (range 7-33 months). Six of these patients had undergone previous aortic surgery, 3 patients had previous cardiac surgery, and 5 patients had Marfan syndrome. In patients with late conversion, indications for primary stent-graft placement were dissection in 10 patients, degenerative aneurysm in 5 patients, and penetrating ulcer in 1 patient., Results: By multivariable Cox analysis, Marfan syndrome (adjusted hazard ratio 9.97, P = .008), type I endoleak (adjusted hazard ratio 3.99, P = .012), the use of more than 1 stent-graft (adjusted hazard ratio 3.89, P = .018), and procedural complications (adjusted hazard ratio 17.50, P = .003) were independent predictors of late conversion., Conclusion: Endovascular treatment for thoracic aortic disease with the Talent stent-graft is associated with a relatively low rate of late conversion to conventional surgery. Better results may be achieved by excluding patients with Marfan syndrome for such a procedure and early aggressive treatment of early type I endoleaks.

Background: Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) is associated with substantial perioperative mortality and morbidity., Objective: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a prognostic biomarker of outcome in cardiovascular disease. Its predictive power in patients undergoing emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection is yet unknown., Methods: We prospectively measured pre-operative NT-proBNP in 104 patients (39 female, 35%; median age 61 years) undergoing emergency surgery for AAD during a 6-year study period. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation risk scores were recorded and patients were followed for 30-day mortality and major adverse events (MAEs) as defined by the need for rethoracotomy, occurrence of postoperative heart failure, neurologic deficit, lung failure, renal failure, or sepsis., Results: Median logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation in the cohort was 12 (interquartile range 7 to 19). During the first 30 days, 23 patients (22%) died, and 53 patients (51%) experienced MAEs. Median (interquartile range) NT-proBNP levels in survivors versus nonsurvivors were 328 pg/ml (157 to 569) versus 2,240 pg/ml (515 to 4,734; p < 0.001), and in patients without versus with MAEs, 227 pg/ml (107 to 328) and 719 pg/ml (442 to 2,287; p < 0.001), respectively. Adjusted odds ratios for increasing tertiles of NT-proBNP compared with the lowest tertile were 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18 to 5.33; p = 0.98) and 11.67 (95% CI 2.61 to 52.09; p = 0.001) for 30-day mortality and 9.07 (95% CI 2.58 to 31.83; p = 0.001) and 50.21 (95% CI 10.85 to 232.45; p < 0.001) for MAEs, respectively, indicating a significant association between pre-operative NT-proBNP levels and outcome., Conclusions: Pre-operative NT-proBNP predicts outcome in patients undergoing surgery of AAD.

Aims: Blood D-dimer testing has been proposed as diagnostic marker with high sensitivity for exclusion of acute aortic dissection (AAD). We performed a systematic review and validated the findings in a prospective patient cohort., Methods and Results: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and BIOSIS from inception until January 2007 using a combination of search terms for aortic dissection and D-dimer. Study type, type of assay used, predefined cut-off level, result of D-dimer testing, sensitivity, and specificity were abstracted. In 16 identified studies (437 patients), the reported cut-off values ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 microg/mL. D-dimer testing provided high sensitivity (0.97 95% CI 0.94-0.98) and negative likelihood ratio (0.06 95% CI 0.02-0.13). In our cohort of 65 patients (36 male, 55%; median age 59 years, IQR 49-67) with proven AAD, D-dimer levels scattered from 0.24 to 137.88 microg/mL (median 3.47; IQR 1.55-14.49). Mean NPV for the different cut-off levels ranged from 92 % for a cut-off level of 0.9 microg/mL to 100% for a cut-off level of 0.1 microg/mL in our study population., Conclusion: Current evidence supports a routine measurement of D-dimer in excluding AAD. A D-dimer <0.1 microg/mL will exclude AAD in all cases.

Background: We report in this study our results with composite aortic root replacement (CVR) using the classic or modified Cabrol coronary implantation technique., Material and Methods: From October 2001 to March 2005, 25 patients underwent aortic root replacement. In all cases, the indication for surgery was a degenerative aneurysm with a diameter of more than 6 cm. Seven patients had undergone a previous aortic operation on the ascending aorta. Mean age was 53+/-13 years and 22 patients were male. Mean Euroscore was 5.2+/-2.4. Aortic insufficiency was present in all patients. Two patients had Marfan syndrome., Results: The 30-day mortality was 0%. Two patients required profound hypothermic circulatory arrest. Mean aortic cross-clamp time was 91+/-24 minutes and the mean circulatory arrest time was 24+/-15 minutes. No patients developed a pseudoaneurysm after the operation., Conclusion: We conclude that composite aortic root replacement with the classic or modified Cabrol technique results in a low operative mortality. However, it should be only used when a "button" technique is not feasible.

Background: Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection is associated with substantial perioperative morbidity and mortality. A sepsis-like state may lead to antithrombin (AT) III consumption and deficiency. The impact of preoperative AT III activity on outcome in patients undergoing emergency surgery is yet unknown., Methods: We measured preoperative AT III activity in 99 consecutive patients undergoing emergency aortic surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection during a 4-year period in a retrospective study. Cardiovascular co-morbidities, risk factors and surgical data were recorded and patients were followed for 30-day mortality, and occurrence of multiple organ failure (MOF)., Results: During the first 30 days, 15 patients (15%) died, and 8 patients (8%) had MOF. Median AT III levels (IQR) in 30-day non-survivors versus survivors were 64% (52-72) versus 90% (75-97) (p<0.001), and in patients with versus without MOF were 66% (52.3-77.3) versus 88% (72-96) (p=0.018), respectively. Adjusted odds ratios for 30-day mortality and MOF for AT III activity (per % increments) were 0.92 (p=0.007), and 0.96 (p=0.012), respectively, indicating a significant inverse relationship between AT III activity and outcome., Conclusion: There is a strong inverse association between preoperative AT III activity and adverse outcome in patients undergoing surgical repair of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. Larger studies are necessary to determine a cut-off value for AT III and to assess whether patients with low AT III levels benefit targeted therapeutic interventions.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine technical and clinical results in endovascular repair of thoracic aortic diseases necessitating stent-graft anchoring across the arch vessels., Methods: The causes for endovascular treatment in 58 patients (aged 20 to 84 years) were aneurysms (n = 32), acute type A (n = 2) and type B dissections (n = 17), posttraumatic transections (n = 4), iatrogenic dissection (n = 1), and penetrating ulcers with an intramural hematoma (n = 2). Surgical revascularization of arch vessels was performed in 26 patients before stent-graft implantation. Intentional overstenting of the left subclavian artery resulted in complete occlusion in 8 and was partial in 24 patients., Results: The 30-day mortality rate was 3.4%. Overall, 19 major postprocedural complications occurred in 14 (24%) patients. Among patients with left subclavian artery occlusion, 2 patients had major (1 paraplegia, 1 critical arm ischemia), and 3 minor (2 temporary vertebrobasilary symptoms, 1 transient arm claudication) complications. Fourteen (25%) patients had an early endoleak, of whom 5 were treated successfully with a secondary endovascular procedure, 2 necessitated open surgical conversion, and 7 were treated conservatively, with spontaneous sealing of the endoleak in 3. In 53 (91%) in whom computed tomographic follow-up was longer than 3 months (mean, 30.1 months, range, 3 to 85), the aortic diameter along the stented segment decreased in 24, was stable in 19, and increased in 10 patients., Conclusion: Fixation of the stent graft in the aortic arch can expand the applicability of endovascular repair. Intentional overstenting should be performed with caution to avoid ischemic problems after complete occlusion of left subclavian artery.

Reported here is a case of mediastinitis caused by candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus following a heart transplantation that was successfully treated with caspofungin, antibiotics and mediastinal lavage. A review of the literature revealed that Candida albicans as a cause of mediastinitis has been rarely described. In the few existing reports, evolution was generally fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients, despite treatment with antifungal drugs and antibiotics.

Background: Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) have become the cornerstone of immunosuppressive regimens following heart transplantation, but their use is associated with nephrotoxicity. The impact on renal function after conversion from cyclosporine (CsA) to tacrolimus (TAC) is reported., Patients and Methods: Fifteen patients (men age 42 +/- 11 years) after cardiac transplantation (HTX) were switched from CsA to TAC (mean time after HTX 21 +/- 6 months). There were 13 male and 2 female patients. Mean cholesterol and LDL level at the time of conversion were 217 +/- 65 ml/dl and and 136 +/- 51 mg/100 ml respectively. Indication for HTX was ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) in 8, congenital in 3 and dilatative CMP in the remaining 4 patients., Results: Mean tacrolimus level (microg/dl) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were 8.6 +/- 3.3, 8.6 +/- 1.4, 9.2 +/- 2.8 and 9.8 +/- 2.5 respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement in creatinine levels at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after conversion from baseline 1.9 +/- 0.7 mg/dl to 1.4 +/- 0.5 mg/dl, 1.4 +/- 0.4 mg/dl, 1.3 +/- 0.4 mg/dl and 1.2 +/- 0.4 mg/dl, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, TAC decreased cholesterol as well as LDL-levels during this one-year time frame., Conclusion: This study shows that conversion from CsA to tacrolimus after orthotopic heart transplantation improves renal function.

Background: Rupture of an ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA), which is associated with significant mortality, occurs when the mechanical forces acting on the aneurysm exceed the strength of the degenerated aortic wall. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in biomechanical properties of the aortic wall related to ATAA formation., Methods: Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm tissue was obtained from surgery; control (nonaneurysmal) aorta was obtained from autopsy. Tissue strips with longitudinal (LONG) or circumferential (CIRC) orientation were stretched to failure. Maximum tissue stiffness and tensile strength were determined from plots of stress (normalized force) versus strain (normalized deformation). Student's t test was used for all comparisons., Results: Tensile strength of LONG (nATAA = 17, n(control) = 7) and CIRC (nATAA = 23, n(control) = 7) ATAA specimens were 29% and 34% less than that of control tissue, respectively (p < 0.05). Maximum tissue stiffness was 72% stiffer for LONG ATAA (p < 0.05) and 44% stiffer for CIRC ATAA (p = 0.06) than for control tissue, respectively., Conclusions: The data suggest that ATAA formation is associated with stiffening and weakening of the aortic wall, which may potentiate aneurysm rupture.

Background: The established treatment modality of acute Stanford type A dissection includes repair of the ascending aorta and various portions of the aortic arch, whereas the descending aorta is left untreated. We report a simultaneous approach of open repair of the ascending aorta with transluminal stent grafting of the descending aorta to minimize the consequences of an untreated descending aorta., Methods: From April 2001 to February 2002, 8 consecutive patients (3 women [37.5%] and 5 men [62.5%]) with a mean age of 55.7 years (range, 45 to 70 years) were intended to be treated with the combined method of surgical repair of the ascending aorta and transluminal stent grafting into the descending aorta during the period of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Circulatory arrest time ranged between 30 and 67 minutes (average, 38.8 minutes). Specially designed Talent stent grafts (32 to 40 mm in diameter, length 13 cm) were inserted under direct vision and deployed with the proximal end at the origin of the left subclavian artery., Results: Intraoperative stent graft placement was successful in 7 patients (87.5%). Because of severe kinking of the distal arch, stent insertion failed in 1 patient (12.5%). One patient with a history of preoperative stroke in the middle cerebral artery died because of intracerebral bleeding on postoperative day 2, resulting in an in-hospital mortality of 12.5%. Mean intensive care unit stay was 6.4 days (range, 2 to 21 days) and overall hospital stay was 18.2 days (range, 7 to 33 days). Completion computed tomographic scans revealed complete thrombosis of the false lumen in 2 patients and partial thrombosis in 4 patients. Follow-up was complete and ranged from 1 to 9 months (mean, 5.4 months)., Conclusions: This preliminary study shows that combined surgical and endovascular treatment of acute type A dissection is feasible, and at least partial thrombosis of the false lumen can be achieved, potentially minimizing the risk of further dilatation or rupture. Additionally, the stent graft expands the otherwise sickle-shaped true lumen, thereby ameliorating distal aortic perfusion. Long-term results are warranted to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new combined treatment modality.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of aortic rupture on clinical outcome in patients after aortic repair for acute type A dissection., Methods: One hundred and twenty patients underwent aortic operations with resection of the intimal tear and open distal anastomosis. Median age was 60 years (range 16 to 87); 78 were male. Thirty-six patients had only ascending aortic replacement, 82 had hemiarch repair, and 2 had the entire arch replaced. Retrograde cerebral perfusion was utilized in 66 patients (53%). Rupture defined as free blood in the pericardial space was present in 60 patients (50%). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the risk factors for mortality and neurologic dysfunction., Results: Overall hospital mortality rate was 24.2% +/- 4.0% (+/- 70% confidence level) but did not differ between patients with aortic rupture or without (p = 0.83). The incidence of permanent neurologic dysfunction was 9.4% overall, 10.5% with rupture and 8.3% without rupture (p = 0.75). Multivariate analysis revealed absence of retrograde cerebral perfusion and any postoperative complication as statistically significant indicators for in-hospital mortality (p < 0.05). Overall 1- and 5-year survival was 85.3% and 33.7%; among discharged patients, survival in the nonruptured group was 89% and 37%, versus 81% and 31% in the ruptured group (p = 0.01)., Conclusions: Aortic rupture at the time of surgery does not increase the risk of hospital mortality or permanent neurologic complications in patients with acute type A dissections. However, aortic rupture at the time of surgery does influence long-term survival.

Background: The pig has become an increasingly popular model for the study of cerebral protection during cardiothoracic surgery in recent years, but little information is available concerning hypothermic porcine physiology. Because the efficacy of cerebral protection depends largely upon metabolic suppression, we studied cerebral oxygen metabolism at various temperatures using two different methods to assess cerebral blood flow (CBF)., Material and Methods: Twelve pigs (7 to 13 kg) underwent cooling on cardiopulmonary bypass to 8 degrees C as recorded by an electrode placed deep in the parenchyma of the brain. CBF was measured in 6 animals using radioactive microspheres and in the other 6 using fluorescent microspheres. CBF, cerebral oxygen consumption, and cerebral vascular resistance were determined at 37 degrees C, 28 degrees C, 18 degrees C, and 8 degrees C., Results: Both methods produced very similar data. CBF fell steadily with decrease in temperature to 18 degrees C but failed to drop further with more profound hypothermia. With both groups combined, mean cerebral oxygen metabolism was 2.63 mL/100 g per minute at 37 degrees C. Metabolic activity was 50% of base line values at 28 degrees C, 19% at 18 degrees C, and 11% at 8 degrees C. The Q10 value in the pig--the degree of metabolic suppression achieved by a 10 degrees C drop in temperature--is 2.46 (95% confidence interval 2.1 to 2.9); this value is consistent with similar studies in humans., Conclusions: The presence of significant residual metabolic activity at 18 degrees C suggests that this degree of hypothermia may provide incomplete cerebral protection during prolonged interruption of CBF. This study demonstrates that cooling to temperatures below 18 degrees C in the pig can achieve greater metabolic suppression although it may be associated with loss of cerebral autoregulation.