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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.

Objective: We created a finite element model to predict the probability of dissection based on imaging-derived aortic stiffness and investigated the link between stiffness and wall tensile stress using our model., Methods: Transthoracic echocardiogram measurements were used to calculate aortic diameter change over the cardiac cycle. Aortic stiffness index was subsequently calculated based on diameter change and blood pressure. A series of logistic models were developed to predict the binary outcome of aortic dissection using 1 or more series of predictor parameters such as aortic stiffness index or patient characteristics. Finite element analysis was performed on a subset of diameter-matched patients exhibiting patient-specific material properties., Results: Transthoracic echocardiogram scans of patients with type A aortic dissection (n = 22) exhibited elevated baseline aortic stiffness index when compared with aneurysmal patients' scans with tricuspid aortic valve (n = 83, P < .001) and bicuspid aortic valve (n = 80, P < .001). Aortic stiffness index proved an excellent discriminator for a future dissection event (area under the curve, 0.9337, odds ratio, 2.896). From the parametric finite element study, we found a correlation between peak longitudinal wall tensile stress and stiffness index (ρ = .6268, P < .001, n = 28 pooled)., Conclusions: Noninvasive transthoracic echocardiogram-derived aortic stiffness measurements may serve as an impactful metric toward predicting aortic dissection or quantifying dissection risk. A correlation between longitudinal stress and stiffness establishes an evidence-based link between a noninvasive stiffness parameter and stress state of the aorta with clinically apparent dissection events., (Copyright © 2022 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: In this prospective US investigational device exemption trial, we assessed the safety and 1-year clinical outcomes of the Thoraflex Hybrid device (Terumo Aortic) for the frozen elephant trunk technique to repair the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta., Methods: For the trial, which involved 12 US sites, 65 patients without rupture were recruited into the primary study group, and 9 patients were recruited into the rupture group. All patients underwent open surgical repair of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta in cases of aneurysm and/or dissection. The primary end point was freedom from major adverse events (MAE), defined as permanent stroke, permanent paraplegia/paraparesis, unanticipated aortic-related reoperation (excluding reoperation for bleeding), or all-cause mortality., Results: In the primary study group, 2 patients were lost to follow-up at 1 year. Freedom from MAE at 1 year was 81% (51/63). Seven patients (11%) died (including 2 before 30 days or discharge), 3 patients (5%) suffered permanent stroke, and 3 (5%) developed permanent paraplegia/paraparesis. Twenty-six patients (41%) underwent planned extension procedures, including 22 endovascular procedures within a median of 122 (interquartile range, 64-156) days. In the aortic rupture group, 2 patients were lost to follow-up at 1 year. Freedom from MAE at 1 year was 71% (5/7). One patient (14%) died, 2 patients (29%) had permanent stroke, and none had permanent paraplegia/paraparesis. No extension procedures were performed in the rupture group., Conclusions: One-year results with the Thoraflex Hybrid device are acceptable. Long-term data are necessary to assess the durability of these repairs., (Copyright © 2022 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe the trends in management and outcomes of patients with acute type B aortic dissection in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection., Methods: From 1996 - 2022, 3 908 patients were divided into similar sized quartiles (T1, T2, T3, and T4). In hospital outcomes were analysed for each quartile. Survival rates following admission were compared using Kaplan-Meier analyses with Mantel-Cox Log rank tests., Results: Endovascular treatment increased from 19.1% in T1 to 37.2% in T4 (p trend < .001). Correspondingly, medical therapy decreased from 65.7% in T1 to 54.0% in T4 (p trend < .001), and open surgery from 14.8% in T1 to 7.0% in T4 (p trend < .001). In hospital mortality decreased in the overall cohort from 10.7% in T1 to 6.1% in T4 (p trend < .001), as well as in medically, endovascularly and surgically treated patients (p trend  = .017, .033, and .011, respectively). Overall post-admission survival at three years increased (T1: 74.8% vs. T4: 77.3%; p = .006)., Conclusion: Considerable changes in the management of acute type B aortic dissection were observed over time, with a significant increase in the use of endovascular treatment and a corresponding reduction in open surgery and medical management. These changes were associated with a decreased overall in hospital and three year post-admission mortality rate among quartiles., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: To evaluate the ability of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) during aortic arch reconstruction with hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) to predict early (<48 hours) adverse neurologic events (ANE; stroke or transient ischemic attack) and operative mortality., Methods: This was an observational study of aortic arch surgeries requiring HCA from 2010 to 2018. Patients were monitored with electroencephalogram (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared according to presence or absence of IONM changes, which were defined as any acute variation in SSEP or EEG, compared with baseline. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of IONM changes with operative mortality and early ANE., Results: A total of 563 patients underwent aortic arch reconstruction with HCA and IONM. Of these, 119 (21.1%) patients had an IONM change, whereas 444 (78.9%) did not. Patients with IONM changes had increased operative mortality (22.7% vs 4.3%) and increased early ANE (10.9% vs 2.9%). In multivariable analysis, SSEP changes were correlated with early ANE (odds ratio [OR], 4.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-14.56; P = .008), whereas EEG changes were not (P = .532). Permanent SSEP changes were correlated with early ANE (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.51-13.77; P = .007), whereas temperature-related SSEP changes were not (P = .997). Finally, any IONM change (either SSEP or EEG) was correlated with operative mortality (OR, 5.82; 95% CI, 2.72-12.49; P < .001)., Conclusions: Abnormal IONM events during aortic arch reconstruction with HCA portend worse neurologic outcomes and operative mortality and have a negative predictive value of 97.1%. SSEP might be more sensitive than EEG for predicting early ANE, especially when SSEP changes are permanent., (Copyright © 2021 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study sought to identify the optimal temperature for moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest in patients undergoing elective hemiarch replacement with antegrade brain perfusion., Methods: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons adult cardiac surgery database was queried for elective hemiarch replacements using antegrade brain perfusion for aneurysmal disease (2014-2019). Generalized estimating equations and restricted cubic splines were used to determine the risk-adjusted relationships between temperature as a continuous variable and outcomes., Results: Elective hemiarch replacement with antegrade brain perfusion occurred in 3898 patients at 374 centers with a median nadir temperature of 24.9°C (first quartile, third quartile = 22.0°C, 27.5°C) and median circulatory arrest time of 19 minutes (first quartile, third quartile = 14.0 minutes, 27.0 minutes). After adjustment for comorbidities, circulatory arrest time, and individual surgeon, patients cooled between 25 and 28°C had an early survival advantage compared with 24°C, whereas those cooled between 21 and 23°C had higher risks of mortality compared with 24°C. A nadir temperature of 27°C was associated with the lowest risk-adjusted odds of mortality (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.91). A nadir temperature of 21°C had the highest risk of mortality (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.73). Risk of experiencing a major morbidity was elevated in patients cooled between 21 and 23°C, with the highest risk occurring in patients cooled to 21°C (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.24)., Conclusions: For patients with aneurysmal disease undergoing elective hemiarch with antegrade brain perfusion, circulatory arrest with a nadir temperature of 27°C confers the greatest early survival benefit and smallest risk of postoperative morbidity., (Copyright © 2021 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report long-term outcomes after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) with or without perioperative blood or blood products., Methods: All patients who underwent proximal aortic surgery with DHCA from 2011 to 2018 were propensity matched according to baseline characteristics. Primary outcomes included short- and long-term mortality. Stratified Cox regression analysis was performed for significant associations with survival., Results: A total of 824 patients underwent aortic replacement requiring circulatory arrest. After matching, there were 224 patients in each arm (transfusion and no transfusion). All baseline characteristics were well matched, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) <0.1. Preoperative hematocrit (41.0 vs 40.6; SMD = 0.05) and ejection fraction (57.5% vs 57.0%; SMD = 0.08) were similar between the no transfusion and blood product transfusion cohorts. Rate of aortic dissection (42.9% vs 45.1%; SMD = 0.05), hemiarch replacement (70.1% vs 70.1%; SMD = 0.00), and total arch replacement (21.9% vs 23.2%; SMD = 0.03) were not statistically different. Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time were higher in the blood product transfusion cohort (P < .001). Operative mortality (9.4% vs 2.7%; P = .003), stroke (7.6% vs 1.3%; P = .001), reoperation rate, pneumonia, prolonged ventilation, and dialysis requirements were significantly higher in the transfusion cohort (P < .001). In stratified Cox regression, transfusion was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 2.62 [confidence interval, 1.47-4.67]; P = .001). One- and 5-year survival were significantly reduced for the transfusion cohort (P < .001)., Conclusions: In patients who underwent aortic surgery with DHCA, perioperative transfusions were associated with poor outcomes despite matching for preoperative baseline characteristics., (Copyright © 2021 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS-PROM) estimates mortality risk only for certain common procedures (eg, coronary artery bypass or valve surgery) and is cumbersome, requiring greater than 60 inputs. We hypothesized that deep learning can estimate postoperative mortality risk based on a preoperative chest radiograph for cardiac surgeries in which STS-PROM scores were available (STS index procedures) or unavailable (non-STS index procedures)., Methods: We developed a deep learning model (CXR-CTSurgery) to predict postoperative mortality based on preoperative chest radiographs in 9283 patients at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) having cardiac surgery before April 8, 2014. CXR-CTSurgery was tested on 3615 different MGH patients and externally tested on 2840 patients from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) having surgery after April 8, 2014. Discrimination for mortality was compared with the STS-PROM using the C-statistic. Calibration was assessed using the observed-to-expected ratio (O/E ratio)., Results: For STS index procedures, CXR-CTSurgery had a C-statistic similar to STS-PROM at MGH (CXR-CTSurgery: 0.83 vs STS-PROM: 0.88; P = .20) and BWH (0.74 vs 0.80; P = .14) testing cohorts. The CXR-CTSurgery C-statistic for non-STS index procedures was similar to STS index procedures in the MGH (0.87 vs 0.83) and BWH (0.73 vs 0.74) testing cohorts. For STS index procedures, CXR-CTSurgery had better calibration than the STS-PROM in the MGH (O/E ratio: 0.74 vs 0.52) and BWH (O/E ratio: 0.91 vs 0.73) testing cohorts., Conclusions: CXR-CTSurgery predicts postoperative mortality based on a preoperative CXR with similar discrimination and better calibration than the STS-PROM. This may be useful when the STS-PROM cannot be calculated or for non-STS index procedures., (Copyright © 2023 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

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., Competing Interests: Disclosures of conflicts of interest: D.M. Research grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (no. 5T32EB009035); consulting fees from Segmed; stock or stock options in Segmed; member of Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging trainee editorial board. M.J.W. Postdoctoral Fellowship Award (no. 18POST34030192) from the American Heart Association, payments to author’s institution; consulting fees from Segmed; payment from GLG, AlphaInsight, and Guidepoint for expert testimony; leadership or fiduciary role in the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, unpaid; stock or stock options in Segmed. V.L.T. Shareholder of Segmed stock or stock options. V.H. No relevant relationships. M.C. Postdoctoral Fellowship Award (no. 826389) from the American Heart Association; payment or honoraria from FASTeR as lecturer for research methodology course; owner of stock options in Arterys; employee of Arterys. K.H. Payment or honoraria from Sanofi Genzyme and Amicus for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events; participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board for Sanofi Genzyme; associate editor for Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging. M.O. No relevant relationships. D.O.T. No relevant relationships. R.O.A. Consultant for Medtronic and EndoRon; member of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and council member of the SVS Young Surgeon Section; shareholder for EndoRon and Voythus. S.H. No relevant relationships. N.S.B. Radiological Society of North America Research Scholar Grant (no. RSCH1801); entitled to royalties related to licensure of intellectual property to Imbio; patents planned, issued, or pending for U.S. patent number 10,896,507, Techniques of Deformation Analysis for Quantification of Vascular Enlargement in Aneurysmal Disease. B.Y. Honoraria from seminar hosted by Medtronic. J.M.L. Honoraria from Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia. T.G.G. No relevant relationships. D.P. No relevant relationships. G.F. No relevant relationships. L.L. Participation on the Medtronic Thoracic Hostile Neck Club Advisory Board, Barcelona, December 20, 2021. R.H. No relevant relationships. H.A. No relevant relationships. A.E.S. Member of Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging editorial board. E.C. No relevant relationships. S.M.J.v.K. No relevant relationships. G.W.H.S. No relevant relationships. A.M.S. No relevant relationships. K.B. No relevant relationships. D.C.M. No relevant relationships. M.P.F. No relevant relationships. D.F. Deputy editor for Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging., (© 2022 by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc.)

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect with an estimated prevalence of between 0.5% and 2% in the United States, representing up to 6.5 million individuals. Most individuals with BAV will develop valvular and/or aortic complications related to their BAV. How these various complications relate to one another and why they arise remain elusive. Yet, astute observations have yielded relevant classification systems that leverage valvular morphology, aortic shape, and genetic alteration patterns. Emerging evidence supports the existence of BAV phenotypes that may have different patterns of disease presentation, rates of progression, and risk of secondary complications. We review the natural history of BAV in light of known classification systems to illustrate a framework through which future hemodynamic, cell biologic, and other studies can better correlate with clinical endpoints. Consistent utilization of valvular, aortic, and genetic classification systems in the management and study of BAV may facilitate insight into the patterns of the disease, with prognostic and therapeutic significance for individuals who experience this common structural heart disease., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Pericytes are essential components of small blood vessels and are found in human aortic vasa vasorum. Prior work uncovered lower vasa vasorum density and decreased levels of pro-angiogenic growth factors in adventitial specimens of human ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. We hypothesized that adventitial extracellular matrix (ECM) from normal aorta promotes pericyte function by increasing pericyte contractile function through mechanisms deficient in ECM derived from aneurysmal aortic adventitia. ECM biomaterials were prepared as lyophilized particulates from decellularized adventitial specimens of human and porcine aorta. Immortalized human aortic adventitia-derived pericytes were cultured within Type I collagen gels in the presence or absence of human or porcine adventitial ECMs. Cell contractility index was quantified by measuring the gel area immediately following gelation and after 48 h of culture. Normal human and porcine adventitial ECM increased contractility of pericytes when compared with pericytes cultured in absence of adventitial ECM. In contrast, aneurysm-derived human adventitial ECM failed to promote pericyte contractility. Pharmacological inhibition of TGFβR1 and antibody blockade of α 2 β 1 integrin independently decreased porcine adventitial ECM-induced pericyte contractility. By increasing pericyte contractility, adventitial ECM may improve microvascular function and thus represents a candidate biomaterial for less invasive and preventative treatment of human ascending aortic disease., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The aim of this study was to determine whether specific three-dimensional aortic shape features, extracted via statistical shape analysis (SSA), correlate with the development of thoracic ascending aortic dissection (TAAD) risk and associated aortic hemodynamics. Thirty-one patients followed prospectively with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA), who either did (12 patients) or did not (19 patients) develop TAAD, were included in the study, with aortic arch geometries extracted from computed tomographic angiography (CTA) imaging. Arch geometries were analyzed with SSA, and unsupervised and supervised (linked to dissection outcome) shape features were extracted with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), respectively. We determined PLS-DA to be effective at separating dissection and no-dissection patients ([Formula: see text]), with decreased tortuosity and more equal ascending and descending aortic diameters associated with higher dissection risk. In contrast, neither PCA nor traditional morphometric parameters (maximum diameter, tortuosity, or arch volume) were effective at separating dissection and no-dissection patients. The arch shapes associated with higher dissection probability were supported with hemodynamic insight. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations revealed a correlation between the PLS-DA shape features and wall shear stress (WSS), with higher maximum WSS in the ascending aorta associated with increased risk of dissection occurrence. Our work highlights the potential importance of incorporating higher dimensional geometric assessment of aortic arch anatomy in TAAD risk assessment, and in considering the interdependent influences of arch shape and hemodynamics as mechanistic contributors to TAAD occurrence., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Biomedical Engineering Society.)

Objective: To provide the 5-year outcomes of the use of a composite device (proximal covered stent graft + distal bare stent) for endovascular repair of patients with acute, type B aortic dissection complicated by aortic rupture and/or malperfusion., Methods: Study of Thoracic Aortic Type B Dissection Using Endoluminal Repair (STABLE) II was a prospective, multicenter study of the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (William Cook Europe). Patients were enrolled between August 2012 and January 2015 at sites in the United States and Japan. Five-year follow-up was completed by January 2020., Results: In total, 73 patients (mean age: 60.7 ± 10.9 years; 65.8% male) with acute type B dissection complicated by malperfusion (72.6%), rupture (21.9%), or both (5.5%) were enrolled. Patients were treated with either a composite device (79.5%) or the proximal stent graft alone (no distal bare stent, 20.5%). Dissections were more extensive in patients who received the composite device (408.9 ± 121.3 mm) than in patients who did not receive a bare stent (315.9 ± 100.1 mm). The mean follow-up was 1209.4 ± 754.6 days. Freedom from all-cause mortality was 80.3% ± 4.7% at 1 year and 68.9% ± 7.3% at 5 years. Freedom from dissection-related mortality remained at 97.1% ± 2.1% from 1-year through 5-year follow-up. Within the stent-graft region, the rate of either complete thrombosis or elimination of the false lumen increased over time (82.1% of all patients at 5 years vs 55.7% at first postprocedure computed tomography), with a higher rate at 5 years in patients who received the composite device (90.5%) compared with patients without the bare stent (57.1%). Throughout the follow-up, overall true lumen diameter increased within the stent-graft region, and overall false lumen diameter decreased. At 5 years, 20.7% of patients experienced a decrease in maximum transaortic diameter within the stent-graft region, 17.2% experienced an increase, and 62.1% experienced no change. Distal to the treated segment (but within the dissected aorta), 23.1% of patients experience no change in transaortic diameter at 5 years; a bare stent was deployed in all these patients at the procedure. Five-year freedom from all secondary intervention was 70.7% ± 7.2%., Conclusions: These 5-year outcomes indicate a low rate of dissection-related mortality for the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System in the treatment of patients with acute, complicated type B aortic dissection. Further, these data suggest a positive influence of composite device use on false lumen thrombosis. Continuous monitoring for distal aortic growth is necessary in all patients., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: We hypothesized that expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase-3 enzyme (Nos3) in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) aortopathy are related to tissue layer and Nos3 genotype., Methods: Gene expression of Nos3 and platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (Pecam1) and NOS activity were measured in intima-containing media and adventitial specimens of ascending aortic tissue. The presence of 2 Nos3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; -786T/C and 894G/T) was determined for non-aneurysmal (NA) and aneurysmal patients with BAV (n = 40, 89, respectively); patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and aneurysm (n = 151); and NA patients with TAV (n = 100)., Results: Elevated Nos3 relative to Pecam1 and reduced Pecam1 relative to a housekeeping gene were observed within intima-containing aortic specimens from BAV patients when compared with TAV patients. Lower Nos3 in the adventitia of aneurysmal specimens was noted when compared with specimens of NA aorta, independent of valve morphology. NOS activity was similar among cohorts in media/intima and decreased in the diseased adventitia, relative to control patients. Aneurysmal BAV patients exhibited an under-representation of the wild-type genotype for -786 SNP. No differences in genotype distribution were noted for 894 SNP. Primary intimal endothelial cells from patients with at least 1 C allele at -786 SNP exhibited lower Nos3 when compared with wild-type cells., Conclusions: These findings of differential Nos3 in media/intima versus adventitia depending on valve morphology or aneurysm reveal new information regarding aneurysmal pathophysiology and support our ongoing assertion that there are distinct mechanisms giving rise to ascending aortopathy in BAV and TAV patients., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

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%.

Introduction: Although randomized trial data exist for 2-y outcomes comparing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus CABG with concomitant mitral valve repair (CABG + MVr) for the treatment of moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), longer term outcomes are unclear. This study evaluated the longitudinal outcomes of isolated CABG for moderate IMR., Methods: Patients with moderate IMR undergoing isolated CABG from January 2010 to February 2018 at a single institution were included. Outcomes included longitudinal freedom from heart failure readmission, survival, rates of persistent mitral regurgitation (MR), and freedom from mitral valve reinterventions. A subanalysis was conducted comparing CABG versus CABG + MVr. Multivariable Cox regression was used for risk adjustment., Results: A total of 528 patients with moderate IMR underwent isolated CABG. Postoperatively, 26% of patients had at least moderate MR at 1-mo follow-up, although at 5 y progression to severe MR was rare (2.2%) as were mitral valve reinterventions (0.2%). Survival at 30 d (95.8%), 1 y (89.6%), and 5 y (76.6%) was acceptable. Furthermore, the freedom from readmission for heart failure was also acceptable at 30 d (92.6%), 1 y (79.9%), and 5 y (65.0%) postoperatively. In a subanalysis comparing CABG versus CABG + MVr, unadjusted and risk-adjusted survival, freedom from heart failure readmissions, mitral valve reinterventions, and degrees of MR were comparable between the groups at all intervals (all P > 0.05)., Conclusions: The majority of patients with moderate IMR can undergo isolated CABG with acceptable rates of heart failure readmissions, survival, progression to severe MR, and the need for subsequent mitral interventions. These data support the use of isolated CABG in patients with moderate IMR., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Importance: In patients with severe aortic valve stenosis at intermediate surgical risk, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a self-expanding supra-annular valve was noninferior to surgery for all-cause mortality or disabling stroke at 2 years. Comparisons of longer-term clinical and hemodynamic outcomes in these patients are limited., Objective: To report prespecified secondary 5-year outcomes from the Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis in Intermediate Risk Subjects Who Need Aortic Valve Replacement (SURTAVI) randomized clinical trial., Design, Setting, and Participants: SURTAVI is a prospective randomized, unblinded clinical trial. Randomization was stratified by investigational site and need for revascularization determined by the local heart teams. Patients with severe aortic valve stenosis deemed to be at intermediate risk of 30-day surgical mortality were enrolled at 87 centers from June 19, 2012, to June 30, 2016, in Europe and North America. Analysis took place between August and October 2021., Intervention: Patients were randomized to TAVR with a self-expanding, supra-annular transcatheter or a surgical bioprosthesis., Main Outcomes and Measures: The prespecified secondary end points of death or disabling stroke and other adverse events and hemodynamic findings at 5 years. An independent clinical event committee adjudicated all serious adverse events and an independent echocardiographic core laboratory evaluated all echocardiograms at 5 years., Results: A total of 1660 individuals underwent an attempted TAVR (n = 864) or surgical (n = 796) procedure. The mean (SD) age was 79.8 (6.2) years, 724 (43.6%) were female, and the mean (SD) Society of Thoracic Surgery Predicted Risk of Mortality score was 4.5% (1.6%). At 5 years, the rates of death or disabling stroke were similar (TAVR, 31.3% vs surgery, 30.8%; hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.85-1.22]; P = .85). Transprosthetic gradients remained lower (mean [SD], 8.6 [5.5] mm Hg vs 11.2 [6.0] mm Hg; P < .001) and aortic valve areas were higher (mean [SD], 2.2 [0.7] cm2 vs 1.8 [0.6] cm2; P < .001) with TAVR vs surgery. More patients had moderate/severe paravalvular leak with TAVR than surgery (11 [3.0%] vs 2 [0.7%]; risk difference, 2.37% [95% CI, 0.17%- 4.85%]; P = .05). New pacemaker implantation rates were higher for TAVR than surgery at 5 years (289 [39.1%] vs 94 [15.1%]; hazard ratio, 3.30 [95% CI, 2.61-4.17]; log-rank P < .001), as were valve reintervention rates (27 [3.5%] vs 11 [1.9%]; hazard ratio, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.10-4.45]; log-rank P = .02), although between 2 and 5 years only 6 patients who underwent TAVR and 7 who underwent surgery required a reintervention., Conclusions and Relevance: Among intermediate-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, major clinical outcomes at 5 years were similar for TAVR and surgery. TAVR was associated with superior hemodynamic valve performance but also with more paravalvular leak and valve reinterventions.

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.)

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is common in the setting of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair. Here, we evaluated the association between prosthesis choice and patient outcomes in an international patient cohort. We reviewed data from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) interventional cohort to examine the relationship between valve choice and short- and mid-term patient outcomes. Between January 1996 and March 2016, 1290 surgically treated patients with TAAD were entered into the IRAD interventional cohort. Of those, 364 patients undergoing TAAD repair underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR; mean age, 57 years). The mechanical valve cohort consisted of 189 patients, of which 151 (79.9%) had a root replacement. The nonmechanical valve cohort consisted of 5 patients who received homografts and 160 patients who received a biologic AVR, with a total of 118 (71.5%) patients who underwent root replacements. The mean follow-up time was 2.92 ± 1.75 years overall (2.46 ± 1.69 years for the mechanical valve cohort and 3.48 ± 1.8 years for the nonmechanical valve cohort). After propensity matching, Kaplan-Meier estimates of 4-year survival rates after surgery were 64.8% in the mechanical valve group compared with 74.7% in the nonmechanical valve group (p = 0.921). A stratified Cox model for 4-year mortality showed no difference in hazard between valve types after adjusting for the propensity score (p = 0.854). A biologic valve is a reasonable option in patients with TAAD who require AVR. Although this option avoids the potential risks of anticoagulation, long-term follow up is necessary to assess the effect of reoperations or transcatheter interventions for structural valve degeneration., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study evaluates the clinical and renal-related outcomes in patients with acute renal failure (ARF) following cardiac surgery., Methods: Index adult cardiac operations at a single institution from 2010-2018 were reviewed. Patients requiring dialysis pre-operatively were excluded. ARF was stratified as either creatinine rise (≥3-times baseline or ≥4.0 mg/dL) or post-operative dialysis. Outcomes included mortality, rates of progression to dialysis, and renal recovery. Multivariable Cox regression was used for risk-adjustment., Results: A total of 10,037 patients, including 6,275 (62.5%) isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 2,243 (22.3%) isolated valve, and 1,519 (15.1%) CABG plus valve cases, were included. Post-operative ARF occurred in 346 (3.5%) patients, with 230 (66.5%) requiring dialysis. Survival was significantly reduced in patients with ARF at 30-days (97.9 versus 70.8%, P <0.001), 1-year (94.9 versus 48.0%, P <0.001), and 5-years (86.2 versus 38.2%, P <0.001) with more profound reductions in those requiring dialysis, findings which persisted after risk-adjustment. Progression to subsequent dialysis in the creatinine rise group was rare (n = 1). The median time to dialysis initiation in the dialysis group was 5 days (IQR 2-12 days) with a median time of dialysis dependence of 72 days (IQR 38-1229 days). Of those patients requiring postoperative dialysis, 30.9% demonstrated renal recovery., Conclusions: Post-operative ARF and in particular the need for dialysis are associated with substantial reductions in survival that persist during longitudinal follow-up. This occurs despite the finding that patients experiencing creatinine rise only rarely progress to dialysis, and that nearly one-third of patients requiring post-operative dialysis recover renal function., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objectives: We sought to examine management and outcomes of (Stanford) type A aortic dissection (TAAAD) in patients aged >70 years., Methods: All patients with TAAAD enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection database (1996-2018) were studied (n = 5553). Patients were stratified by age and therapeutic strategy. Outcomes for octogenarians were compared with those for septuagenarians. Variables associated with in-hospital mortality were identified by multivariable logistic regression., Results: In-hospital mortality for all patients (all ages) was 19.7% (1167 deaths), 16.1% after surgical intervention vs 52.1% for medical management (P < 0.001). Of the study population, 1281 patients (21.6%) were aged 71-80 years and 475 (8.0%) were >80 years. Fewer octogenarians underwent surgery versus septuagenarians (68.1% vs 85.9%, P < 0.001). Overall mortality was higher for octogenarians versus septuagenarians (32.0% vs 25.6%, P = 0.008); however, surgical mortality was similar (25.1% vs 21.7%, P = 0.205). Postoperative complications were comparable between surgically managed cohorts, although reoperation for bleeding was more common in septuagenarians (8.1% vs 3.2%, P = 0.033). Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival was significantly superior after surgical repair in all age groups, including septuagenarians (57.0% vs 13.7%, P < 0.001) and octogenarians (35.5% vs 22.6%, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: When compared with septuagenarians, a smaller percentage of octogenarians undergo surgical repair for TAAAD, even though postoperative outcomes are similar. Age alone should not preclude consideration for surgery in appropriately selected patients with TAAAD., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Evolut Low Risk Trial (Medtronic Evolut Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Low Risk Patients) showed that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a supra-annular, self-expanding valve was noninferior to surgery for the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality or disabling stroke at 2 years. This finding was based on a Bayesian analysis performed after 850 patients had reached 1 year of follow-up., Objectives: The goal of this study was to report the full 2-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes for patients enrolled in the Evolut Low Risk Trial., Methods: A total of 1,414 low-surgical risk patients with severe aortic stenosis were randomized to receive TAVR or surgical AVR. An independent clinical events committee adjudicated adverse events, and a central echocardiographic core laboratory assessed hemodynamic endpoints., Results: An attempted implant was performed in 730 TAVR and 684 surgical patients from March 2016 to May 2019. The Kaplan-Meier rates for the complete 2-year primary endpoint of death or disabling stroke were 4.3% in the TAVR group and 6.3% in the surgery group (P = 0.084). These rates were comparable to the interim Bayesian rates of 5.3% with TAVR and 6.7% with surgery (difference: -1.4%; 95% Bayesian credible interval: -4.9% to 2.1%). All-cause mortality rates were 3.5% vs 4.4% (P = 0.366), and disabling stroke rates were 1.5% vs 2.7% (P = 0.119), respectively. Between years 1 and 2, there was no convergence of the primary outcome curves., Conclusions: The complete 2-year follow-up from the Evolut Low Risk Trial found that TAVR is noninferior to surgery for the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality or disabling stroke, with event rates that were slightly better than those predicted by using the Bayesian analysis. (Medtronic Evolut Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Low Risk Patients [Evolut Low Risk Trial]; NCT02701283)., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures This study was funded by Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Dr Forrest has received grant support/research contracts and consultant fees/honoraria/Speakers Bureau fees from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. Dr Deeb receives institutional research grants from Medtronic and Edwards LifeSciences; serves as a consultant and research investigator for Edwards Lifesciences; serves as a consultant and proctor for Terumo; serves as a research investigator for Gore Medical; and receives no personal remunerations. Dr Yakubov has received institutional research grants from Boston Scientific and Medtronic. Dr Rovin serves as a consultant, proctor, and speaker for Abbott and Medtronic. Dr Mumtaz serves as a consultant to and receives honoraria and research grants from Edwards Lifesciences, the Japanese Organization for Medical Device Development, Medtronic, and Z-Medical. Dr Gada is a consultant to Abbott, Bard, Edwards Lifesciences, and Medtronic. Dr O’Hair has received grant support from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic; and serves as a proctor for Medtronic. Dr Bajwa serves as a consultant and proctor for Medtronic. Dr Sorajja serves as a consultant to Abbott, Anteris, Baylis, Boston Scientific, Evolution MedVenture, Half Moon Medical, Medtronic, Neovasc, Shifamed, TriFlo, WL Gore, and vDyne; and receives institutional grants from Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. Dr Mangi has received grant support/research contracts and consultant fees/honoraria/proctoring fees and Speakers Bureau fees from Thoratec Corporation, Edwards Lifesciences, and Medtronic. Dr Kleiman has received educational and research grants from Medtronic. Dr Chetcuti serves as a proctor for, and receives grant support from Medtronic. Dr Teirstein has received research grant and honoraria from Abbott, Boston Scientific, Cordis, and Medtronic; and serves on an advisory board for Boston Scientific and Medtronic. Dr Zorn serves as a consultant for Medtronic. Dr Tadros serves as a consultant for Medtronic and Abbott. Dr Tchétché has received honoraria or consultation fees from Abbott, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, and Medtronic. Dr Resar has received proctoring fees from Medtronic. Dr Walton serves as an advisor and proctor for Medtronic. Dr Gleason serves on a medical advisory board for Abbott but receives no remuneration. Dr Ramlawi has received grants, personal fees, and nonfinancial support from Medtronic, Liva Nova, and AtriCure. Dr Iskander serves as a proctor for Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Caputo serves as a consultant for Medtronic and Cordis. Dr Oh is the Director of the Echocardiography Core Laboratory and is a consultant for Medtronic; and has received research grants from REDNVIA Co. Ltd. Dr Huang is an employee and shareholder of Medtronic, plc. Dr Reardon has received fees to his institution from Medtronic for consulting and providing educational services. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

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.

Background: Randomized clinical trials have shown that transcatheter aortic valve replacement is noninferior to surgery in low surgical risk patients. We compared outcomes in patients treated with a sutured (stented or stentless) or sutureless surgical valve from the Evolut Low Risk Trial., Methods: The Evolut Low Risk Trial enrolled patients with severe aortic stenosis and low surgical risk. Patients were randomized to self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement or surgery. Use of sutureless or sutured valves was at the surgeons' discretion., Results: Six hundred eighty patients underwent surgical aortic valve implantation (205 sutureless, 475 sutured). The Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 30-day safety composite endpoint was similar in the sutureless and sutured group (10.8% vs 11.0%, P = .93). All-cause mortality between groups was similar at 30 days (0.5% vs 1.5%, P = .28) and 1 year (3.3% vs 2.6%, P = .74). Disabling stroke was also similar at 30 days (2.0% vs 1.5%, P = .65) and 1 year (2.6% vs 2.2%, P = .76). Permanent pacemaker implantation at 30 days was significantly higher in the sutureless compared with the sutured group (14.4% vs 2.9%, P < .001). Aortic valve-related hospitalizations occurred more often at 1 year with sutureless valves (9.1% vs 5.1%, P = .04). Mean gradients 1 year after sutureless and sutured aortic valve replacement were 9.9 ± 4.2 versus 11.7 ± 4.7 mm Hg (P < .001)., Conclusions: Among low-risk patients, sutureless versus sutured valve use did not demonstrate a benefit in terms of 30-day complications and produced marginally better hemodynamics but with an increased rate of pacemaker implantation and valve-related hospitalizations., (Copyright © 2022 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Worse outcomes have been reported for women with type A acute aortic dissection (TAAD). We sought to determine sex-specific operative approaches and outcomes for TAAD in the current era., Methods: The Interventional Cohort (IVC) of the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) database was queried to explore sex differences in presentation, operative approach, and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify adjusted outcomes in relation to sex., Results: Women constituted approximately one-third (34.3%) of the 2823 patients and were significantly older than men (65.4 vs 58.6 years, P < .001). Women were more likely to present with intramural hematoma, periaortic hematoma, or complete or partial false lumen thrombosis (all P < .05) and more commonly had hypotension or coma (P = .001). Men underwent a greater proportion of Bentall, complete arch, and elephant trunk procedures (all P < .01). In-hospital mortality during the study period was higher in women (16.7% vs 13.8%, P = .039). After adjustment, female sex trended towards higher in-hospital mortality overall (odds ratio, 1.40; P = .053) but not in the last decade of enrollment (odds ratio, 0.93; P = .807). Five-year mortality and reintervention rates were not significantly different between the sexes., Conclusions: In-hospital mortality remains higher among women with TAAD but demonstrates improvement in the last decade. Significant differences in presentation were noted in women, including older age, distinct imaging findings, and greater evidence of malperfusion. Although no distinctions in 5-year mortality or reintervention were observed, a tailored surgical approach should be considered to reduce sex disparities in early mortality rates for TAAD., (Copyright © 2022 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of hospital readmissions within 30-days of discharge, on long-term postoperative outcomes. All patients who underwent cardiac surgery from 2011 - 2018 were included. Patients who had transcatheter procedures, VAD, and transplant were excluded. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity scoring was used for population risk adjustment. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify association with long-term mortality and readmission. The total risk adjusted (propensity scoring with IPTW) patient population consisted of 14,538 patients divided into those who were not readmitted in 30-days (nonreadmitted) (n = 12,627) and patients who were readmitted within 30-days (30-day readmitted) (n = 1911). Following IPTW, all baseline characteristics and postoperative complications were equivalent between cohorts (SMD <0.10). Patients who required intraoperative [OR 1.178 (1.05, 1.32); P = 0.006] and postoperative [1.32 (1.18, 1.48); P < 0.001] blood transfusions were at greater risk for 30-day readmission. Median follow-up period was 4.19 years (2.45 - 6.10). The 30-day readmission cohort had a significantly higher mortality risk during early (6 months) follow-up [HR 2.49 (2.01-3.10); P < 0.001] and late (60 months) follow-up [HR 1.30 (1.16-1.47); P < 0.001]. After risk adjustment, the 30-day readmission cohort was significantly associated with increased mortality over the study follow-up period [HR 1.62 (1.48, 1.78); P < 0.001]. 30-day readmissions were an independent predictor of subsequent long-term hospital readmission [HR 1.61 (1.50, 1.73); P < 0.001]. Patients who require 30-day readmissions following cardiac surgery are at increased risk of long-term mortality and repeat readmissions. Early postoperative hospital readmission may be a marker for worse long-term outcomes in cardiac surgery., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background Data comparing the frequency and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) after transcatheter (TAVR) to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are scarce. The objective of this study is to compare the incidence and outcomes of IE after TAVR using a supra-annular, self-expanding platform (CoreValve and Evolut) to SAVR. Methods and Results Data of 3 randomized clinical trials comparing TAVR to SAVR and a prospective continued TAVR access study were pooled. IE was defined on the basis of the modified Duke criteria. The cumulative incidence of IE was determined by modeling the cause-specific hazard. Estimates of all-cause mortality were calculated by means of the Kaplan-Meier method. Outcomes are reported for the valve-implant cohort. During a mean follow-up time of 2.17±1.51 years, 12 (0.5%) of 2249 patients undergoing TAVR and 21 (1.1%) of 1828 patients undergoing SAVR developed IE. Patients with IE more frequently had diabetes mellitus than those without (57.6% versus 34.2%; P =0.005). The cumulative incidence of IE was 1.01% (95% CI, 0.47%-1.96%) after TAVR and 1.58% (95% CI, 0.97%-2.46%) after SAVR ( P =0.047) at 5 years. Among patients with IE, the rate of all-cause mortality was 27.3% (95% CI, 1.0%-53.6%) in the TAVR and 51.8% (95% CI, 28.2%-75.3%) in the SAVR group at 1 year (log-rank P =0.15). Conclusions Pooled prospectively collected data comparing TAVR with a supra-annular, self-expanding device to SAVR showed a low cumulative risk of IE irrespective of treatment modality, although the risk was lower in the TAVR implant group. Once IE occurred, mortality was high. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT01240902, NCT01586910, NCT02701283.

Background: This study evaluated operative mortalities following adult cardiac surgical operations to determine if this metric remains appropriate for the modern era., Methods: This was a retrospective review of Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) indexed adult cardiac operations that included coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacement (AVR), CABG + AVR, mitral valve repair (MVr), CABG + MVr, mitral valve replacement (MVR) and CABG + MVR, performed at a single institution between 2011 and 2017. The primary outcome was the timing and relatedness of operation mortality, as defined by the STS as mortality within 30-day or during the index hospitalization, compared to the index operation. The secondary outcomes evaluated cause of death and the rates of postoperative complications., Results: A total of 11,190 index cardiac operations were performed during the study period and operative mortality occurred in 246 (2.2%) of patients. The distribution of operative mortalities included 83.7% (n=206) who expired within 30-day while an inpatient, 6.9% (n=17) died within 30-day as an outpatient, 11.2% (n=23) expired after 30-day. The most common causes of operative mortality were cardiac (38.7%, n=92), renal failure (15.6%, n=37), and strokes (13.9%, n=33). Furthermore, 98.4% (n=242) of deaths were attributable to the index operation. Postoperative complications occurred frequently in those with operative mortality, with blood transfusions (80.1%), reoperations (65.0%) and prolonged ventilation (62.2%) being most common., Conclusions: Most of the operative mortalities seemed to be attributable to the index cardiac operation. We believe that the current definition of mortality remains appropriate in the modern era., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd-20-2213). TGG reports that he is on the Medical Advisory Board at Abbott, but this does not pose a potential conflicts of interest. AK reports that he is on the Medical Advisory Board at Medtronic, but this does not pose a potential conflicts of interest. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2021 Journal of Thoracic Disease. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cerebral malperfusion and carotid artery dissection in patients with acute type A aortic dissections (TAAD) carry high morbidity and mortality. There are limited data on outcomes of concomitant carotid artery replacement with total arch replacement in the setting of TAAD., Methods: All patients with acute TAAD who underwent a total arch replacement between 2007 and 2018 were included. Data were retrospectively collected from a prospectively maintained database. Baselines variables were compared, and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for long-term survival. Cox multivariable regression analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality., Results: A total of 161 patients underwent total arch replacement for acute TAAD. Of these, 111 underwent conventional total arch reconstruction, and 50 had a concomitant carotid artery replacement. Baseline characteristics were similar between both cohorts apart from the carotid replacement cohort having a higher rate of preoperative cerebral malperfusion (48% vs 10.81%, P < .01) and preoperative stroke (28% vs 11.71%, P = .02). There was no difference in (operative) 30-day mortality between the carotid replacement and conventional total arch replacement groups (22% vs 18.9%, P = .81), 1-year mortality (28% vs 27.9%, P = .99), or 5-year mortality (32% vs 29.7%, P = .917). Postoperative stroke was 0% vs 4.5% (P = .301) for the carotid vs conventional total arch replacement cohort., Conclusions: Concomitant carotid artery replacement is a feasible and safe technique to address perioperative cerebral malperfusion, carotid dissection, and neurologic dysfunction associated with carotid artery dissection, with no difference in long-term survival or postoperative stroke when compared with conventional total arch replacement., (Copyright © 2021 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: An increasing body of evidence suggests that packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality after transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement. It remains unclear whether PRBC transfusion is a surrogate marker or truly an independent risk factor for mortality after aortic valve replacement in different populations., Methods: The Surgical Replacement and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (SURTAVI) trial randomized 1660 patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis at intermediate risk for operative death to transcatheter aortic valve replacement or surgical aortic valve replacement. Baseline characteristics and outcomes including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality at 30 days and thereafter were compared between participants with and participants without PRBC transfusion. Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates were fitted to estimate the effect of PRBC transfusion on mortality after adjustment for comorbidities and procedural complications., Results: Patients receiving PRBC were older, more commonly female and frail, with more comorbidities. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality baseline score was higher in the transfused group. After adjustment for these differences, PRBC transfusion was associated with mortality at 30 days, but not thereafter. The effect of PRBC on mortality (hazard ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.11; P = .304) at 30 days was not independent of procedural complications (hazard ratio 21.04; 95% CI, 7.26 to 60.95; P < .001)., Conclusions: Poor health status, procedural complications, PRBC transfusion, and mortality are correlated with each other. Transfusion of PRBC did not independently increase risk for mortality. In this intermediate-risk population, transfusion appears to be a risk marker of chronic conditions and periprocedural complications as opposed to a risk factor for postprocedural mortality. (Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01586910.)., (Copyright © 2021 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)