Six years of continuous mechanical circulatory support following chronic graft failure.

Re-transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with chronic heart transplant failure. If re-transplantation is not a viable option due to the patient's comorbidities, left ventricle assist device can be used as the destination treatment. An interdisciplinary approach with thorough follow-up can help in the early detection and treatment of complications associated with LVAD.

Long-term outcomes of total arch replacement versus proximal aortic replacement in acute type A aortic dissection: Meta-analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived individual patient data.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of a conservative approach (with proximal aortic replacement with or without hemiarch replacement) versus an aggressive approach (with total aortic arch replacement) in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). METHODS: We performed a pooled analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived individual patient data from studies with follow-up comparing the aforementioned approaches to treat patients with ATAAD. RESULTS: Eighteen studies met our eligibility criteria, comprising 5243 patients with follow-up (Conservative: 3676 patients; Aggressive: 1567 patients). We observed a statistically significant difference in overall survival favoring the aggressive approach (hazard ratios [HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.98, p = .022), but no statistically significant difference in the risk of reoperation (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.66-1.2, p = .439) in the overall follow-up. Landmark analyses revealed that, in the first 3 months after the procedure, mortality rates were comparable between conservative and aggressive approaches (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.88-1.24, p = .627), but the results beyond 3 months showed improved survival in patients undergoing the aggressive surgical procedure (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.85, p < .001). The landmark analyses also revealed that, in the first 7 years after the procedure, reoperation rates were comparable between the approaches (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.76-1.40, p = .848), but the results beyond 7 years showed a lower risk of reoperation in patients undergoing the aggressive surgical procedure (HR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.75, p = .025). CONCLUSION: The aggressive approach seems to confer better long-term survival and lower risk of the need for reoperation in the follow-up of patients treated for ATAAD.

State of the Art Review: Surgical Treatment of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening event that requires immediate surgical treatment. Improvements in surgical treatment, graft technology, organ protection and imaging techniques have led to improved clinical outcomes. Individualized treatment concepts have emerged based on more advanced planning tools that allow for a tailored approach even in complex situations such as multi-level malperfusion. This review provides an overview of the current surgical treatment of ATAAD, focusing on new disease classifications, preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) assessment, new prosthesis and stent technologies, and organ-protection strategies.

Minimally invasive surgical aortic valve replacement: The RALT approach.

Less-invasive techniques for cardiothoracic surgical procedures are designed to limit surgical trauma, but the technical requirements and preoperative planning are more demanding than those for conventional sternotomy. Patient selection, interdisciplinary collaboration, and surgical skills are key factors for procedural success. Aortic valve replacement is frequently performed through an upper hemisternotomy, but the right anterior minithoracotomy represents an even less traumatic, technical advancement. Preoperative assessment of the ascending aorta in relation to the sternum is mandatory to select patients and the intercostal access site. This description of the surgical technique focuses on the specific procedural details including the obligatory planning with computed tomography and our cannulation strategy. We also sought to define the anatomical ascending aorta-sternal relationship, as it is of utmost importance in preoperative computed tomographic planning.

New Hybrid Prosthesis for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a surgical emergency with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The treatment of ATAAD is highly individualized and mainly depends on anatomical and technical factors. Great efforts to reduce the time to diagnosis and technological innovations have led to improved surgical results with a lower rate of dissection-related reoperations during long-term follow up. The aim of this article is to introduce a novel hybrid device for the treatment of DeBakey I acute aortic dissection. CONCEPT: A non-covered hybrid stent from Ascyrus Medical (Boca Raton, FL, USA) aims to improve the current standard of care, without increasing technical complexity or device-related complications. The AMDS (Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent) prolongs the hemiarch operation by only a few minutes, does not need endovascular skills to be deployed, and provides an anatomical and "haemodynamic" correction. The device is intended to reduce perfusion of the false lumen by sealing the distal anastomosis, and to restore distal perfusion of the true lumen. Obliteration of the false lumen at the distal anastomosis is likely to reduce aortic enlargement and the need for reoperations, mainly driven by a low-flow state and pressure reduction, which promote thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: The AMDS provides a new concept to treat acute aortic dissection by moving the focus from resecting the dissected tissue to restoring adequate true-lumen flow and sealing the false lumen at the distal anastomosis. With a high rate of procedural success, AMDS represents a safe, reproducible and promising solution to treat DeBakey I aortic dissections.

Modelling years of life lost due to acute type A aortic dissection in the German healthcare setting: a predictive study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop a patient-centred approach to the burden of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) through modelling. The main objective was to identify potential improvements in managing this life-threatening cardiovascular condition and to provide evidence-based recommendations to optimise outcomes. DESIGN: We developed a predictive model along patient pathways to estimate the burden of ATAAD through the years of life lost (YLLs) metric. The model was created based on a systematic review of the literature and was parameterised using demographic data from the German healthcare environment. The model was designed to allow interactive simulation of different scenarios resulting from changes in key impact factors. SETTING: The study was conducted using data from the German healthcare environment and results from the literature review. PARTICIPANTS: The study included a comprehensive modelling of ATAAD cases in Germany but did not directly involve participants. INTERVENTIONS: There were no specific interventions applied in this study based on the modelling design. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The single outcome measure was the estimation of YLL due to ATAAD in Germany. RESULTS: Our model estimated 102 791 YLL per year for ATAAD in Germany, with 62 432 and 40 359 YLL for men and women, respectively. Modelling an improved care setting yielded 93 191 YLL or 9.3% less YLL compared with the current standard while a worst-case scenario resulted in 113 023 or 10.0% more YLL. The model is accessible at https://acuteaorticdissection.com/ to estimate custom scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides an evidence-based approach to estimating the burden of ATAAD and identifying potential improvements in the management of pathways. This approach can be used by healthcare decision-makers to inform policy changes aimed at optimising patient outcomes. By considering patient-centred approaches in any healthcare environment, the model has the potential to improve efficient care for patients suffering from ATAAD.

Transportation model for acute aortic dissection: implications for reduced treatment centres.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to model the effects of a reduced number of treatment centres for acute type A aortic dissection on preclinical transportation distance and time. We examined whether treatment in selected centres in Germany would be implementable with respect to time to treatment. METHODS: For our transportation model, the number of aortic dissections and respective mean annual volume were collected from the annual quality reports (2015-2017) of all German cardiac surgery centres (n = 76). For each German postal code, the fastest and shortest routes to the nearest centre were calculated using Google Maps. Furthermore, we analysed data from the German Federal Statistical Office from January 2005 to December 2015 to identify all surgically treated patients with acute type A aortic dissection (n = 14 102) and examined the relationship between in-hospital mortality and mean annual volume of medical centres. RESULTS: Our simulation showed a median transportation distance of 27.13 km and transportation time of 35.78 min for 76 centres. Doubling the transportation time (70 min) would allow providing appropriate care with only 12 medical centres. Therefore, a mean annual volume of >25 should be obtained. High mean annual volume was associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates (P < 0.001). A significantly lower mortality rate of 14% was observed (P < 0.001) if a mean annual volume of 30 was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Operationalizing the volume-outcome relationship with fewer but larger medical centres results in lower mortality, which outweighs the disadvantage of longer transportation time.

The role of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting in acute type A aortic dissection complicated by coronary malperfusion.

OBJECTIVES: Managing acute type A aortic dissection with coronary malperfusion is challenging. This study outlines our revascularization strategy for these patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection with coronary malperfusion and aortic root involvement from January 2000 to December 2021 were included. Patients were classified using the Neri classification for coronary dissection, including a novel 'Neri -' class (no coronary dissection). Patients undergoing revascularization either as a planned or as a bailout strategy due to persisting low cardiac output were compared additionally. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 195 patients: 43 (22%) Neri -, 43 (22%) Neri A, 74 (38%) Neri B and 35 (18%) Neri C. Aortic root replacement was mainly performed in 25 Neri C patients (71%; P < 0.001). Concomitant bypass surgery was performed in 4 (9%) of Neri -, 5 (12%) of Neri A, 21 (28%) of Neri B and 32 (91%) of Neri C patients (P < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was 42% with 21 (49%) Neri -, 12 (28%) Neri A, 30 (41%) Neri B and 19 (54%) Neri C patients (P = 0.087). Bailout revascularization was primarily performed in 11 Neri B patients (69%; P = 0.001) and associated with a higher 30-day mortality of 81% compared to 48% for planned revascularization (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative outcomes in case of coronary malperfusion are poor, irrespective of the anatomic dissection pattern. The decision for concomitant bypass surgery is crucial but may be considered in Neri C patients combined with aortic root replacement. Bailout revascularization was most common in Neri B and showed dismal outcome.

Patterns in acute aortic dissection and a connection to meteorological conditions in Germany.

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a dramatic emergency exhibiting a mortality of 50% within the first 48 hours if not operated. This study found an absolute value of cosine-like seasonal variation pattern for Germany with significantly fewer ATAAD events (Wilcoxon test) for the warm months of June, July, and August from 2005 to 2015. Many studies suspect a connection between ATAAD events and weather conditions. Using ERA5 reanalysis data and an objective weather type classification in a contingency table approach showed that for Germany, significantly more ATAAD events occurred during lower temperatures (by about 4.8 K), lower water vapor pressure (by about 2.6 hPa), and prevailing wind patterns from the northeast. In addition, we used data from a classification scheme for human-biometeorological weather conditions which was not used before in ATAAD studies. For the German region of Berlin and Brandenburg, for 2006 to 2019, the proportion of days with ATAAD events during weather conditions favoring hypertension (cold air advection, in the center of a cyclone, conditions with cold stress or thermal comfort) was significantly increased by 13% (Chi-squared test for difference of proportions). In contrast, the proportion was decreased by 19% for conditions associated with a higher risk for patients with hypotension and therefore a lower risk for patients with hypertension (warm air advection ahead of warm fronts, conditions with no thermal stress or heat stress, in the center of a cyclone with thermal stress). As many studies have shown that hypertension is a risk factor for ATAAD, our findings support the hypothesized relation between ATAAD and hypertension-favoring weather conditions.

The impact of onset-to-cut time in surgery for stable acute type A aortic dissection-a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of onset-to-cut time on mortality in patients undergoing surgery for stable acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection between January 2006 and December 2021 and available onset-to-cut times were included. Patients with unstable aortic dissection (preoperative shock, intubation, resuscitation, coma, pericardial tamponade and local/systemic malperfusion syndromes) were excluded. After descriptive analysis, a multivariable binary logistic regression for 30-day mortality was performed. A receiver operating characteristic curve for onset-to-cut time and 30-day mortality was calculated. Restricted cubic splines were designed to investigate the association between onset-to-cut time and survival. RESULTS: The final cohort comprised 362 patients. The median onset-to-cut time was 543 (376-1155) min. The 30-day mortality was 9%. Only previous myocardial infarction (P = 0.018) and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (P < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. The corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed a value of 0.49. Restricted cubic splines did not indicate an association between onset-to-cut time and survival (P = 0.316). CONCLUSIONS: Onset-to-cut time in the setting of stable acute type A aortic dissection does not seem to be a valid predictor of 30-day mortality in patients undergoing surgery and stayed stable during the preoperative course.

Analysis of factors affecting outcome in acute type A aortic dissection complicated by preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) aggravates the pre-existing dismal prognosis of patients suffering from acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). We aimed to identify factors affecting survival and outcome in ATAAD patients requiring CPR at presentation at 2 European aortic centres. METHODS: Data on 112 surgical candidates and undergoing preoperative CPR were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to 30-day mortality. A multivariable model identified predictors for 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Preoperative death occurred in 23 patients (20.5%). In the remaining 89 surgical patients (79.5%) circulatory arrest time (41 ± 20 min in 30-day non-survivors vs 30 ± 13 min in 30-day survivor, P = 0.003) as well as cardiopulmonary bypass time (320 ± 132 min in 30-day non-survivors vs 252 ± 140 min in 30-day survivor, P = 0.020) time was significantly longer in patients with worse outcome. Thirty-day mortality of the total cohort was 61.6% (n = 69) with cardiac failure in 48% and aortic rupture or haemorrhagic shock (28%) as predominant reasons of death. Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.09, P = 0.034], preoperative coronary (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.34-9.26, p = 0.012) and spinal malperfusion (OR 12.49, 95% CI 1.83-225.02, P = 0.028) emerged as independent predictors for 30-day mortality while CPR due to tamponade was associated with improved early survival (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.091-0.81, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of underlying cause for CPR is mandatory. Pericardial tamponade, rapidly resolved with pericardial drainage, is a predictor for improved survival, while age and presence of coronary and spinal malperfusion are associated with dismal outcome in this high-risk patient group.

[Recommendations for the specialist further training of nursing personnel on intensive care units in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms: results of a modified Delphi procedure with experts]. / Empfehlungen zur Fachweiterbildung von Pflegefachpersonen der Intensivstation bei der Behandlung des Bauchaortenaneurysmas: Ergebnisse eines modifizierten Delphi-Verfahrens mit Expert:innen.

INTRODUCTION: The medical development in the previous 15 years and the changes in treatment reality of the comprehensive elective treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms necessitate a re-evaluation of the quality assurance guidelines of the Federal Joint Committee in Germany (QBAA-RL). In the current version this requires a specialist further training quota for nursing personnel in intensive care wards of 50%. The quota was determined in 2008 based on expert opinions, although a direct empirical evidence base for this does not exist. METHODS: Representatives from the fields of patient representation, physicians, nursing personnel and other relevant interface areas were invited to participate in a modified Delphi procedure. Following a comprehensive narrative literature search, a survey and focus group discussions with national and international experts, a total of three anonymized online-based voting rounds were carried out for which previously determined key statements were assessed with a 4­point Likert scale (totally disagree up to totally agree). In addition, the expert panel had also defined a recommendation for a minimum quota for the specialist training of nursing personnel on intensive care wards in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, whereby an a priori agreement of 80% of the participants was defined as the consensus limit. RESULTS: Overall, 37 experts participated in the discussions and three successive voting rounds (participation rate 89%). The panel confirmed the necessity of a re-evaluation of the guideline recommendations and recommended the introduction of a shift-related minimum quota of 30% of the full-time equivalent of nursing personnel on intensive care wards and the introduction of structured promotional programs for long-term elevation of the quota. CONCLUSION: In this national Delphi procedure with medical and nursing experts as well as representatives of patients, the fundamental benefits and needs of professional specialist qualifications in the field of intensive care medicine were confirmed. The corresponding minimum quota for specialist further training of intensive care nursing personnel should generally apply without limitations to specific groups. The expert panel stipulates a shift-related minimum quota for intensive care nursing personnel with specialist training of 30% of the nursing personnel on intensive care wards and the obligatory introduction of structured and transparent promotion programs for the long-term enhancement.

Perioperative hemostatic management of patients with type A aortic dissection.

Coagulopathy is common in patients undergoing thoracic aortic repair for Stanford type A aortic dissection. Non-critical administration of blood products may adversely affect the outcome. It is therefore important to be familiar with the pathologic conditions that lead to coagulopathy in complex cardiac surgery. Adequate care of these patients includes the collection of the medical history regarding the use of antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs, and a sophisticated diagnosis of the coagulopathy with viscoelastic testing and subsequently adapted coagulation therapy with labile and stable blood products. In addition to the above-mentioned measures, intraoperative blood conservation measures as well as good interdisciplinary coordination and communication contribute to a successful hemostatic management strategy.

The impact of malperfusion patterns in elderly patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the outcome of elderly patients with surgically treated acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) complicated by malperfusion. METHODS: Patients ≥70 years old who underwent surgical treatment for ATAAD between January 2000 and December 2020 were enrolled in this study and stratified by their specific Penn Classification into 4 different subgroups, where Penn Abc was defined as multilevel malperfusion. Short- and long-term outcomes were investigated. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Four hundred elderly patients underwent surgical treatment for ATAAD. A total of 204 (51%) patients had no evidence of malperfusion (Penn Aa), 106 (26.5%) had localized organic malperfusion (Penn Ab), 44 (11%) patients had systemic malperfusion (Penn Ac) and 46 (11.5%) suffered from multilevel malperfusion (Penn Abc). For the latter, in-hospital mortality was 70% (P < 0.001). Age (P < 0.006) and multilevel malperfusion (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for 1-year mortality. Patients with multilevel malperfusion showed the worst 1-year survival (P < 0.001). In the case of Penn Aa, in-hospital mortality was 13% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery may lead to satisfactory results in the absence of malperfusion, even in octogenarians. Elderly patients with multilevel malperfusion show very poor surgical outcome. In these patients, the decision for surgery should be taken with caution. Operation, if performed, should be carried out by experienced teams only.

Cerebral Protection Strategies and Stroke in Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative stroke remains a devastating complication in the operative treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. To reduce the risk of perioperative stroke, different perfusion techniques can be applied. A consensus on the preferred cerebral protection strategy does not exist. METHODS: To provide an overview about the different cerebral protection strategies, literature research on Medline/PubMed was performed. All available original articles reporting on cerebral protection in surgery for acute type A aortic dissection and neurologic outcomes since 2010 were included. RESULTS: Antegrade and retrograde cerebral perfusion may provide similar neurological outcomes while outperforming deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The choice of arterial cannulation site and chosen level of hypothermia are influencing factors for perioperative stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is not recommended as the sole cerebral protection technique. Antegrade and retrograde cerebral perfusion are today's standard to provide cerebral protection during aortic surgery. Bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion potentially leads to superior outcomes during prolonged circulatory arrest times between 30 and 50 min. Arterial cannulation sites with antegrade perfusion (axillary, central or carotid artery) in combination with moderate hypothermia seem to be advantageous. Every concept should be complemented by adequate intraoperative neuromonitoring.

Matched comparison of 3 cerebral perfusion strategies in open zone-0 anastomosis for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to investigate outcomes after the surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection in regard to three available selective cerebral perfusion strategies. METHODS: From 2000 to 2019, patients were selected based on the employment of either retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP), unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (uACP) or bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (bACP) during open zone-0 anastomosis. Propensity score TriMatch analysis considering several preoperative and intraoperative variables was used to identify well-balanced triplets. The primary end point of the study was a new cerebral operation-related neurologic deficit. RESULTS: Operative times (operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, reperfusion time) were significantly longer in the RCP group, in which deeper hypothermia was applied (27.5 [24-28], 28 [26-28] and 16 [16-17]°C for uACP, bACP and RCP, respectively, P-value <0.001). The RCP group showed higher red blood cell concentrates and fresh frozen plasma transfusion rates. No significant difference of new cerebral operation-related neurologic deficit was observed between the 3 groups (12.9% vs 12.9% vs 11.3% for RCP, uACP and bACP, P-value = 0.86). In addition, 30-day mortality showed similar distribution independently of the cerebral perfusion strategy adopted (17.7% vs 14.5% vs 17.7% for RCP, uACP and bACP, P-value = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: However, based on a small sample size, the comparison showed no relevant differences in terms of neurologic outcome and 30-day mortality, confirming RCP, uACP and bACP as safe and reproducible selective cerebral perfusion strategies in surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

The arch remodelling stent for DeBakey I acute aortic dissection: experience with 100 implantations.

OBJECTIVES: A novel hybrid non-covered stent was developed to treat malperfusion and prevent aneurysm formation following hemiarch procedure for DeBakey I acute aortic dissection (AAD). The present analysis investigates the performance of the device in 100 consecutive implantations. METHODS: Between 2018 and 2021, 100 patients underwent surgical repair of DeBakey I AAD with implantation of a non-covered stent in the arch and descending aorta. The primary entry tear was located in the root or the ascending aorta. Clinical and imaging data were collected and analysed retrospectively. The endpoints of the study were 30-day mortality, neurological outcome and need of additional procedures due to postoperative malperfusion. Technical success was assessed in the first postoperative computed tomography in regard to the induction of false lumen thrombosis in the descending aorta. RESULTS: The median age was 61 (54-73) years. Preoperative malperfusion was present in 46 (46%) patients. The primary arterial cannulation strategy was the right axillary artery and an open distal anastomosis was performed in a median caudal circulatory arrest of 40 (34-52) min. In 48% of cases, a 55-40 tapered stent was implanted. The 30-day mortality was 18%, and the operation-related new postoperative neurological deficit was present in 8%. Technical success was achieved in 76% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The novel non-covered stent can be safely applied to complement aortic repair with the hemiarch procedure for DeBakey I AAD. The expansion of the true lumen through the device may prevent postoperative malperfusion and induces positive vascular remodelling with the thrombosis of the false lumen.

Validation of a novel risk score to predict mortality after surgery for acute type A dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to externally validate a lab-based risk score (lactate, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase or bilirubin) by Ghoreishi et al. to predict perioperative mortality in patients undergoing surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: The risk score to predict operative mortality was applied to a large and homogenous validation cohort that consisted of 632 patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in 2 centres. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine the impact on survival. Receiver operating characteristics with deduced area under the curve were used to assess the ability to predict perioperative mortality. RESULTS: A total of 632 patients (54% male, mean age 62 ± 14 years) were assigned to 3 different risk groups according to the calculated mortality score [low risk <7 (31.2%), moderate risk 7-20 (36.1%) and high >20 (32.7%)]. Perioperative mortality was 8% in the low-risk group, 10% in the moderate-risk group and 24% in the high-risk group (P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of this new score revealed an area under the curve of 0.69 with adequate calibration. In addition, multivariable analysis revealed an independet assocation with perioperative mortality (odds ratio 1.509; 95% confidence interval 1.042-2.185). While overall survival differed between the risk groups (P < 0.0001), the score does not serve as an independent predictor of long-term mortality when adjusted for relevant covariates. CONCLUSIONS: The external validation process confirmed that a newly proposed risk score offers clinicians a helpful and reliable tool to improve the preoperative risk assessment of acute type A aortic dissection patients based on easily accessible and broadly available laboratory parameters.

Initial experience with the new type A arch dissection stent: restoration of supra-aortic vessel perfusion.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present study is to investigate changes in supra-aortic vessel perfusion after implantation of the non-covered Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS) for surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: From 2017 to 2020, 16 consecutive patients treated with AMDS and involvement (dissection to total occlusion) of at least 1 supra-aortic vessel were included in the study. Centre-line based computed tomography measurements of true, false and total lumen area using Terarecon software were performed before and after surgery. Changes in the true lumen area were indexed to the entire vessel area. The paired sample t-test was used to assess the significance of the observed differences. RESULTS: Analysis of supra-aortic vessels and the descending aorta showed significant improvement in true lumen perfusion after the AMDS was implanted. The indexed true lumen area increased postoperatively by 72%, 112% and 30% in the innominate, right and left common carotid arteries, respectively. Total occlusions of both common carotid arteries recovered completely after surgical treatment. The proximal- and the mid-descending aorta showed a 78% and 48% improvement of the indexed true lumen area, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Arch repair using AMDS shows promising results in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. Quantitative measurements of true and false lumen perfusion demonstrated a significant increase in true lumen area and a 100% regression of totally occluded supra-aortic branches. Further examination in a larger cohort of patients and comparison with isolated hemiarch repair are needed to confirm positive vascular remodelling after an AMDS implant.