Applicability of the Zenith Inner Branched Arch Endograft.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and anatomical features of patients with arch pathology to better understand the applicability of the Zenith inner branched arch endograft (IBAE). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 60 consecutive patients (mean age 62.5 years; 42 men) who presented with nonruptured aortic arch pathology at a single institution between 2009 and 2016. Patients were stratified into standard (no previous cardiac surgery, <80 years old, and no significant medical comorbidity), high (previous cardiac surgery or significant comorbidity), or prohibitive risk (turned down for operative intervention) for operative intervention. Anatomical measurements of the aorta were obtained on computed tomography scans; anatomical suitability was based on the device's instructions for use. Results: Overall, 27 (45%) patients had anatomy amenable to treatment with the existing IBAE. Inadequate proximal seal length and large ascending aortic diameters were the primary reasons for anatomical unsuitability. Shortening the inner curve seal zone from 25 to 15 mm and increasing the proximal seal zone diameter from 38 to 42 mm increased anatomical suitability to include 49 (82%) patients. Of these, 31 were in the high-risk cohort and 7 were deemed prohibitive risk; therefore, IBAE would have been strongly considered in these 38 patients. Conclusion: Based on anatomical criteria alone, nearly half of patients with aortic arch pathology have anatomy suitable to the Zenith IBAE in its current design. Arch branch vessel anatomy was not a limitation of the device. From a clinical standpoint, if endovascular repair were reserved for those at high or prohibitive risk for open repair, approximately 30% of patients would likely benefit from the IBAE in its current form.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: a review of a multicenter database.

AIM: We chose to evaluate the survival of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation among patients with human immunodeficiency virus in a multicenter registry. METHODS: Retrospective case review of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry respiratory failure of all patients with human immunodeficiency virus supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were included. Survival to discharge was 36%. Eight infants were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and three (37.5%) survived to discharge. Respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was the primary indication (78%) with a 39% survival, while cardiac and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation indications accounted for 16% and 6% of patients with survivals of 30% and 12.5%, respectively. These differences did not reach significance. There were no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in demographic data, but non-survivors had significantly more non-human immunodeficiency virus pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation infections than survivors. There were no differences in other pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation supportive therapies, mechanical ventilator settings, or arterial blood gas results between survivors and non-survivors. The median duration of mechanical ventilation prior to cannulation was 52 (interquartile range: 13-140) hours, while the median duration of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation exposure was 237 (interquartile range: 125-622) hours. Ventilator settings were significantly lower after 24 hours compared to pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation settings. Complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation exposure including receipt of renal replacement therapy, inotropic infusions, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were more common among non-survivors compared to survivors. Central nervous system complications were rare. CONCLUSION: Survival among patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection who receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was less than 40%. Infections before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation occurred more often in non-survivors. The receipt of renal replacement therapy, inotropic infusions, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was associated with worse outcome.

Gender Disparity in Referral for Definitive Care of Malignant Pleural Effusions.

BACKGROUND: Gender disparities exist in cancer care. Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) carry a poor prognosis and are managed by different physicians. This study sought to evaluate referral patterns and gender differences for definitive treatment and outcomes of MPE patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with MPE from 1999 to 2015 at a quaternary care hospital were retrospectively reviewed to obtain patient history, referral to thoracic surgery for definitive management, and outcomes. Analysis was performed using chi-squared/Fisher's exact test, logistic regression models, and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 224/686 patients (32.7%) were referred to thoracic surgery. No survival difference existed between referral and nonreferral groups or referred patients who received or did not receive pleurodesis. 405 patients (59.0%) were women. Women were statistically significantly less likely to be referred than men (27.9% versus 39.5%, P = 0.0014). This disparity persisted when comorbidities were controlled for (P = 0.0004) and when gynecologic cancers (e.g., uterine, ovarian, but not including breast; 55 female patients) were excluded from analysis (28.9% versus 39.5%, P = 0.0049). Women had statistically significantly more thoracenteses (3.34 versus 2.19, P < 0.0001) and improved survival compared with males (median survival = 136 d versus 54; P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Gender disparity exists in referral patterns for definitive management of MPE; women are less likely to be referred than men. Women have longer survival and a greater number of thoracenteses performed, despite a lower referral rate for definitive care. Further research is needed to understand the differences in referral rates and outcomes between men and women.

Venovenous extracorporeal life support in patients with HIV infection and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.

AIM: As experience with extracorporeal life support (ECLS) increases, indications for its use have expanded to diverse patient populations, including those with HIV infection. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a particularly devastating complication of HIV infections. The objective of this study was to review ECLS use in HIV-positive patients, with particular emphasis on those with concomitant PJP infection. METHODS: All patients were treated by the same ECLS team, consisting of an ECLS specialist intensivist, cardiothoracic surgeon and allied medical professionals at three healthcare institutions. The same ECLS protocol was utilized for all patients during the study period. A retrospective review was performed for all HIV-positive patients placed on ECLS from May 2011 to October 2014. Demographic, clinical, ECLS and complication data were reviewed to identify risk factors for death. RESULTS: A total of 22 HIV-positive patients received ECLS therapy during the study period. All patients were supported with venovenous ECLS and overall survival to hospital discharge was 68%. Survival amongst the PJP positive cohort was 60%. Non-survivors were more likely to require inotropic medications on ECLS (100% non-survivors vs. 46.7% survivors, p=0.022) and had a longer total duration of ECLS (13 days non-survivors vs. 7 days survivors, p=0.011). No difference was observed between PJP-positive and PJP-negative patients with regard to demographic data, complication rates or survival. CONCLUSION: ECLS is a viable treatment option in carefully selected HIV-positive patients, including those with severe disease as manifested by PJP infection.

Early Cardiac Catheterization Leads to Shortened Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Run Duration.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac catheterization in patients receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has previously been shown to be safe and, in many cases, therapeutic. However, the influence of cardiac catheterization on clinical outcomes in this patient population has not been clearly defined. METHODS: A single institution, retrospective review of all pediatric cardiac ECLS patients who underwent cardiac catheterization between January 2006 and September 2015 was performed. RESULTS: Eighty-two interventional cardiac catheterization procedures were performed on 74 patients. Catheterization findings directly led to catheterization-based or surgical intervention in 54 (73%) patients. One (1.2%) catheterization-related complication occurred (pulmonary artery rupture), which ultimately resulted in death. Patients who underwent early catheterization (≤72 hours of ECLS initiation) required shorter total duration of ECLS than patients who underwent catheterization >72 hours after ECLS initiation (136 hours vs. 227 hours, P < 0.01). The groups experienced similar rates of interventions based on catheterization findings (72% early cath vs. 74% late cath, P = 0.81). Survival to hospital discharge was higher in the early catheterization group (74% vs. 51%, P = 0.04). In multivariate models adjusting for covariates, early catheterization was associated with a reduction in ECLS duration by approximately 150 hours (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac catheterization is safe in pediatric ECLS patients and an earlier catheterization is associated with shorter duration of ECLS and improved hospital survival. Diagnostic cardiac catheterization should be considered in patients who remain dependent on ECLS after several days of support.

Angiogenic Gene Therapy for Refractory Angina: Results of the EXACT Phase 2 Trial.

BACKGROUND: XC001 is a novel adenoviral-5 vector designed to express multiple isoforms of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and more safely and potently induce angiogenesis. The EXACT trial (Epicardial Delivery of XC001 Gene Therapy for Refractory Angina Coronary Treatment) assessed the safety and preliminary efficacy of XC001 in patients with no option refractory angina. METHODS: In this single-arm, multicenter, open-label trial, 32 patients with no option refractory angina received a single treatment of XC001 (1×1011 viral particles) via transepicardial delivery. RESULTS: There were no severe adverse events attributed to the study drug. Twenty expected severe adverse events in 13 patients were related to the surgical procedure. Total exercise duration increased from a mean±SD of 359.9±105.55 seconds at baseline to 448.2±168.45 (3 months), 449.2±175.9 (6 months), and 477.6±174.7 (12 months; +88.3 [95% CI, 37.1-139.5], +84.5 [95% CI, 34.1-134.9], and +115.5 [95% CI, 59.1-171.9]). Total myocardial perfusion deficit on positron emission tomography imaging decreased by 10.2% (95% CI, -3.1% to 23.5%), 14.3% (95% CI, 2.8%-25.7%), and 10.2% (95% CI, -0.8% to -21.2%). Angina frequency decreased from a mean±SD 12.2±12.5 episodes to 5.2±7.2 (3 months), 5.1±7.8 (6 months), and 2.7±4.8 (12 months), with an average decrease of 7.7 (95% CI, 4.1-11.3), 6.6 (95% CI, 3.5-9.7), and 8.8 (4.6-13.0) episodes at 3, 6, and 12 months. Angina class improved in 81% of participants at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: XC001 administered via transepicardial delivery is safe and generally well tolerated. Exploratory improvements in total exercise duration, ischemic burden, and subjective measures support a biologic effect sustained to 12 months, warranting further investigation. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04125732.

Dissemination and implementation analysis of the Ross procedure in adults: time to update the guidelines?

Background: The science of dissemination and implementation (D&I) aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of care by addressing the challenges of incorporating research and evidence-based practice into routine clinical practice. This lens of D&I has challenged the interpretation and incorporation of data, noting that failure of a given therapy may not reflect lack of efficacy, but instead reflect an imperfect implementation. The aim of this manuscript is to review the influence of the Ross procedure's historical context on its D&I. Methods: A contextual baseline of the Ross procedure was defined from the procedure's original description in the literature to major publications since the 2017 valvular heart disease guidelines. D&I evaluation was conducted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), using constructs from each of the five respective domains to define the main determinants. Results: Each of the five CFIR domains appears to be correlated with a factor influencing the Ross procedure's varied history of enthusiasm and acceptance. The complex nature of Ross required adaptation for optimization, with a strong correlation of center volume on outcomes that were not considered in non-contemporary studies. Outcomes later published from those studies influenced social and cultural contexts within the aortic surgery community, and led to further organizational uncertainty, resulting in slow guideline incorporation. Conclusions: The D&I of the Ross procedure was a result of inadequate appreciation of technical complexity, effect of patient selection, and complex aortic surgery experience, resulting in dismissal of an efficacious procedure due to a misunderstanding of effectiveness.

Operative repair of right intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms in patients with genetic arteriopathy.

True intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms (SCAAs) are rare and have various etiologies. Right intrathoracic SCAAs pose specific anatomic challenges to repair. We present three different operative approaches, open, endovascular, and hybrid repair, for the repair of a right intrathoracic SCAA in three patients with genetic arteriopathy: Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and unspecified Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, respectively. These cases demonstrate an individualized operative approach based on the genetic diagnosis for each patient presenting with a right intrathoracic SCAA.

A multidisciplinary multistage complete mega aorta replacement and utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.

A 49-year-old woman underwent a 11-month multistage complete replacement of a mega aorta. Replacement stages included ascending aorta and arch replacement in conjunction with a frozen elephant trunk thoracic endovascular aortic repair, extension of thoracic endovascular aortic repair to zone 5, and open repair of the thoracoabdominal aneurysm with the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for circulatory support. This case illustrates the complexity of repairing a mega aorta, the multidisciplinary care and staging needed for repair, and the use of peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for circulatory perfusion during thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.

Does valve size impact hemodynamic, left ventricular mass regression, and prosthetic valve deterioration with a sutureless aortic valve?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the mid-term clinical outcomes, hemodynamics, left ventricular (LV) mass regression, and structural valve deterioration (SVD) in patients implanted with the Perceval aortic sutureless valve across valve sizes. METHODS: Data were obtained from a multicenter European trial and a US Investigational Device Exemption trial. Echocardiography data were analyzed by an echocardiography core lab. A mixed-effects regression model was used to assess relationships between hemodynamic outcomes, time from the procedure, and valve sizes. The Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 definition for bioprosthetic valve failure was applied. RESULTS: A Perceval sutureless valve was implanted in 970 patients. The median patient age was 77.8 years, 57.2% were female, the median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicated risk of mortality was 3.3% (range, 2.1%-6.2%), and 33.4% had a concomitant procedure. The median clinical follow-up was 45.7 months (range, 28.2-76.1 months). Small and medium valves were implanted more commonly in women than in men (16.9% vs 1.9% for small and 55.1% vs 19.5% for medium; P < .001). The mean aortic valve gradients decreased significantly postimplantation and remained stable across all valve sizes throughout the follow-up period. All patients were free from severe patient-prosthesis mismatch (with an effective orifice area/m2 of >0.8). Significant LV mass regression was documented regardless valve sizes, plateaued at -9.1% at 5 years. Freedom from SVD and reintervention were 95.2% and 96.3%, respectively, at 5 years and were independent of implanted valve size (P = .22). The VARC-3 stage 3 bioprosthetic valve failure rate was low, 2.8% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The Perceval valve demonstrated low and stable mean gradients, significant LV mass regression, and low SVD and reintervention rates across all valve sizes.

Natural history of the distal aorta following elective root replacement in patients with Marfan syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear if the addition of a prophylactic arch operation is beneficial at the time of root replacement in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). This project aims to understand the fate of the distal aorta following elective root replacement in patients with MFS. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2019, 124 adult patients with MFS were identified as having undergone elective aortic root replacement with a clamped distal aortic anastomosis during their lifetime. Serial axial imaging was analyzed. The primary outcome was a composite of subsequent type B aortic dissection (TBAD), aneurysmal degeneration (>4 cm), and aortic reintervention. Secondary outcomes included subsequent TBAD and mortality. RESULTS: Mean age at root replacement was 33.3 years. Median follow-up was 11.3 years. Thirty-one patients (25%) experienced the primary outcome, with no survival difference (P = .9). The crossclamp and aortic cannulation sites were stable (growth rate, 0.33 mm/year), and 2 patients (1.6%) required reintervention there. Twenty-three patients (19.8%) experienced subsequent TBAD. Patients with TBAD had a higher rate of distal degeneration (P < .001), but no significant change in survival (P = .2). Preoperative hypertension (odds ratio, 3.96; P < .05) and younger age at root replacement (odds ratio, 1.05; P < .05) increased the risk of TBAD, based on regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The distal aorta (including the clamp and cannulation site) overall appears stable in patients with MFS following elective root replacement without prophylactic arch operation. Development of TBAD seems to be the primary driver of distal degeneration. Factors associated with TBAD development included hypertension, underscoring the importance of strict blood pressure control in these patients.

Use of a sutureless aortic valve in reoperative aortic valve replacement.

Objectives: Management of degenerated bioprosthetic aortic valves remains a challenge. Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (AVR) has limited utility in the presence of small annuli/prosthetic valves. Sutureless valves may offer an advantage over traditional redo AVR by maximizing effective orifice area due to their unique design as well as ease of implant. Methods: Twenty-two patients undergoing redo AVR received a sutureless valve in our institution over the past 5 years. All patients were determined to be poor candidates for valve-in-valve transcatheter AVR due to a combination of small annulus size, low coronary heights, and/or underlying valve characteristics (ie, mechanical valves). Results: Median time from implant to redo AVR was 8 years. One patient died within 30 days. In the 13 patients who had a 21 mm or smaller valve explanted, 5 small, 7 medium, and 1 large Perceval valves were implanted (all with larger internal diameters than the explanted valve). The average postoperative gradient of the cohort valves was 14.8 mm Hg compared with 38.8 mm Hg preoperatively. Conclusions: In addition to their ease of use and rapid deployment, sutureless bioprosthetic aortic valves offer significant physiological advantages in patients with degenerated prosthetic aortic valves and small anatomical annuli. It can also simplify the surgical approach to redo AVR following a Bentall procedure. If long-term durability is confirmed, sutureless valves should be considered in a broader population of patients for both redo and primary aortic valve replacement surgery.

Implementation of telemedicine in the care of patients with aortic dissection.

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

Is Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosal Extracellular Matrix (ECM) a Suitable Material for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction in Association With Pulmonary Valve Replacement?

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction is a common congenital cardiac operation. Porcine submucosal intestinal-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) patches have been used for RVOT reconstruction. We present 2 adult patients with Tetralogy of Fallot who underwent PVR with RVOT reconstruction utilizing ECM. Both cases required reoperation due to patch dehiscence causing a large paravalvular leak. One patient also had a pseudoaneurysm associated with ECM dehiscence. There may be a propensity for ECM dehiscence in this application and, based on these cases, we recommend avoidance of ECM in RVOT reconstruction with PVR. PVR patients repaired with ECM should be monitored for this complication.

Aortic valve repair for isolated right coronary leaflet prolapse.

Objectives: Isolated right coronary leaflet prolapse is a common cause of nonaneurysmal aortic insufficiency, but can rarely occur in patients with proximal aortic aneurysms. Standardized techniques for routine autologous repair of this disorder are presented. Methods: Most aortic valve leaflet prolapse is isolated to the right coronary leaflet, with hypertension and annular dilatation being contributory. Echocardiographically, a posteriorly eccentric aortic insufficiency jet together with "fracture" of the right leaflet tip are diagnostic. Primary repair includes internal geometric ring annuloplasty to downsize and reshape the annulus, together with central plication of the prolapsing leaflet. Thickened, scarred, or retracted noduli are released using an ultrasonic aspirator. The goal is to achieve equivalent coaptation heights of ≥8 mm for all 3 leaflets. Results: Three videos of 6 cases are provided to illustrate these techniques. In the first, 3 patients are shown with classic isolated right leaflet prolapse. In the second and third videos, alternative pathologies are presented for contrast. Applying the reconstructive approaches of geometric ring annuloplasty, leaflet plication, and ultrasonic nodular release, excellent early and late repair outcomes are obtainable in most patients. Conclusions: The combination of aortic ring annuloplasty, central leaflet plication, and ultrasonic nodular release allows routine and standardized repair of right coronary leaflet prolapse, either isolated or concomitant with aneurysm surgery.

Aortic arch stenting: current strategies, new technologies and future directions.

Operating on the aortic arch is a formidable challenge. Open operations remain the gold standard, but despite improvement in technique and outcomes, they are still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The last 20 years have seen a remarkable reduction in the operative morbidity associated with treatment of the descending thoracic aorta using thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR). To improve outcomes following arch repair, new TEVAR devices, including both single-branched and multibranched designs, have come to clinical trial. This review discusses the modern state of open and hybrid repairs while introducing the reader to technology for endovascular therapy of the aortic arch. We describe important anatomical and operative considerations for the devices. Given these nuances, we believe the future of the aortic arch to be patient-individualised hybrid repairs, involving both open and endovascular options with a multidisciplinary 'thoracic aorta team' at the helm.

Traumatic Suprahepatic inferior vena cava injury survival of a rare case.

Traumatic supra-hepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) injury is rare and nearly universally fatal. We report an excellent outcome from a case involving severe injury of the suprahepatic and intra-pericardial IVC utilizing emergency cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The goal of this case report is to outline key factors that facilitated the patient's survival of extensive IVC injury. We conclude that aggressive prehospital fluid resuscitation, facile transfer to the operating room, early detection of anatomy and pathology of the injury, an early decision to call for perfusion and cardiothoracic surgery, and prompt blood transfusion were the key factors that allowed for the patient to survive without deficits.

A contemporary comparison of aortofemoral bypass and aortoiliac stenting in the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease.

BACKGROUND: Although aortofemoral bypass (AFB) has historically been the treatment of choice for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD), rates of AFB have declined, while utilization of aortoiliac angioplasty and stenting (AS) has increased dramatically. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of these trends on treatment outcomes in a contemporary single-institution experience with AIOD. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2007, 118 AFB and 174 AS procedures were performed in 161 men (55.1%) and 131 women at a single university teaching hospital. Patient outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and analyses were performed using chi-squared/Fisher's exact test and ANOVA. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) interactions between procedure type and Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) category were calculated using a General Linear Model. A reduced Cox model was used to determine the impact of patency, presenting symptoms, duplex surveillance, and procedure type on amputations and revisions. Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival, freedom from amputation, and freedom from revision were used to evaluate long-term outcomes. RESULTS: There was no difference between AFB and AS groups with respect to 30-day mortality (0.8% and 1.1%, p=0.64), myocardial infarction (1.7% and 1.1%, p=0.53), cerebrovascular accident (0.0% and 1.1%, p=0.35), or renal failure requiring hemodialysis (3.4% and 1.2%, p=0.19). AFB was associated with increased surgical complication rates including the need for emergency surgery (6.8% and 1.7%, p=0.029), infection/sepsis (16.1% and 2.3%, p<0.001), transfusion (16.1% and 5.7%, p=0.004), and lymph leak (8.5% and 0.6%, p=0.001). The difference between preprocedural and postprocedural ABI was greater for AFB than AS (R, 0.39 and 0.18, p<0.001; L, 0.41 and 0.15, p<0.001). This difference was maintained when patients were stratified by TASC category. CONCLUSION: There were no differences between the AFB and AS groups with respect to long-term rates of mortality, amputation, or revision procedures. AFB continues to be performed safely, despite the case numbers in this series correlating with a lower-volume hospital. Morbidities associated with major open surgery in this series were counterbalanced by greater improvements in ABI. Patients and practitioners should continue to entertain both procedure types as viable alternatives for the treatment of AIOD.

The Role of Thoracic Endovascular Repair in Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection.

Continued device improvements along with refined implantation techniques have revolutionize the use of thoracic endovascular repair for both aortic dissections and aneurysms. This is now considered standard of care for acute, complicated type B aortic dissection in patients with appropriate anatomy. However, the treatment of chronic, uncomplicated type B dissection continues to present challenges for the aortic surgeon, as the long-held dogma of medical management and surveillance for aneurysm degeneration has recently come into questions. We present evidence for a more thoughtful approach to management and intervention with thoracic endovascular repair in select patients with chronic, type B dissection.