Transfusion of non-red blood cell blood products does not reduce survival following cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The literature supports the assertion that patients undergoing cardiac surgery who receive perioperative packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions have increased associated mortality. The aim of the current study is to assess whether there is an association between non-pRBC blood product transfusions and increased mortality. METHODS: Data from our center's Society of Thoracic Surgeons database included patients who underwent cardiac surgery from 2010 to 2018. Patients with pRBC transfusions or circulatory arrest were excluded. Propensity matching was performed (1:1; caliper = 0.2 times the standard deviation of logit of propensity score). Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression were used. Cardiac transplant, ventricular assist devices, transcatheter aortic valves, and patients who had experienced circulatory arrest were excluded from this analysis. RESULTS: A total of 8042 patients met criteria for analysis. Following propensity matching (1:1), 395 patients requiring perioperative non-pRBC blood products (platelets, fresh-frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate) were matched with 395 nontransfusion patients, yielding equitable patient cohorts. Median follow-up was 4.5 (3.0-6.4) years. Patients received platelets (327 [82.8%]), fresh-frozen plasma (141 [35.7%]), and cryoprecipitate (60 [15.2%]). There was no significant difference in the postoperative mortality (6 [1.5%] vs 4 [1.0%]; P = .52). Reoperation (20 [5.0%] vs 8 [2.0%]; P < .02) and prolonged ventilation (36 [9.1%] vs 19 [4.8%]; P < .02) were greater in the transfusion group. Emergent operation (odds ratio [OR] 2.86 [1.72-4.78]; P < .001), intra-aortic balloon pump (OR 3.24 [1.64-6.39]; P < .001), and multivalve operation (OR 4.34 [2.83-6.67]; P < .001) were significantly associated with blood product use. Blood product transfusion (hazard ratio; 1.15 [0.89-1.48]; P = .3) was not significantly associated with increased mortality risk. There was no significant long-term survival difference between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo cardiac surgery requiring blood products alone, without pRBC transfusion, have similar postoperative and long-term survival compared with patients not requiring blood products. These data are based on a limited patient sample, and future studies will aid in improving the generalizability of these results.

Nonmonotonous Translocation Time of Polymers across Pores.

Polymers confined in corrugated channels, i.e., channels of varying amplitude, display multiple local maxima and minima of the diffusion coefficient upon increasing their degree of polymerization N. We propose a theoretical effective free energy for linear polymers based on a Fick-Jacobs approach. We validate the predictions against numerical data, obtaining quantitative agreement for the effective free energy, the diffusion coefficient, and the mean first passage time. Finally, we employ the effective free energy to compute the polymer lengths N_{min} at which the diffusion coefficient presents a minimum: we find a scaling expression that we rationalize with a blob model. Our results could be useful to design porous adsorbers, that separate polymers of different sizes without the action of an external flow.

Hydrophobic Homopolymer's Coil-Globule Transition and Adsorption onto a Hydrophobic Surface under Different Conditions.

Unstructured proteins can modulate cellular responses to environmental conditions by undergoing coil-globule transitions and phase separation. However, the molecular mechanisms of these phenomena still need to be fully understood. Here, we use Monte Carlo calculations of a coarse-grained model incorporating water's effects on the system's free energy. Following previous studies, we modeled an unstructured protein as a polymer chain. Because we are interested in investigating how it responds to thermodynamic changes near a hydrophobic surface under different conditions, we chose an entirely hydrophobic sequence to maximize the interaction with the interface. We show that a slit pore confinement without top-down symmetry enhances the unfolding and adsorption of the chain in both random coil and globular states. Moreover, we demonstrate that the hydration water modulates this behavior depending on the thermodynamic parameters. Our findings provide insights into how homopolymers and possibly unstructured proteins can sense and adjust to external stimuli such as nanointerfaces or stresses.

Correction: March et al. Protein Unfolding and Aggregation near a Hydrophobic Interface. Polymers 2021, 13, 156.

In the original publication [...].

The Long-Term Impact of Diastolic Dysfunction After Routine Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of diastolic dysfunction (DD) on survival after routine cardiac surgery. DESIGN: This was an observational study of consecutive cardiac surgeries from 2010 to 2021. SETTING: At a single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing isolated coronary, isolated valvular, and concomitant coronary and valvular surgery were included. Patients with a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) longer than 6 months prior to their index surgery were excluded from the analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were categorized via preoperative TTE as having no DD, grade I DD, grade II DD, or grade III DD. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 8,682 patients undergoing a coronary and/or valvular surgery were identified, of whom 4,375 (50.4%) had no DD, 3,034 (34.9%) had grade I DD, 1,066 (12.3%) had grade II DD, and 207 (2.4%) had grade III DD. The median (IQR) time of the TTE prior to the index surgery was 6 (2-29) days. Operative mortality was 5.8% in the grade III DD group v 2.4% for grade II DD, 1.9% for grade I DD, and 2.1% for no DD (p = 0.001). Atrial fibrillation, prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 hours), acute kidney injury, any packed red blood cell transfusion, reexploration for bleeding, and length of stay were higher in the grade III DD group compared to the rest of the cohort. The median follow-up was 4.0 (IQR: 1.7-6.5) years. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were lower in the grade III DD group than in the rest of the cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that DD may be associated with poor short-term and long-term outcomes.

Rheology of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms: From experiments to predictive DPD mesoscopic modeling.

Bacterial biofilms mechanically behave as viscoelastic media consisting of micron-sized bacteria cross-linked to a self-produced network of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) embedded in water. Structural principles for numerical modeling aim at describing mesoscopic viscoelasticity without losing details on the underlying interactions existing in wide regimes of deformation under hydrodynamic stress. Here, we approach the computational challenge to model bacterial biofilms for predictive mechanics in silico under variable stress conditions. Up-to-date models are not entirely satisfactory due to the plethora of parameters required to make them functioning under the effects of stress. As guided by the structural depiction gained in a previous work with Pseudomonas fluorescens [Jara et al., Front. Microbiol. 11, 588884 (2021)], we propose a mechanical modeling by means of Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD), which captures the essentials of topological and compositional interactions between bacterial particles and cross-linked EPS-embedding under imposed shear. The P. fluorescens biofilms have been modeled under mechanical stress mimicking shear stresses as undergone in vitro. The predictive capacity for mechanical features in DPD-simulated biofilms has been investigated by varying the externally imposed field of shear strain at variable amplitude and frequency. The parametric map of essential biofilm ingredients has been explored by making the rheological responses to emerge among conservative mesoscopic interactions and frictional dissipation in the underlying microscale. The proposed coarse grained DPD simulation qualitatively catches the rheology of the P. fluorescens biofilm over several decades of dynamic scaling.

Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Concomitant Aortic Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to evaluate outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with moderate or greater aortic regurgitation (AR). METHODS: This was an observational study using an institutional database of TAVRs from November 2012 to April 2022. The study compared outcomes of TAVR in patients with isolated aortic stenosis (AS) vs patients with AS and concomitant AR (moderate or greater). Those patients with trace or mild AR were excluded. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were compared, with end points established by the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3. Kaplan-Meier survival estimation and Cox regression for mortality were performed. Competing-risk cumulative incidence estimates for heart failure readmissions were also compared. RESULTS: Of 3295 patients, 605 (53.4%) had severe AS with no AR and 529 (46.6%) had severe AS with moderate or severe AR. There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality, length of stay, stroke, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker requirement, transfusion requirement, minor or major vascular complications, or 30-day readmissions between the 2 groups (P > .05). There were also no significant differences in annular dissection or rupture, coronary obstruction, or device embolization. Mean gradient and paravalvular leak rates at 30 days and 1 year were similar between the groups. Survival estimates were comparable, and, on multivariable Cox regression, mixed aortic valvular disease was not associated with an increased hazard of death as compared with isolated AS (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.81-1.25; P = .962). Cumulative incidence estimates for heart failure readmissions were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: TAVR can be safely performed in patients with mixed valvular disease, with outcomes comparable to those in isolated AS.

Complete revascularization during coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with reduced major adverse events.

OBJECTIVE: Complete revascularization literature is limited by variance in patient cohorts and inconsistent definitions. The objective of the current study was to provide risk-adjusted outcomes for complete revascularization of significant nonmain-branch and main-branch vessel stenoses. METHODS: All patients that underwent first-time isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedures were included. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, cumulative incidence function, and Cox regression were used to analyze outcomes. RESULTS: The total population consisted of 3356 patients that underwent first-time isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Eight hundred eighty-nine (26.5%) patients had incomplete and 2467 (73.5%) had complete revascularization. For main-branch vessels, 677 (20.2%) patients had incomplete revascularization and 2679 (79.8%) were completely revascularized. Following risk adjustment with inverse probability treatment weighting, all baseline characteristics were balanced (standardized mean difference, ≤ 0.10). On Kaplan-Meier estimates, survival at 1 year (94.6% vs 92.5%) and 5 years (86.5% vs 82.1%) (P = .05) was significantly better for patients who received complete revascularization. Freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events was significantly higher for the complete revascularization cohort at both 1 year (89.2% vs 84.2%) and 5 years (72.5% vs 66.7%) (P < .001). Complete revascularization (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.95; P = .01) was independently associated with a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Incomplete revascularization of nonmain-branch vessels was not associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.8; P = .55) or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.24; P = .52). CONCLUSIONS: Complete surgical revascularization of all angiographically stenotic vessels in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease is associated with fewer major adverse events. Incomplete revascularization of nonmain-branch vessels is not associated with survival or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events.

The use of blood and blood products in aortic surgery is associated with adverse outcomes.

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.

Long-term outcomes of hemiarch replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to report outcomes of hemiarch replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion, and secondarily, to report outcomes of this operative approach by type of underlying aortic disease. METHODS: This was an observational study of aortic surgeries from 2010 to 2018. All patients who underwent hemiarch replacement with retrograde cerebral perfusion were included, whereas patients undergoing partial or total arch replacement or concomitant elephant trunk procedures were excluded. Patients were dichotomized into 2 groups by underlying aortic disease; that is, acute aortic dissection (AAD) or aneurysmal degeneration of the aorta. These groups were analyzed for differences in short-term postoperative outcomes, including stroke and operative mortality (Society of Thoracic Surgeons definition). Multivariable Cox analysis was performed to identify variables associated with long-term survival after hemiarch replacement. RESULTS: A total of 500 patients undergoing hemiarch replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest plus retrograde cerebral perfusion were identified, of whom 53.0% had aneurysmal disease and 47.0% had AAD. For the entire cohort, operative mortality was 6.4%, whereas stroke occurred in 4.6% of patients. Comparing AAD with aneurysm, operative mortality and stroke rates were similar across each group. Five-year survival was 84.4% ± 0.02% for the entire hemiarch cohort, whereas 5-year survival was 88.0% ± 0.02% for the aneurysm subgroup and was 80.5% ± 0.03% for the AAD subgroup. On multivariable analysis, AAD was not associated with an increased hazard of death, compared with aneurysm (P = .790). CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity and mortality after hemiarch replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest plus retrograde cerebral perfusion are acceptably low, and this operative approach may be as advantageous for AAD as it is for aneurysm.

The long-term impact of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The literature has reported worse in-hospital outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation. The objective of the following study is to provide detailed results on the long-term impact of postoperative atrial fibrillation on survival and hospital readmission in cardiac surgery. METHODS: All patients undergoing open cardiac surgery were reviewed with the exclusion of preoperative atrial fibrillation or patients undergoing ventricular assist device, transplant, or Cox-Maze procedures. Propensity matching (1:1) was performed to ensure similar baseline characteristics. Multivariable analysis identified significant associations with mortality and readmission. RESULTS: A total of 12,227 patients with cardiac disease were divided into 7927 patients (64.8%) without postoperative atrial fibrillation and 4300 patients (35.2%) with new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation. Propensity matching (1:1) yielded 4275 risk-adjusted pairs. There was no difference between the nonpostoperative atrial fibrillation versus postoperative atrial fibrillation cohorts regarding operative mortality (4.61% vs 4.12%; P = .26) and stroke (2.32% vs 2.76%; P = .191). Patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation had higher rates of reoperation (12.12% vs 6.83%; P < .001), transfusion (43.42% vs 36.94%; P < .001), sepsis (1.99% vs 0.80%; P < .001), prolonged ventilation (15.88% vs 9.24% vs; P < .001), pneumonia (6.60% vs 2.36%; P < .001), renal failure (6.90% vs 3.37%; P < .001), and dialysis (4.94% vs 2.08%; P < .001). The postoperative atrial fibrillation cohort had a significantly higher incidence of atrial fibrillation on follow-up (11.74% vs 4.75%; P < .001). Postoperative atrial fibrillation was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.21; 1.12-1.33; P < .001), all-cause readmissions (hazard ratio, 1.05; 1.01-1.1; P = .010), and heart failure-specific readmission (hazard ratio, 1.14; 1.04-1.26; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the postoperative atrial fibrillation cohort had worse perioperative morbidity, lower survival, and more readmissions for heart failure on long-term follow-up.

Impact of Hospital Teaching Status in Type A Aortic Dissections: An Analysis of More Than 37 000 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a hospital's teaching status on survival and outcomes of patients presenting with type A aortic dissections imperative for enhancing patient care. METHODS: The National Readmission Database was used to review all type A aortic dissections between 2010 and 2017. Provided sampling weights were used to generate national estimates, and baseline variables were compared with descriptive statistics. Mixed effects and logistic models were created for 30-day and 90-day readmission and inhospital mortality. RESULTS: In all, 37 396 type A aortic dissections were identified, the majority of which (83%) were operated on at a teaching hospital. Inhospital mortality was higher at nonteaching hospitals A (20.3% vs 14.42%, P < .001). Median hospital charge was higher at teaching hospitals ($59 670 vs $53 220, P < .001). There was a higher rate of 30-day readmission in teaching hospitals (20.95% vs 19.36%, P = .02). On logistic regression for mortality, hospital teaching status was a significant protective factor (odds ratio 0.83, P < .001). On mixed effects logistic regression, hospital teaching status was not significant for readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Type A aortic dissections continue to be primarily managed by teaching hospitals, with superior outcomes continuing to come from teaching hospitals. Given the substantial proportion of patients presenting out of state, investigations into optimal patient transfer and postoperative monitoring and referral could improve care.

Coronary Artery Bypass With Multiarterial Grafting vs Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Data comparing patients who undergo multiarterial grafting during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) vs percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with multivessel coronary disease are scarce. This study addresses the relevance of using multiple arterial conduits vs PCI for appropriate patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients with coronary artery disease who underwent CABG with multiple arterial conduits or PCI. Propensity score matching was performed for baseline characteristics. Kaplan-Meier estimates, cumulative incidence, and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) curves were performed. RESULTS: The total patient population consisted of 3648 patients from 2011 to 2018 divided into 902 CABG patients and 2746 PCI patients. Patients were propensity matched (PCI, n = 838; CABG, n = 838). In the CABG cohort the left internal mammary artery was used in 837 patients (99.9%), the right internal mammary artery in 770 patients (92%), and radial arteries in 108 patients (12.9%). Patients in the PCI cohort had significantly higher 30-day mortality (24 [2.9%] vs 7 [0.8%], P < .01). Survival over follow-up (median, 4.9 years; range, 3.3-6.8) was better for the CABG cohort (730 [87.1%] vs 625 [74.6%], P < .01). Patients in the CABG cohort had greater freedom from MACCE (607 [72.4%] vs 339 [40.5%], P < .01). Cox multivariable regression showed that patients who underwent CABG had a significantly reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.61; P < .01) and of MACCE (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.38; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with coronary artery disease who undergo CABG with multiple arterial conduits have significantly fewer major adverse events, improved survival, and reduced hospital readmissions.

The impact of prior cardiac surgery on patients undergoing surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of reoperative versus first-time sternotomy for emergent open repair of acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). METHODS: This was an observational study of consecutive aortic surgeries from 2007 to 2021. Kaplan-Meier survival estimation and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to assess the impact of reoperative versus first-time sternotomy upon survival after ATAAD repair. RESULTS: A total of 601 patients with ATAAD were identified, of which 72 (12%) underwent reoperative sternotomy. The reoperative group had a higher prevalence of baseline comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. Central cannulation of the aorta was achieved at a similar rate across each group (81.9% vs. 81.5%, p = .923), and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was similar across each group (204 ± 84.8 vs. 203 ± 72.4 min, p = .923). Postoperative outcomes were similar across both groups, including in-hospital mortality, stroke, pulmonary complications, renal failure, and reexploration for excessive bleeding. Five-year survival was 74.5% (70.5, 78.3) for the first-time group and was 71.6% (60.0, 81.9) for the reoperative group. After multivariable Cox regression, reoperative sternotomy was not significantly associated with an increased hazard of death compared to first-time sternotomy (hazards ratio: 0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.56, 1.43, p = .642). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that re-sternotomy can be safely performed with similar outcomes as first-time sternotomy. Central initiation of CPB after sternal reentry limits CPB time and may therefore represent a protective strategy that enhances outcomes for patients presenting with ATAAD and prior cardiac surgery.

Sex-based outcomes after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: While prior data have suggested worse outcomes in women after acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair when compared to men, results have been inconsistent across studies over time. This study sought to evaluate the impact of sex on short- and long-term outcomes after ATAAD repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective study utilizing an institutional database of ATAAD repairs from 2007 to 2021. Patients were stratified according to sex. Kaplan-Meier survival estimation and multivariable Cox regression were performed. Supplementary analysis using propensity score matching was also performed. RESULTS: Of the 601 patients who underwent ATAAD repair, 361 were males (60.1%) and 240 (39.9%) were females. Females were significantly older, more likely to have hypertension, and more likely to have chronic lung disease. Females were also significantly more likely than males to undergo hemiarch replacement, while males were significantly more likely than females to undergo total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk. Operative mortality was 9.4% among males and 13.8% among females, though this was not a statistically significant difference (p = .098). Postoperative complications were comparable between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were similar for men and women, and, on multivariable Cox regression, sex was not significantly associated with long-term survival (hazard ratio: 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.73, 1.37, p = .986). Outcomes remained comparable after supplementary propensity score matched analysis. CONCLUSION: ATAAD repair can be performed with comparable short-term and long-term outcomes in both men and women.

Preservation versus replacement of the aortic root for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of aortic root preservation versus aortic root replacement (ARR) after acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair. METHODS: In this observational study of consecutive aortic surgeries between 2007 and 2021, patients with ATAAD were identified via a prospectively maintained institutional database and were stratified by root preservation versus ARR (including valve-sparing and complete ARR). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Among the 601 patients underwent aortic arch reconstruction for ATAAD, 370 (61.6%) underwent root preservation and the other 231 (38.4%) underwent ARR, with a median follow-up of 6.3 years (interquartile range, 3.8-9.6 years). Cardiopulmonary bypass and ischemic times were longer in the ARR group, but intraoperative variables were otherwise similar between the groups, including cannulation strategy and extent of distal repair. There were no between-group differences in postoperative outcomes, including operative mortality, stroke, mechanical ventilation time, renal failure, reexploration for bleeding, and total length of stay. At a 1-year follow-up, the incidence of aortic regurgitation (moderate or greater) was similar in the 2 groups. On multivariable Cox regression, ARR was not associated with improved long-term survival compared with root preservation (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.56; P = .44). Late reinterventions on the aortic root or valve were similar in the 2 groups and was 2.0% for the overall cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that aortic root preservation may achieve similar midterm outcomes as ARR after ATAAD repair.

Central versus peripheral cannulation for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the impact of central aortic versus peripheral cannulation on outcomes after acute type A aortic dissection repair. METHODS: This was an observational study using an institutional database of acute type A aortic dissection repairs from 2007 to 2021. Patients were stratified according to central, subclavian, or femoral cannulation. Kaplan-Meier survival estimation and multivariable Cox regression were performed. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 577 patients who underwent acute type A aortic dissection repair. Of these, central cannulation was used in 490 patients (84.9%), subclavian cannulation was used in 54 patients (9.4%), and femoral cannulation was used in 33 patients (5.7%). Rates of peripheral vascular disease, aortic insufficiency moderate or greater, and cerebral malperfusion differed significantly among the groups, but baseline characteristics were otherwise comparable (P > .05). Operative mortality was lowest in the central cannulation group (9.8%), but this did not differ significantly among the groups. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were similar among the groups. On multivariable Cox regression, cannulation strategy was not significantly associated with long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Acute type A aortic dissection repair can be safely performed through central aortic cannulation, with outcomes comparable to those obtained with subclavian or femoral cannulation.