ADSORB: a study on the efficacy of endovascular grafting in uncomplicated acute dissection of the descending aorta

Abstract

Acute dissection of the descending thoracic aorta carries a 30-day mortality of around 10% with best medical treatment (BMT). In addition, about 25% will develop an aneurysm during the following 4-5 years. This is the first ever randomised trial on acute dissections comparing BMT with BMT and stent grafting of the proximal tear in patients having an uncomplicated acute dissection of the descending aorta. The commonly used temporal definition of acute dissection being within 14 days of onset of symptoms is applied. A total of 61 patients will be randomised and followed at regular intervals (1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months) after acute dissection. Thrombosis of the false lumen, aortic enlargement and rupture are the primary end points. The study will examine whether aortic remodelling occurs after stent grafting in acute type B dissections, and its effect on aneurysm formation, rupture and re-intervention.