Reoperation for enlargement of the distal aorta after initial surgery for acute type A aortic dissection

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the long-term outcomes of repair for acute type A aortic dissection on the basis of false lumen status and assessed treatment modalities for the enlarged downstream aorta.

Methods: Between January 1990 and March 2013, 534 patients underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. In-hospital mortality was 9.3% (50/534), and follow-up was 98% (472/484). Of the 472 hospital survivors, 451 (96%) underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography within 1 month of surgery. Risk-adjusted survival and distal aortic events were investigated in these 451 patients. Surgical outcomes of distal reoperations were assessed in 37 patients.

Results: Postoperative false lumen patency was 62% (280/451). Eighteen patients died of aortic rupture, 17 (94%) with a patent false lumen. A patent false lumen decreased survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; P = .012) and increased distal aortic events (HR, 4.11; P = .001). Other predictors identified were age (HR, 1.07; P < .001) and male sex (HR, 1.89; P = .002) for late mortality, and Marfan syndrome (HR, 6.6; P < .001), distal aortic diameter greater than 45 mm (HR, 4.4; P < .001), and nonresection of the primary entry (HR, 2.3; P = .005) for distal aortic events. Distal reoperations comprised open repair of the arch (n = 13), descending aorta (n = 16), or thoracoabdominal aorta (n = 7) or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (n = 7), with no in-hospital death or paraplegia. Although thoracic endovascular aortic repair yielded false lumen thrombosis around the stent graft in 80% of patients (4/5), complete false lumen thrombosis was achieved in 20% (1/5).

Conclusions: False lumen patency influences the late outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection repair. Outcomes of distal reoperation were acceptable; thus, careful follow-up and timely reoperation may improve the late outcomes.