Consequences of incomplete repair of acute type A aortic dissection

During emergency repair of acute Stanford type A aortic dissections, surgical compromises in the form of incomplete arch replacement are made due to the unstable condition of the patient and safety issues of the performing team. We report a case of delayed reoperation after previous incomplete surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in a young patient with Marfan's syndrome. He presented again with repetitive chest pain five years after initial surgical treatment. Extensive aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta and remaining dissection led to the decision to replace the ascending aorta and the aortic arch. After a good progress during the first days after surgery, the patient died due to a ruptured thoraco-abdominal aneurysm on the fifth postoperative day. Extensive surgical reconstruction including aortic arch replacement should be considered in patients with Marfan's syndrome who present with aortic dissections type A to avoid unnecessary reoperations and their complications.     

Axillary Artery Cannulation for Cardiopulmonary Bypass during Surgery on the Ascending Aorta and Arch

Abstract   Background: Performing axillary artery cannulation, during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with an atherosclerotic ascending aorta or acute dissection of the ascending aorta and arch, is of growing interest. Our aim is to present our experience, to describe the surgical technique, and to demonstrate the sufficient cerebral and total body perfusion through axillary artery cannulation. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients (17 male, five female) underwent surgical treatment with the axillary technique. The log euro SCORE ranged from 6.77% to 70% (mean 28.28). Nine of these patients underwent elective procedure. Eight underwent aortic surgery for pathologies of the aorta and in one patient we performed combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. Thirteen patients underwent emergency operation because of acute dissection of the aorta. Twelve of these patients had a type A dissection (according to Stanford classification) and one patient had a type B aortic dissection. Results: The majority of complications were associated with ruptured dissection of the thoracoabdominal aorta and acute dissection of ascending aorta. Despite preoperative disease states that placed our patients at high risk of stroke and visceral end-organ injury, no clinically demonstrable permanent postoperative deficits were observed. Our patients had no neurological dysfunction, stroke, or other complications. Conclusions: Antegrade cerebral perfusion is of paramount importance in cases of aortic atherosclerosis or aortic dissection. The axillary artery provides an excellent site for safe antegrade perfusion, which may play a role in preventing stroke.     

Novel technique: staged hybrid surgical and endovascular treatment of acute Type A aortic dissections with aortic arch involvement

AIM: The standard approach for treating acute Type A aortic dissections (TAD) is replacement of the ascending aorta utilizing hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), which is associated with significant morbidity and frequently leaves a residual aortic arch dissection. We describe a staged surgical and endovascular technique of ascending aorta replacement and simultaneous aorto-innominate artery bypass without HCA, followed 4 weeks later by carotid-carotid bypass and endovascular exclusion of the remaining arch dissection with a thoracic endograft. METHODS: From December 2004 to December 2005, 5 consecutive patients (mean age 58 +/- 6.9 years) with TADs underwent the staged procedure. All patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta and aorto-innominate bypass. Two patients subsequently underwent the second endovascular stage. In one patient the aortic false lumen completely thrombosed following the first surgical stage and two patients are currently awaiting the endovascular stage. RESULTS: There were no major adverse events (death, cerebrovascular accident or paraplegia) following the first surgical stage. One patient suffered a transient minor stroke. The 2 patients who underwent the second endovascular stage showed no immediate adverse events. Postoperative CT scans have demonstrated that the false channel was excluded from the aortic arch down to the distal end of the endograft in the descending aorta in each case, but became patent further downstream. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure appears safe and feasible. It may allow for a more definitive treatment of TADs than the standard surgical approach. It can be adapted by low volume centers, surgeons untrained in aortic arch repair, and in high risk patients.     

Results of a total aortic arch replacement for an acute aortic arch dissection

OBJECTIVES: Recently, the immediate results of a surgical repair for an acute aortic arch dissection have dramatically improved. However, a total aortic arch replacement is recommended in a limited number of patients with an intimal tear located in the aortic arch. We have performed a total aortic arch replacement for all such patients with an acute aortic arch dissection since September 1995. METHODS: During the past 4 years, 27 consecutive patients who had an aortic arch dissection underwent a total aortic arch replacement. Twenty-five patients underwent an emergency operation. In 5 patients the intimal tear was located in the aortic arch, but in the rest of the patients, it was located in the ascending aorta or the proximal descending aorta. To obliterate any false channels, gelatin-resorcin-formol glue was used. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 11%, and no cerebral complications were observed. Postoperative aortography and computed tomography showed no evidence of any persisting false channels in 15 patients (65%). During the follow-up period (ranging from 5 months to 4 years), two patients underwent a reoperation because of the recurrence of a dissection at the sinus of Valsalva. All patients, except for one who died after a reoperation, are still alive and free from any serious events at this writing. CONCLUSIONS: Resecting both the ascending and transverse aorta, irrespective of whether the intimal tear is located in the aortic arch, may be an acceptable alternative at experienced centers because of its low mortality and good midterm results.     

Minimized mortality and neurological complications in surgery for chronic arch aneurysm: axillary artery cannulation, selective cerebral perfusion, and replacement of the ascending and total arch aorta

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral complication is still a major concern in surgery for arteriosclerotic aortic arch disease. For preventing this complication, axillary artery cannulation, selective cerebral perfusion, and replacement of the ascending and arch aorta were applied to thoracic aortic aneurysm involving aortic arch. METHOD: From May 1999 to July 2002, consecutive 39 patients with true aneurysm (29 patients) or chronic aortic dissection (10 patients) involving aortic arch underwent replacement of the ascending and arch aorta with an elephant trunk under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass through the axillary artery cannulation and selective cerebral perfusion. The brain was continuously perfused without any intermission through the axillary artery. Concomitant operation included coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in two patients, aortic valve replacement (AVR) in one, Bentall operation in two, mitral valve replacement (MVR) in one, and aortic valve sparing operation in one. Patient age at operation was 40-84 (72 + 9) years and 24 of them were older than 70 years of age. RESULTS: There was one operative death (2.5%) due to bleeding from the left lung, and one hospital death due to respiratory failure. Postoperative permanent neurological dysfunction was found in one patient (2.5%). Two patients presented temporary neurological dysfunction (5%). Thirty-six of the 39 patients were discharged from hospital on foot. CONCLUSION: Continuous perfusion through the axillary artery with selective cerebral perfusion and replacement of the ascending and arch aorta may minimize cerebral complication leading to satisfactory results in patients with chronic aortic aneurysm involving aortic arch.     

Recent advancement of surgical treatment of aneurysms of the thoracic aorta]

The recent advancement of surgical treatment for aneurysms of the thoracic aorta with special reference to the operative technique and adjunctive methods of distal aortic perfusion during aortic cross-clamping were reviewed. Between 1960 and July, 1991, 415 patients underwent operation for aneurysms of the thoracic aorta in our institution. The overall early mortality rates were 7.7% for the nonruptured aneurysms and 30.6% for the ruptured aneurysms during the last 10 years with recent establishment of mechanical adjuncts and refinement of operative technique. Composite graft replacement with coronary reimplantation was employed in the treatment of annuloaortic ectasia. Selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) with an open aortic anastomosis is a useful adjunct in the treatment for aneurysms of the aortic arch. Graft inclusion technique (Crawford's method) with the aid of a partial bypass is a valid technique for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms involving visceral branches. Emergency operation is necessary for acute type A aortic dissection to prevent the sudden death due to cardiac tamponade. Acute aortic arch dissection can be treated surgically by replacing both the ascending aorta and aortic arch with prosthetic graft using SCP and open aortic anastomosis. Because of poor prognosis of the aneurysms of the thoracic aorta, and improvement in present surgical results, it now seems justifiable to support an aggressive surgical approach to this disease, before the fatal rupture occurred.     

Extensive aortic reconstruction for aortic aneurysms in Marfan syndrome

Background. Marfan syndrome patients frequently develop aneurysms or dissections involving multiple segments of the aorta, and occasionally require staged replacement of the entire aorta. This study reviews the surgical outcome of patients with Marfan syndrome who underwent extensive aortic reconstruction. Extensive reconstruction is defined as reconstruction of more than two segments of the ascending, arch, descending thoracic, or abdominal aorta.

Methods. From March 1973 to December 1997, 101 patients with Marfan syndrome underwent aortic operation. Twenty-six patients (25.7%) had extensive aortic reconstruction. All 26 patients suffered from aortic dissection: 13 patients had Stanford type A and 13 had type B dissection. Twenty-three patients (88.4%) had annuloaortic ectasia and aortic regurgitation. Surgical procedures included composite valve graft replacement (n = 23, 88.4%), aortic arch reconstruction (n = 15, 57.7%), graft replacement of the descending thoracic aorta (n = 6, 23.1%), and graft replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta (n = 16, 61.5%). Five patients (19.2%) had total thoracoabdominal aortic replacement, and three patients (11.5%) had replacement of the entire aorta. Twenty-one patients (80.8%) required multiple operations.

Results. Follow-up was complete in all patients. The 30-day survival rate was 88.5%. None of the survivors had paraplegia or paraparesis. The overall long-term survival rate was 88.5 ± 6% at 1 year, and 81.7 ± 9% at 9 years.

Conclusions. Aortic surgery prolongs survival in patients with Marfan syndrome, and currently there is a relatively low associated morbidity and mortality even for aggressive surgical treatment.     

Thoracic aortic aneurysm associated with congenital bicuspid aortic valve.

Congenital bicuspid aortic valve is a relatively rare malformation. It is reported that the presence of this anomaly predisposes the patient to development of true aortic aneurysms or dissecting aortic aneurysms. Between 1981 and August 1997, 25 patients with an aneurysm of the thoracic aorta associated with congenital bicuspid aortic valve underwent surgical treatment at the authors' institution. There were 20 males and five females. The age of the patients ranged from 27 to 74 years (mean 53 years). There were 18 patients with true ascending aortic aneurysms (of which 10 presented with annulo-aortic ectasia) and seven with dissecting aortic aneurysms (four with DeBakey type I dissection, two with type II and one with type IIIb). These 25 patients constituted 2.6% (25/973) of all cases of surgical operations for aneurysms in the thoracic aorta. Aortic valve dysfunction was noted in 20 patients. The authors performed a valved conduit operation in nine patients, aortic valve replacement and wrapping of the ascending aorta in six, graft replacement of the ascending aorta in five, graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic arch in four, and graft replacement of the descending aorta in one. No hospital deaths occurred in the authors' patients. Pathological examination of surgical specimens of the aortic wall showed cystic medial necrosis in 11 patients and mucoid degeneration in nine. In patients with congenital bicuspid aortic valve, attention should be paid to aneurysmal dilatation and aortic dissection as complications in addition to valve dysfunction.     

Aortic dissection in aged siblings without Marfan's syndrome

Aortic dissection rarely occurs in 2 or more family members without Marfan's syndrome. This report describes two aged siblings who underwent emergency operations for aortic dissection. Case 1: A 71-year-old female (sister), who had Stanford type B aortic dissection, underwent replacement of the descending aorta with a Hemashield graft. Case 2: A 72-year-old male (brother of case 1), who had Stanford type A aortic dissection, underwent replacement of the ascending aorta with a UBE graft following the closure of the entry located in the proximal arch. Neither of 2 siblings nor other family members had any features of the Marfan's syndrome. It is proposed that two aortic dissections occurred coincidentally in one family without Marfan's syndrome.     

Repair of ascending aortic dissection. Influence of associated aortic valve insufficiency on early and late results

Operative treatment of dissections of the ascending aorta differs from that for the descending aorta, not only because of the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, but also because of the frequent occurrence of aortic valve insufficiency. To determine the early and late results of operative repair, we have reviewed the case histories of 121 consecutive patients who underwent repair of ascending aortic dissections between 1962 and 1985. Ages ranged from 16 to 79 years (mean 56 +/- 14 years); 54 patients had operation within 2 weeks of onset of symptoms (acute), and the remainder had later repair (chronic). Seventy patients (58%) had clinical evidence of aortic insufficiency at the time of admission. During repair of acute dissection, 10 patients (19%) had aortic valve resuspension and 15 patients (28%) had aortic valve replacement. During repair of chronic dissection, eight patients (12%) had resuspension and 43 patients (64%) had replacement. Overall operative mortality was 22%, significantly higher for patients with acute than for those with chronic dissections (39% versus 9%, p less than 0.01). Operative risk was similar for patients who underwent repair of ascending aortic dissections without valve resuspension or replacement (31%) versus those who had repair with aortic valve resuspension (17%) or replacement (17%). During a follow-up period ranging from 1 to 208 months, aortic regurgitation developed in only two patients who did not have aortic insufficiency at the time of repair. Late aortic regurgitation necessitating reoperation developed in one of the 15 survivors who had aortic valve resuspension. Eight patients undergoing aortic valve replacement had complications of their prostheses, including one periprosthetic leak and four mechanical failures. We conclude that resuspension or replacement of the aortic valve does not increase the risk of repair of ascending aortic dissections. Selective management of aortic insufficiency (with valve repair whenever possible) yields satisfactory long-term results.     

Standford A型主动脉夹层的外科治疗分析

目的 总结Standford A型主动脉夹层的外科治疗经验.方法 2001年1月至2006年12月共收治Standford A型夹层动脉瘤患者54例,急性夹层(发病＜2周)36例,慢性夹层18例.46例接受手术治疗,其中急诊手术(入院后24 h内)35例,择期或限期手术11例;未行手术治疗8例.按主动脉根部术式分为单纯升主动脉置换术9例,Bentall术11例,Wheat+升主动脉置换术12例,David+升主动脉置换术14例.主动脉弓降部术式包括右半主动脉弓置换术6例,四分支人造血管全弓置换术25例,支架象鼻术24例.合并冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病及右冠状动脉断裂各1例,行冠状动脉旁路移植术.涉及主动脉弓部手术患者采用深低温停循环+双侧顺行选择性脑灌注,非急诊病例辅以体表降温.结果 手术组死亡率8.7%(4/46),未手术组死亡率75.0%(6/8).围手术期并发精神症状1例,胸腔积液或心包积液3例,声音嘶哑1例,切口愈合不良1例,经过积极处理后所有患者均痊愈出院.出院患者随访2～70个月,平均(13.0±14.2)个月,生活质量良好.结论 Standford A型主动脉夹层应积极手术治疗,术中根据不同情况采取最佳术式及合适的脑保护方案,术后及时处理并发症,可以取得良好的效果.     

Initial Experience of Modified Four-Branched Graft Technique and Antegrade TEVAR in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Background: We report the initial experience of modified four-branched graft technique for proximal aorta and arch repair, feasibly combined with antegrade thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to extend distal aortic reconstruction in acute type A aortic dissection.Methods: From 2011 to 2013, 12 consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection were indicated for arch surgery and underwent surgical replacement of proximal aorta, arch replacement or debranching procedure, and concomitant TEVAR for distal aortic repair.Results: A good surgical field was obtained in all patients. No major complications developed but two hospital deaths were attributed to end-organs damage preoperatively. Good and fast remodeling of thoracic descending aorta was demonstrated in 11 patients in postoperative CT imaging and no aneurysmal dilatation of visceral aorta had been observed in 10 patients during follow-up periods.Conclusion: Modified four-branched graft technique facilitated proximal aorta and arch repair, and provided excellent neurological outcome and favorable short-term results. Single-stage operation combined with antegrade TEVAR is feasible and effective to extend the repair down to the descending aorta, and thus achieved good remodeling of thoracic descending aorta.     

Aortic root replacement after operation for the ascending aorta and/or aortic valve

We reviewed ten cases who underwent aortic root replacement after operation for the ascending aorta and/or aortic valve. As initial operation, aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed in five patients, replacement of the ascending aorta in two, original Bentall operation in two, and entry closure and suspension of the aortic valve in one. At reoperation, three patients were diagnosed as aneurysm of the ascending aorta, two were annulo-aortic ectasia, and one was acute aortic dissection, chronic dissecting aneusym, pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta, prosthetic valve endocarditis, and massive aortic regurgitation. Aortic root replacement was performed using mechanical valved composite graft in all cases. One patient who underwent repeat aortic root replacement for prosthetic valve endocarditis was died of septemia and ventricular fibrillation. Five patients had nine complications (two low output syndrome, respiratory failure and cerebral infarction, one gastrointestinal bleeding, septemia and ventricular fibrillation). In conclusion, aortic root replacement after operation for the ascending aorta and/or aortic valve was performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality.     

主动脉夹层的外科治疗

目的总结84例主动脉夹层患者的外科治疗经验,探讨手术技巧和围术期处理,以提高手术疗效。方法50例Stanford A型主动脉夹层患者在体外循环下（11例采用深低温停循环技术）行Bentall手术或Cabrol手术24例,升主动脉人工血管置换术8例,Trusler手术5例,Wheat手术5例,升主动脉＋主动脉全弓或半弓人工血管置换术8例;34例Stanford B型主动脉夹层采用带膜支架主动脉腔内修复术治疗。结果住院死亡11例,死亡率13．1％。术中死亡3例,其中1例升主动脉＋次全弓人工血管置换患者因术中主动脉开放后主动脉根部大出血无法止血;1例升主动脉部分切除＋人工血管置换患者心脏无法复跳;1例升主动脉＋半弓血管置换患者因降主动脉夹层破裂死亡。术后早期死亡8例,其中死于低心排血量综合征2例,肺部感染2例,肾功能衰竭2例,呼吸衰竭1例,永久性神经系统损害1例。术后发生并发症16例。随访62例（84．9％,62／73）,随访时间3个月～10年。随访期间死亡2例,其中1例死于心内膜炎,1例猝死（原因不明）。结论快速准确地诊断、个体化的手术方案和精确的手术技术是主动脉夹层手术成功的关键。     

Predicting outcome after reoperative procedures on the aortic root and ascending aorta.

OBJECTIVE: Reoperations on the ascending aorta after prior aortic procedures are formidable challenges. In order to identify factors predictive of clinical outcome using a uniform surgical approach, results of a 15-year experience were reviewed. METHODS: Between 1983 and 1998, 78 reoperations on the ascending aorta were performed in 71 consecutive patients. There were 56 males and 15 females, aged 54+/-13 years (10-73 years), with a mean interval to first reoperation of 60+/-76 months (5-223 months). The original operation was replacement of ascending aorta (23), aortic valve (25), aortic root (7), ascending aorta with valve preservation (9), ascending aorta and aortic valve (7). Surgical approach included femoral vessels dissection and repeat sternotomy, with femoro-femoral bypass limited to cases of traumatic reentry. Reoperation consisted in replacement of the aortic root (48), ascending aorta (15), ascending aorta and aortic valve (6), aortic root with ascending aorta and arch (6), ascending aorta and aortic arch (3). Average aortic crossclamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 122+/-86 and 188+/-60 min, respectively. RESULTS: Early deaths were five (7%), due to low output syndrome (3), hemorrhage (1) and sepsis (1). Mortality for emergent reoperation was significantly higher (38 vs. 3%, P=0.001). A total of 39 early complications were observed in 78 reinterventions (50%), including: traumatic reentry requiring emergent femoro-femoral bypass (4), reexploration for bleeding (4), respiratory failure (12), sepsis (5), transient neurologic dysfunction (4), renal failure (3), myocardial infarction (3), circulatory insufficiency requiring mechanical life support (2), and wound infection (2). Average intensive care unit stay was 4.5+/-9.7 days (0.5-40 days). Survival was 92+/-4%, 78+/-10% and 78+/-10% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. At follow-up (mean 34+/-36 months, 1-170), survivors were in satisfactory clinical conditions (1.6+/-0. 8 mean NYHA class, 1-3) with no evidence of renal, respiratory or neurologic dysfunction. Multivariable analysis showed emergent reoperation (P=0.001), prior aortic valve replacement (P=0.005) and need for arch replacement (P=0.03) to be predictive of higher operative mortality. Longer duration of bypass (P=0.01) and aortic arch replacement (P=0.04) were predictive of higher prevalence of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Reoperations on the ascending aorta via repeat sternotomy without preventive femoral bypass are associated with low operative risk and high prevalence early complications. Emergent reintervention due to aortic dissection, particularly in patients with prior aortic valve replacement, and need for arch repair are predictive of poorer perioperative outcome. Long-term outlook of hospital survivors is satisfactory.     

Extensive primary repair of the thoracic aorta in Stanford type A acute aortic dissection by means of a synthetic vascular graft with a self-expandable stent

OBJECTIVES: To minimize any residual false lumen when operating on patients with an acute type A aortic dissection, we tried to perform extensive primary repair of the thoracic aorta with the modified elephant trunk technique. The early and midterm results of these surgical interventions are reported and evaluated. METHODS: Among the acute type A aortic dissections with extensive false lumen encountered since December 1997, 19 consecutive patients, 15 DeBakey type I with the tear in the ascending, transverse, or both aortas, and 4 DeBakey type III-D with the tear located in the descending aorta, underwent insertion of a synthetic graft with a distally anchored stent in the descending thoracic aorta. The interpolation method was used as an introducer combined with total replacement of the aortic arch by using a synthetic branching graft with only a median sternotomy. RESULTS: One patient died, and 18 were discharged after full recovery. Postoperative computed tomographic scans showed that no residual false lumina were present proximal to the diaphragmatic level, and no false lumina were found in 10 patients. Two patients with acute ischemia of the right kidney caused by narrowing of the true lumen, as demonstrated by radiographic computed tomography, improved significantly after surgical intervention with restoration of blood flow in the true lumen. Paraplegia was not observed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: In emergency operations for an acute type A aortic dissection, the operation is often limited to replacing the ascending aorta because priority is given to saving the patient's life. However, it is possible to perform extensive primary repair of the thoracic aorta with relative safety by interpolating a synthetic graft with a self-expandable stent.     

A型主动脉夹层动脉瘤的外科治疗

目的　总结 1996年 1月至 2 0 0 2年 8月收治的 34例 A型主动脉夹层动脉瘤的外科治疗经验。　方法　应用 Bentall手术 19例 ,升主动脉人工血管置换术 7例 ,升主动脉人工血管置换加主动脉瓣成形术 (Trusler's法 )5例 ,分别行升主动脉人工血管置换及主动脉瓣置换术 (Wheat术 ) 2例 ,升主动脉、主动脉弓人工血管置换术 1例。结果　手术死亡 6例 ,死亡率 17.6 %。其中慢性主动脉夹层动脉瘤死亡 3例 ,急性夹层动脉瘤死亡 3例。随访 2 0例 ,随访率 71.4 %。随访时间 2～ 4 6个月 ,平均 2 4 .7个月 ,1例术后 3个月猝死 (原因不明 ) ,1例术后 6个月死于心内膜炎。18例存活患者情况良好。　结论　应根据夹层动脉瘤的部位及范围采用不同的手术方式 ,保留主动脉瓣的升主动脉人工血管置换术治疗该病效果较好 ,准确可靠的吻合技术、保留瘤壁的完整性 ,将使手术更为安全。     

Sutureless ring graft replacement of ascending aorta and aortic arch

Complications after aortic replacement that result from prolonged graft insertion time and technical difficulties with suturing through friable, diseased aortic tissue can be addressed with use of the sutureless intraluminal ring graft. Between 1978 and 1989, we replaced the ascending aorta or aortic arch with this device in 49 patients. At no time were we unable to use a sutureless graft during a procedure. Twenty-eight cases of aneurysmal disease and 21 cases of acute or chronic dissection were treated. Twenty-six patients required replacement of the aortic valve, with annuloartic ectasia being the most common indication (71%). Ten patients underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. The operative mortality rate for ascending aortic aneurysm repairs was 4%, and that for dissections was 18%. Five of 8 patients requiring aortic arch replacement survived. Most patients were studied angiographically before discharge. No complications were related to anastomotic hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm formation, graft migration, or thromboemboli. Individual cases of phrenic nerve palsy, acute tubular necrosis, and transient ischemic attack, all of which resolved completely, were identified. The actuarial 5-year survival rate is 64%. We conclude that modification of the sutureless intraluminal ring graft to suit the pathology encountered at operation allows the quickest repair with the least chance of anastomotic complication.     

Aortendissektion Stanford Typ A

The Stanford classification is used to classify aortic dissections by involvement or non-involvement of the ascending aorta in the dissection process. Stanford type A aortic dissections affect the ascending aorta and without surgical treatment are associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis is crucial but can be difficult due the heterogeneous clinical presentation. Computed tomography is the imaging modality of first choice. When diagnosed, immediate surgical resection of the primary entry tear and replacement of affected segments, in most cases the complete ascending aorta and the concavity of the aortic arch, are the standard treatment of choice. Until surgical treatment is possible systemic blood pressure must be strictly controlled and lowered. After successful treatment of the pathology, in particular in patients with a residual chronic dissection in downstream aortic segments, long-term follow-up in an aortic center is recommended.     

Transaortic stented graft implantation for aortic arch aneurysm

Objectives: Despite steady improvements, surgery for aortic arch diseas, including the distal arch, continues to result in high rates of morbidity and mortality. We have performed aortic arch repair using a transaortic stented graft implantation into the descending aorta in 8 patients who had true aortic arch aneurysms, and here have reviewed the efficacy and problems from this procedure.Methods: Six patients underwent transaortic stented graft implantation into the descending aorta with bypass to the arch vessels. The other two underwent stented graft implantation into the descending aorta with replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. One patient had a ruptured aneurysm.Results: Each operation was performed via a median sternotomy without left thoracotomy. There was no new postoperative occurrence of left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. All the five patients without perioperative neurological complication could be extubated within 24 h after surgery. In each case, postoperative enhanced computed tomography scans showed successful thromboexclusion of the aneurysm. There was no endocleak and no graft migration. One patient suffered cerebral injury. Spinal cord injury occurred in 2 patients, and this serious complication may have been caused by prolonged ischemia in the lower body and the long stented graft.Conclusions: This surgical strategy was effective for arch aneurysm and produced less damage than a conventional procedure to the postoperative respiratory function, while the operative technique need to be improved to decrease the frequency of brain and spinal cord injury.