Predictors of mortality and reoperation in acute type-a aortic dissection surgery: 18 years of experience

To describe our experience with acute type-A aortic dissection surgery, including an analysis of the effect of cerebral protection on outcome.

Between March 1990 and October 2007, 98 consecutive patients underwent surgery for acute type-A aortic dissection. Of these, 85 had an ascending aorta replacement, while the entire arch was replaced in 13. The aortic valve was replaced in 34 patients but preserved in the rest. An intimal tear was observed in 83 patients.

The in-hospital mortality rate was 15%. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were age > or = 70 years and preoperative cardiogenic shock (P< .05). Antegrade cerebral perfusion was used in the last 16 consecutive patients, whose in-hospital mortality rate was 6%. The proportions of patients who survived and who did not require reoperation at 1, 5 and 10 years of follow-up were 98.6%+/-1.3%, 86.2%+/-4.6% and 68.2%+/-8.9%, and 97.2%+/-1.9%, 82.5%+/-4.8% and 55.9%+/-7.9% for the two outcomes, respectively. The risk factors for reoperation were found to be severe preoperative aortic regurgitation and preservation of the aortic valve (P< .05). The only risk factor for late mortality was not using antegrade cerebral perfusion (P< .05).

Despite its seriousness, surgery for acute aortic dissection produces good early and long-term results. Antegrade cerebral perfusion improves the prognosis of these patients and should be the technique of choice for cerebral protection.