Midterm results of vascular ring connector in open surgery for aortic dissection

This study observed midterm results of vascular ring connectors in surgery for aortic dissection.

Vascular ring connectors were used as stents in vascular grafts to achieve quick, sutureless anastomoses. Tapes were used to secure ringed vascular grafts from outside the aorta.

From November 2007 to February 2011, 113 consecutive patients with aortic dissection, except 3 in preoperative profound shock, underwent open surgery. All underwent aortic reconstruction with vascular grafts and vascular ring connectors: ascending aorta in 29, descending thoracic aorta in 20, distal hemiarch plus descending thoracic aorta in 22, total arch in 14, ascending aorta plus total arch in 12, total arch plus descending thoracic aorta in 7, ascending aorta plus arch plus descending thoracic aorta in 8, and thoracoabdominal aorta in 1. Concomitant operations were 19 Bentall procedures, 14 coronary bypasses, 2 mitral valve replacements, 1 aortic valve replacement, and 1 heart transplant. We used sternotomy to repair 77% of type B dissections, 83% with elephant trunks. Time to extubation was 9.0 ± 6.2 hours. Average blood loss was 345 ± 195 mL. Half the patients needed no blood transfusion. In-hospital mortality was 5.3%; late mortality was 2.7%.

Use of vascular ring connectors in surgical repair for aortic dissection might reduce risks and improve early and midterm results. With addition of elephant trunk, most type B dissections could be repaired through sternotomy. With the improved surgical results, we can suggest open repair for most uncomplicated type B dissections; however, more long-term follow-up is needed.