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Updated: May 17, 2026
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Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
A rare pattern of acute type A aortic dissection: circumferential intimal invagination
Konstantin von Aspern1, Christian D Etz, Lukas Lehmkuhl
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Centre Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. KONSTANTIN.VONASPERN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
|November 13, 2012
Summary
Aortic dissection can present unexpectedly, with imaging differing from surgical findings. Surgeons must be aware of potential intimal absence and intussusception during aortic repair.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Aortic dissection is a serious cardiovascular condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a primary imaging modality for evaluating aortic pathologies.
- Preoperative imaging accuracy is crucial for surgical planning in complex aortic diseases.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old patient presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with aortic dissection.
- CT scans showed a dissection limited to the aortic root with apparent normality of the ascending aorta.
- A stenosis in the descending aorta was also noted on imaging.
Findings:
- Intraoperative findings revealed complete intimal absence in the ascending aorta.
- The intimal defect led to intussusception into the descending aorta.
- Surgical intervention involved ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement.
Implications:
- This case highlights significant discrepancies between preoperative CT imaging and intraoperative aortic anatomy.
- Surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion for unexpected findings during aortic dissection surgery.
- Awareness of potential intimal absence and intussusception is critical for successful surgical outcomes.
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