Long-term outcomes after thoracic aortic surgery: a population-based study

Jennifer Higgins1, May K Lee2, Caroll Co3

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Insights

Long-term survival after open thoracic aortic surgery is excellent, with 77.7% survival at 5 years. Improved outcomes are seen in the modern era, aiding risk stratification for patient selection.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Thoracic Aortic Surgery
  • Surgical Outcomes

Background:

  • Long-term survival after open thoracic aortic surgery is not well-documented.
  • Open aortic surgery may offer superior durability compared to endovascular techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine long-term survival rates after open thoracic aortic surgery.
  • To identify predictors of mortality in patients undergoing this procedure.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a provincial database of adult patients undergoing primary open thoracic aortic surgery (1993-2010).
  • Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and multivariate analyses to identify mortality predictors.

Main Results:

  • Overall 30-day mortality was 9.1%; 5-year survival was 77.7%.
  • Improved long-term survival observed in the modern era, for elective surgeries, and ascending aorta/root procedures.
  • Preoperative factors like age >65, renal failure, COPD, and cerebrovascular accident were associated with decreased survival.

Conclusions:

  • Elective thoracic aortic surgery demonstrates excellent long-term survival, with outcomes improving over time.
  • Identified preoperative risk factors can aid in risk stratification and patient selection.
  • Established survival rates serve as a benchmark for new aortic interventions.
Abstract

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