The Impact of Intimal Tear Location and Partial False Lumen Thrombosis in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

Partial false lumen (FL) thrombosis is a risk factor for long-term mortality in acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD). This study investigates FL pressures in models of ATBAD with patent and partially thrombosed FL.

Twenty-five porcine aortas were used to create five models of ATBAD that were connected to a pulsatile flow loop. Models A through C had a patent FL with the following morphologies: model A, single proximal tear; model B, single distal tear; and model C, single proximal and single distal tear. Models D and E had a single proximal and a single distal tear, with partial FL thrombosis. Model D had FL occlusion of the proximal tear, and model D had FL occlusion of the distal tear. True lumen (TL) and FL pressures were measured at 90 to 150 mm Hg.

In model A, FL pressures were 6 mm Hg higher than TL pressures (p < 0.01). In model B, FL pressures were 10 mm Hg lower than TL pressures (p ≤ 0.01). In model C, TL and FL pressures were equivalent. In model D, FL pressures were 40 mm Hg lower than TL pressures (p < 0.001). In model E, FL pressures were 10 mm Hg higher than TL pressures (p < 0.01).

In a biologic model of ATBAD, the number, location, and FL thrombosis status determine FL pressure. In the setting of partial FL thrombosis, the FL pressure is reduced with proximal tear occlusion and increased with distal tear occlusion. Reduced FL pressure is related to retrograde flow.