[Discuss Many to Benefit More - Five-Year Analysis of a Multidisciplinary Aortic Board]

Katrin Meisenbacher1, Uwe Geis1, Hans-Ulrich Kauczor2

  • 1Klinik für Gefäßchirurgie und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Deutschland.

Insights

Multidisciplinary aortic boards (mAB) effectively filter patients towards conservative treatment, but many patients recommended for surgery do not receive it. Improving mAB performance requires a central management office and registry for better aortic disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Medical Decision Making

Background:

  • Multidisciplinary aortic boards (mAB) are crucial for managing complex aortic pathologies.
  • Evaluating mAB performance is essential for optimizing patient care pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the patient volume and discipline-specific contributions to a maximum care hospital's mAB.
  • To review treatment indications and patient allocation decisions made by the mAB.
  • To identify areas for improvement in mAB function and patient management.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patients discussed in the mAB from 01/2014 to 12/2018.
  • Inclusion of data from Heidelberg University Hospital's Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, and Radiology departments.
  • Review of patient demographics, treatment indications (conservative vs. surgical), and actual therapies received.

Main Results:

  • 344 patients were discussed over five years (median 71/year), predominantly from Vascular Surgery (76%).
  • Surgical treatment was indicated in 45% of cases, with a nearly equal distribution between Vascular and Cardiac Surgery referrals.
  • A significant proportion (39%) of patients indicated for surgery did not receive the recommended treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The mAB plays a key role in directing patients towards conservative management.
  • The high volume from outpatient sectors highlights the mAB's reliance on external referrals.
  • A central management office and registry are recommended to enhance mAB effectiveness and ensure adherence to surgical recommendations.
Abstract

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