A modified frozen elephant trunk technique for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Aortic Surgery

Background:

• Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection has a high mortality rate and requires emergency intervention.
• Current treatment options lack an optimal standard technique.
• The frozen elephant trunk technique is crucial for managing acute type A aortic dissection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a modified frozen elephant trunk technique for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection.
• To report the short-term outcomes of this modified technique.

Main Methods:

• 16 patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection underwent surgery using a modified frozen elephant trunk technique.
• Perioperative variables were recorded and analyzed.
• Aortic diameters were measured at admission, discharge, and 3 months post-discharge.

Main Results:

• The modified technique was performed with acceptable cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times.
• Aortic valve repair was frequently performed alongside the main procedure.
• Post-discharge, true lumen diameter increased, suggesting false lumen thrombosis and aortic remodeling.

Conclusions:

• The modified frozen elephant trunk technique is safe and feasible for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection, including cases with organ malperfusion.
• Short-term outcomes are encouraging.
• Further investigation is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes.