Cannulation strategies for acute type A dissection-role of central cannulation

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of direct cannulation of the ascending aorta in comparison with cannulating peripheral arteries.

We retrospectively analysed type A dissection patients [n = 107; median (interquartile range [IQR]) age, 64 [53-73] years] from January 2008 to March 2018. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: direct ascending aorta cannulation (group A, n = 47; median [IQR] age, 69 [54-74] years; 34% female) and non-aortic cannulation (group B, n = 60; median [IQR] age, 62 [52-72] years; 20% female). Postoperative outcomes and long-term survival were compared.

Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups, except for higher creatinine in group B (median 0.9 vs 1.1, P = 0.028) and higher prevalence of dyslipidaemia in group A (58.7% vs 38.3%, P = 0.037). Overall early mortality was 12.1% (n = 13); 12.8% (n = 6) in group A and 11.7% (n = 7) in group B (P = 0.863). The incidence of stroke was 10.6% (n = 5) in group A and 6.7% (n = 4) in group B (P = 0.463). After adjusting for CPB and circulatory arrest times, there was no group difference in the length of ICU (P = 0.257) or hospital stay (P = 0.118), all-cause reoperation (P = 0.709), peak postoperative creatinine (P = 0.426) and lactate values (n = 60; P = 0.862). Overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 84%, 78% and 73%, respectively, with no difference between the 2 groups after adjustment (P = 0.629).

Direct cannulation of the ascending aorta is a safe cannulation strategy for type A dissection repair, offering the opportunity for rapid arterial cannulation and antegrade perfusion.