Reoperative arch-first total arch repair after previous acute type A aortic dissection repair

We sought to review the outcomes of our arch-first total aortic arch repair (TAR) using a trifurcated graft after previous acute type A aortic dissection (ATAD) repair.

From February 2006 to June 2024, 62 patients underwent reoperative TAR after ATAD repair. The first-stage TAR includes axillary artery cannulation, minimal dissection without aortic crossclamping, myocardial protection using systemic potassium and retrograde blood cardioplegia, an arch-first technique with deep hypothermia (20 °C), and construction of a classical elephant trunk through a partial transverse incision distally or proximally to old distal aortic anastomosis.

The median age at reoperative TAR was 63.5 years. The median interval from initial ATAD repair to reoperative TAR was 3 years. A concomitant procedure was performed in 20 patients (32.3%). The median cardiopulmonary bypass and lower body circulatory arrest times were 227.5 and 97 minutes, respectively. Operative mortality was 1.6% (n = 1/62), as was the incidence of stroke (1.6%) and renal-replacement therapy (3.2%). Stage II repair was performed or planned in 49 patients (open repair [above the celiac axis in most patients], n = 42; endovascular, n = 3; endovascular converted to open repair, n = 2; and waiting for repair, n = 2). Median interval between staged procedures was 63 days [interquartile range, 36, 134]. Mortality of stage II procedure was 4.3% (n = 2/47) with no spinal cord injury. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that estimated survival at 5 years was 82.7 ± 6.7%.

Our reoperative TAR is safe in the setting of residual dissection that minimizes dissection of the cardiac structures, simplifies the distal anastomosis, and protects vital organs.