In-hospital and Long-Term Results of Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: 243 Consecutive Patients

Background: Our surgical strategies for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) are prompt establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass and primary entry resection. We investigated our experience with surgery for AAAD. Methods: Between January 1997 and December 2006, 243 consecutive patients with AAAD underwent emergency surgery. Clinical and diagnostic data of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Surgical procedures included ascending aorta or hemiarch replacement (n = 212) and total or partial arch replacement (n = 31), and those for proximal reconstruction included modified Bentall procedure (n = 8), and aortic valve replacement (n = 3). Hospital mortality was 6.9%, and entry resection was performed in 74% of patients. Actuarial survival rate at 5 and 10 years was 86% +/- 14% and 77% +/- 23%, respectively. A total of 13 patients required re-operation: 5, an aortic root; 3, an aortic arch; and 5, a descending aorta. Actuarial freedom from re-operation at 5 and 10 years was 95% +/- 5%, and 81% +/- 18%, respectively. Conclusions: Our surgical strategy for AAAD seems to be pertinent with acceptable short- and long-term results. Since we lost 8 patients due to rupture of false lumen postoperatively, careful follow-up for a residual false lumen may improve the patients' prognosis.