Distal anastomotic new entry tears predict long-term outcomes after hemi-arch repair for DeBakey I aortic dissection†

Abstract

Objectives: Aortic arch tears, including distal anastomosis new entry tears and residual arch tears, have been associated with adverse outcomes (false lumen growth, distal reoperation) after hemi-arch repair for DeBakey Type I aortic dissection. However, no study has compared distal anastomosis new entry tears and RATs as independent entities despite their distinct aetiologies and preventative strategies which may inform surgical management.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adult patients with hemi-arch repair for DeBakey Type I aortic dissection at a tertiary referral centre (1996-2021). We included patients who survived beyond their initial hospitalization with good-quality post-operative CT angiograms. Distal anastomosis new entry tears and residual arch tears metrics were collected from the first good-quality post-operative CT. Maximal aortic diameters (distal to graft) were collected from pre- and post-hemi-arch repair CT angiograms. Presence and imaging characteristics of distal anastomosis new entry tears and RATs were examined for prediction of false lumen growth and distal aortic intervention.

Results: We included 272 patients, and 24.5% (69) had distal anastomosis new entry tears, which on multivariable analysis was associated with a post-operative descending diameter change of +6.2 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.5, 7.9) and greater risk of distal intervention, hazard ratio 3.24 (95% CI: 1.57, 6.68); residual arch tears were not significantly associated, hazard ratio 0.72 (95% CI: 0.28, 1.83). Distal anastomosis new entry tears located on the greater curvature versus lesser curvature (58% vs 42%, P = 0.044) were more likely to lead to reoperation (45% vs 17%, P = 0.033).

Conclusions: Distal anastomosis new entry tears, not residual arch tears, correlate strongly with negative descending aorta remodelling and distal intervention after hemi-arch repair for DeBakey I aortic dissection. Therefore, additional strategies are warranted to prevent distal anastomosis new entry tears, a result of anastomotic technical challenge, during operative repair.

Keywords: Aortic dissection; Computed tomography angiography; Distal anastomotic new entry tear; False lumen remodeling; Hemi-arch repair; Residual arch tear.