Long-term results of modified sandwich repair of aortic root in 151 patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Acute type A aortic dissection frequently induces aortic root disease; however, the optimal surgical strategy for aortic root dissection remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to introduce a novel technique for reconstruction of type A dissection to improve patient prognosis.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 791 consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection between January 2003 and July 2015. Among these patients, 151 were selected (72% men, age 51.7 ± 9.8 years) to have the modified sandwich repair of aortic root dissection.

RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate of the 151 patients was 6.6% (10/151). During a mean follow-up period of 52.7 ± 28.6 months, the survival rate was 100, 89.1 and 69.7% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Echocardiography and computed tomographic angiography were performed every year to monitor the pathological change in the aortic root. Freedom from severe aortic regurgitation at 5 years was 100%. No patients required reintervention due to dissection or pseudoaneurysm of the proximal aortic root.

CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve resuspension and repair of the sinus of Valsalva with the modified sandwich technique using Teflon felt strips for acute type A dissection could be reliable and effective.