Search Results (509)

Objectives: This study evaluated the anatomical suitability of two single-branched thoracic stent grafts—the Castor (Endovastec, China) and the Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis (TBE, Gore, USA)—for proximal landing in aortic arch zone 2, including the left subclavian artery (LSA), in patients with acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD). While the TBE is currently available as an off-the-shelf device (26 main bodies, 8 branch configurations), the study also aimed to define the minimal number of configurations needed to treat most patients. The same approach was applied to the Castor stent graft, currently only available as a custom-made device (CMD), to assess its potential for off-the-shelf adaptation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on computed tomographic angiographies of TBAD patients treated between 2004 and 2023. Exclusion criteria included type A or non-A-non-B dissections, isolated abdominal dissections, intramural hematomas, and lack of consent. Morphometric measurements were conducted using centerline analysis software. Suitability was defined per manufacturers’ criteria and reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Among 100 TBAD cases, 82% (95% CI: 73.3–88.3%) were suitable for the Castor CMD with 74 configurations. Main causes of exclusion were short landing zones and atypical arch anatomies. With adjunctive procedures, 13 Castor configurations covered all morphologies; 34% could be treated off-the-shelf, and 48% required additional interventions. For the TBE, off-the-shelf suitability was 22%, increasing to 78% with adjunctive procedures (six main bodies, five branches). Conclusions: Both stent grafts are promising for proximal extension in TBAD. Reduced configuration availability necessitates more adjunctive procedures, impacting efficiency and cost. Full article

Objectives: Non-A Non-B (NANB) aortic dissections (ADs) are uncommon. Because of their rarity, their therapeutic pathway is not yet standardized, and anatomic or goal-directed treatments are not reported in current practices. We reviewed the treatment strategies of NANB AD across Europe, aiming to identify factors associated with increased mortality and the need for intervention, outlining optimal management pathways for future care. Methods: This multicentre cohort study was carried out in four European aortic centres, retrospectively including patients affected by NANB AD over the last 10 years. Patients’ anatomical clinical and treatment data were collected with the aim of investigating the factors associated with their need for intervention and increased mortality, comparing the characteristics of those requiring surgery with those who responded to medical treatment alone. Results: Thirty-eight NANB patients (26, 68.4% men; mean age 60.6 ± 12.87) were included. The primary entry tear was identified in Ishimaru zone 1 or 2 in most cases (24, 63.2%) and the dissection extended distally to the ilio-femoral arteries in half of the patients (21, 55.3%). Surgical repair was indicated in 21 (55.3%) cases within 90 days of acute onset for end-organ ischemia, impending aortic rupture, or retrograde extension of the dissection (including 11 emergent/urgent operations), with most patients requiring surgery within 15 days of acute onset (17, 44.7%). The mean aortic diameter among patients requiring surgery was significantly higher in both zone 1 (7 37 IQR 3 versus 34 IQR 7, p = 0.043) and 2 (36 IQR 6 versus 32.5 IQR 7, p = 0.044) when compared with patients who underwent medical treatment alone. An increased in-hospital mortality rate was noted among patients with indication for surgery after medical treatment (0% versus 30.8%, p = 0.023). Conclusions: This cohort provides an additional description of clinical aspects and current practices in the treatment of NANB in Europe. Most patients of this series had an indication for surgery within two weeks of acute onset, demonstrating a frequently complicated course; moreover, this raises questions surrounding the most appropriate timing for interventional management. Although a diameter threshold was not identified, the baseline enlarged aortic diameter in zones 1 and 2 seemed to be associated with a need for early intervention. Further study is needed to fully refine the indications for treatment in NANB patients; this will support the study of the independent risk factors for increased mortality risk and complications among this group, and will allow the identification of subgroups of patients that may benefit from more aggressive treatment from acute onset. Full article

Background: Optimal cerebral protection strategies for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (aTAAD) surgery remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the role of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-guided monitoring and its association with clinical outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 619 patients undergoing aTAAD surgery (Hemi-Arch, Total-Arch, or Arch-Stent procedures). Intraoperative cerebral oxygenation was monitored using NIRS, with the magnitude of desaturation quantified as ΔNIRS. We assessed correlations between ΔNIRS and nasopharyngeal temperature, employed generalized additive models (GAM) to analyze nonlinear relationships with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and used piecewise logistic regression to identify procedure-specific ΔNIRS risk thresholds. Results: ΔNIRS showed a significant positive correlation with lower temperatures in Total-Arch (R = 0.486, p < 0.001) and Arch-Stent (R = 0.216, p < 0.001) groups. GAM analysis revealed a nonlinear, accelerating relationship between higher ΔNIRS and increased log odds of MACE in Hemi-Arch and Total-Arch groups. Procedure-specific ΔNIRS thresholds were identified: 8.5% for Hemi-Arch, 19.6% for Total-Arch, and 20.9% for Arch-Stent. Patients with ΔNIRS above these thresholds had significantly higher rates of stroke and MACE. Conclusions: This study identifies ΔNIRS as a significant, procedure-dependent intraoperative monitoring indicator in aTAAD surgery, and the proposed risk thresholds provide a rationale for real-time NIRS-guided clinical decision-making. Full article

Background: Mock circulatory loops (MCLs) are benchtop experimental platforms that reproduce key features of the human cardiovascular system, providing a safe, controlled, and reproducible environment for haemodynamic investigation. This scoping review aims to systematically map the current landscape of MCLs used for aortic simulation and identify major areas of application. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified original studies employing MCLs for aortic simulation. Eligible studies were categorized into predefined themes: (I) (bio)mechanical aortic characterization, (II) hemodynamics, (III) device testing, (IV) diagnostics, and (V) training. Data on MCL configurations, aortic models, and study objectives were synthesized narratively. Results: Eighty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five investigated aortic biomechanics, 23 hemodynamics, 22 device or product testing, 13 validated diagnostic imaging techniques, and one training application. Models included porcine (n = 22), human cadaveric (n = 7), canine (n = 1), ovine (n = 1), bovine (n = 1), and 3D-printed or molded aortic phantoms (n = 55). MCLs were employed to study parameters such as aortic stiffness, flow dynamics, dissection propagation, endoleaks, imaging accuracy, and device performance. Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive overview of MCL applications in aortic research. MCLs represent a versatile pre-clinical platform for studying aortic pathophysiology and testing endovascular therapies under controlled conditions. Standardized reporting frameworks are now required to improve reproducibility and accelerate translation to patient-specific planning. Full article

Objective: We investigated the relationship between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LND) within the first 90 days post gynaecological cancer surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 1021 patients who underwent gynaecological cancer surgery between 2006 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the effects of LND and lymph node (LN) metastasis on VTE occurrence within 90 days post-surgery. Results: A total of 41 patients developed VTE within 90 days post-surgery. Para-aortic LND was significantly associated with VTE (p < 0.001), with the highest rates (14.6%) observed in patients who had >10 para-aortic LN removed. In patients with pelvic LN metastasis, 10 (7.5%) developed VTE; patients with >5 pelvic nodes positive for metastasis had an HR = 4.83 (95% CI: 0.99–13.9) after adjustment for age, duration of hospital stay, and surgical approach. The highest VTE rates (27.3%) occurred in patients with >5 para-aortic LN positive for metastasis, HR = 3.79 (95% CI 1.44–14.23) after adjustment for age, duration of hospital stay, and surgical approach (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Para-aortic LND significantly increases VTE risk within the first 90 days post-surgery. The risk is further amplified in cases with metastatic LN and persists even after adjustment for other risk factors for VTE. While extended thromboprophylaxis is standard for all cancer patients, our findings suggest that para-aortic LND—especially with nodal metastases—may help identify those who would benefit most from a more tailored, risk-based prophylaxis approach. Full article

Background and Objectives: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by multisystem involvement, including renal cysts, hepatic cysts, intracranial aneurysms, and aortic root dilatation and dissection. Though exceedingly rare, cervical artery dissections (CeAD) have been reported in association with ADPKD. The aim of this retrospective observational study is to investigate clinical features in patients with ADPKD that increase the probability of an associated CeAD diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2020 was utilized to compare clinical features for patients with an ICD-10 code diagnosis of ADPKD, CeAD, and both ADPKD and CeAD. The Cochran–Armitage test and Chi-square test were utilized to assess clinical features or trends in ADPKD patients associated with a concurrent CeAD diagnosis. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, there were 224,065 people with ADPKD, 86,135 with CeAD and 155 with both (0.05%). The total cohort had a mean age of 56.74 years, with 47.26% female participants (p = 0.70), and was predominantly white (66.15%, p < 0.001). In patients with ADPKD, comorbid acute ischemic stroke (p < 0.001), transient ischemic attack (p < 0.001), aortic dissection (p < 0.001), coronary artery dissection (p < 0.001), subarachnoid hemorrhage (p < 0.001), coagulation defects (p = 0.002), and hypertension (p < 0.001) are risk factors associated with an increased probability of concomitant CeAD. Conclusions: CeAD in ADPKD patients is rare. In ADPKD patients, acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, aortic dissection, coronary artery dissection, subarachnoid hemorrhage, coagulation defects, and hypertension are risk factors of concomitant CeAD. Recognizing these factors can aid in the decision to screen for concomitant CeAD in patients with ADPKD. Full article

Background: Computed tomography (CT) angiography is widely regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing acute aortic dissection. However, in patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast media, such as those with renal insufficiency or hemodynamic instability, non-contrast CT may offer a viable alternative for initial evaluation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying aortic dissection, including extracellular matrix degradation, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, and inflammatory pathways, is crucial for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This report describes a single case of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection initially detected on non-contrast CT. Case Presentation: We describe a 74-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with fever and suspected infection, but without chest pain. An incidental finding on non-contrast CT revealed ascending aortic dilatation, pericardial effusion, and a suspected intimal flap. Subsequent CT angiography confirmed a Stanford type A aortic dissection. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential value of non-contrast CT in the early detection of aortic dissection, particularly when CT angiography cannot be performed. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomic analysis have shown promise in augmenting the diagnostic capabilities of non-contrast CT by identifying subtle imaging features that may correlate with underlying molecular pathology and elude human observers. Emerging evidence suggests that radiomic features may reflect molecular alterations in the aortic wall, including metalloproteinase activity, collagen degradation, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Incorporating AI-assisted interpretation alongside insights into molecular mechanisms could facilitate earlier diagnosis, improve risk stratification, and guide personalized treatment strategies in critically ill patients. Although non-contrast CT has limited sensitivity for aortic dissection, it may still reveal crucial findings in selected cases and should be considered when contrast-enhanced imaging is not feasible. Ongoing progress in AI, radiomics, and molecular biomarker research may further expand the clinical applications of non-contrast CT in emergency cardiovascular care and bridge the gap between imaging phenotypes and molecular endotypes. These findings are hypothesis-generating and require validation in larger cohorts before clinical generalization. Full article

Background: Intraoperative iatrogenic aortic dissection (IAD) is an uncommon but serious complication of cardiac surgery, and available evidence remains limited, with most reports based on small series. This study summarizes our experience in a high-volume cardiovascular center and compares the findings with published data. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 31 consecutive IAD cases treated at Anzhen Hospital from 2020 to 2024, assessing patient characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes. Results: IAD was identified intraoperatively in 90.3% of patients, with ascending aortic involvement in 80.6%. The main procedures included ascending aorta replacement (45.2%) and hemiarch replacement (22.6%). Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 342.6 ± 133.8 min, and 38.7% required circulatory arrest. Major postoperative complications were low cardiac output syndrome (61.3%), neurological injury (25.8%), and acute kidney injury (45.2%). Overall mortality was 38.7%. Review of 17 original studies (1998–2025; >2000 patients) showed a pooled mortality of 32.8%. Patients in our cohort had higher operative risk and more complex procedures, which may partly explain the higher complication and mortality rates. Conclusions: IAD remains a major intraoperative challenge. Prompt recognition and individualized surgical strategies are essential. These findings provide further insight into intraoperative iatrogenic dissection and may help inform operative and perioperative decision-making. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains a life-threatening condition requiring prompt surgical management. Over the last decades, improvements in diagnosis, surgical techniques, and perioperative care have influenced patient characteristics and outcomes. This study analyzes temporal trends in the clinical profiles and results of patients surgically treated for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) in a Northern Italian region over a fifteen-year period. Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing emergency surgery for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection or acute intramural hematoma (IMH) between January 2010 and December 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with chronic penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer or traumatic etiology were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative variables were analyzed to assess temporal changes. Trends were evaluated using linear regression and Cochran–Armitage tests for trend. Results: A total of 427 patients underwent surgery for AAD during the study period. The proportion of patients presenting with preoperative intubation significantly decreased over time (p for trend < 0.05), as did the incidence of preoperative shock (p for trend < 0.001). Conversely, the mean EuroSCORE showed a non-significant increase over the years. No significant differences were observed in age or other baseline parameters. A non-significant but progressive increase in female representation was observed over time (p = 0.064). Given this observation, a sex-based subanalysis was performed: women were significantly older (p < 0.001) and presented with higher EuroSCORE values (p < 0.001) compared to men, yet postoperative mortality was similar between sexes. This finding contrasts with recent reports suggesting worse outcomes among female patients. Conclusions: Over fifteen years, patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection have shown decreasing rates of preoperative critical conditions, reflecting earlier diagnosis and improved management. Despite higher operative risk scores, women demonstrated comparable short-term survival to men within our regional program. Multivariable analysis showed that sex was dependently associated with in-hospital mortality. Full article

Background: Animal models are essential for translating diagnostic and therapeutic strategies into clinical practice and offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of diseases such as aortic dissection. This study presents a novel acute in vivo large animal model of Stanford type A aortic dissection, combining open surgical access with endovascular techniques to leverage the advantages of both. The model aims to reproducibly simulate acute dissections in swine, providing a standardized platform for evaluating diagnostics, disease mechanisms, and treatment strategies. Methods: Six pigs underwent a standardized protocol to induce aortic dissection. Arterial pressure was monitored via femoral and carotid catheterization. A conventional sternotomy was performed, followed by tangential cross-clamping of the ascending aorta and a controlled incision proximal to the brachiocephalic trunk. The intima and the media were separated using a guidewire and catheter-based technique to create a false lumen. A re-entry tear was also established to allow for controlled intraluminal access. Animals were monitored for 12 h post-intervention, with serial blood sampling. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized and the aortas harvested for macroscopic and histological analysis. Results: In all 6 animals, the placement of arterial catheters in femoral and carotid arteries, as well as the sternotomy, was established without any complications. The dissection model was successfully created in 5 out of 6 animals by clinical signs such as adventitial hematoma, macroscopic wall separation and/or decreased femoral blood pressure. One animal experienced complete aortic perforation. Five animals completed the full observation period of 12 h. Conclusion: A standardized, reproducible, and robust large animal model of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection using a hybrid approach was developed. This model closely simulates the clinical and pathological features of human aortic dissection, making it a valuable tool for preclinical research in diagnostics, pathophysiology, and treatment development. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing use of endovascular procedures with common femoral artery (CFA) access has led to a rise in iatrogenic arterial injuries at this site. The most frequent injuries are pseudoaneurysms (PSA), retrograde dissections (RD), arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), and arterial perforations. Surgical repair is the standard treatment; however, the use of covered stents (CS) may represent a valid alternative, despite current instructions for use (IFU) not recommending CFA implantation. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study on a prospectively maintained database. Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR), endovascular aortic repair EVAR, diagnostic or therapeutic coronary angiography, or peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, who were subsequently treated for CFA injury with CS implantation between February 2015 and May 2024, were included. Endpoints were technical success (complete arterial repair), 30-day mortality, overall mortality, reintervention rates, and long-term stent patency. Results: A total of 41 patients were included: 10 (24.4%) PSA, 3 (7.3%) AVF, 27 (65.8%) perforations, and 2 (4.9%) RD. Of which 28 (68.3%) were treated with self-expandable CS and 13 (31.7%) with balloon-expandable CS. Additionally, 33 (80.5%) underwent urgent treatment. Technical success was achieved in 97.5%. Thirty-day mortality was 7.3%, with no procedure-related deaths. At a mean follow-up of 50.8 months (range 1–109), survival was 63.4%, with 100% stent patency and no procedure-related reinterventions. Conclusions: CS implantation for CFA iatrogenic injuries achieved high technical success and excellent long-term patency, representing a viable alternative to open repair. Further studies are needed to integrate CS use for CFA injuries into treatment algorithms and to update device IFUs accordingly. Full article

Aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) represent a life-threatening aortic disorder, for which current treatment strategies rely predominantly on surgical interventions, with limited pharmacological options targeting the underlying pathophysiology. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction constitutes a central pathological mechanism in the development and progression of AAD. This review outlines the association between VSMCs and AAD, covering their physiological functions and pathological alterations, including phenotypic switching, cell death, and VSMC-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling. It further discusses the impact of epigenetic modifications on VSMC core functions. Additionally, this review addresses normal energy metabolism pathways of VSMCs and the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming, as well as abnormalities in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and other metabolic pathways. Signaling mechanisms related to AMPK activation and mitochondrial function are also highlighted. Currently, AAD management is dominated by surgical interventions, while pharmacological therapy remains limited to symptomatic control. Looking ahead, future research should focus on VSMC metabolism-related mechanisms to develop early prevention strategies and novel targeted therapeutics, thereby improving the current treatment landscape for AAD. Full article

Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) requires management tailored to the disease phase and clinical presentation, with the subacute period representing a favorable window for endovascular intervention due to improved procedural safety and remodeling potential. We report the case of a 38-year-old male with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and bicuspid aortic valve disease who presented one month after symptom onset with persistent chest pain and progressive bilateral lower-limb numbness. Clinical examination suggested early spinal cord ischemia, while laboratory tests demonstrated acute hepatic and renal dysfunction. CT angiography revealed a subacute TBAD with a markedly expanded false lumen and near-complete compression of the true lumen, resulting in visceral, renal, and potential spinal malperfusion. Given the high-risk anatomy and evolving organ dysfunction, a staged hybrid strategy was undertaken. A left carotid–subclavian bypass was performed to secure proximal landing for endovascular repair, followed the next day by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using two thoracic stent grafts. Postoperative recovery was favorable, with rapid resolution of neurological symptoms and normalization of hepatic and renal parameters, allowing discharge on postoperative day seven. This case underscores the importance of early recognition of malperfusion and timely hybrid intervention in subacute TBAD with severely compressed true lumen, demonstrating excellent early clinical outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) represents the most common congenital anomaly of the aortic arch, and is frequently associated with a Kommerell diverticulum, an aneurysmal dilation at the anomalous vessel origin. This condition carries a significant risk of rupture and dissection, and growing evidence indicates that local hemodynamic alterations may contribute to its development and progression. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) provides a valuable non-invasive modality to assess biomechanical stresses and elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these vascular abnormalities. Methods: In this study, twelve thoracic CT angiography scans were analyzed: six from patients with ASA and six from individuals with normal aortic anatomy. CFD simulations were performed using OpenFOAM, with standardized boundary conditions applied across all cases to isolate the influence of anatomical differences in flow behavior. Four key hemodynamic metrics were evaluated—Wall Shear Stress (WSS), Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI), Drag Forces (DF), and Turbulent Viscosity Ratio (TVR). The aortic arch was subdivided into Ishimaru zones 0–3, with an adapted definition accounting for ASA anatomy. For each region, time- and space-averaged quantities were computed to characterize mean values and oscillatory behavior. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that patients with ASA exhibit markedly altered hemodynamics in zones 1–3 compared to controls, with consistently elevated WSS, OSI, DF, and TVR. The most pronounced abnormalities occurred in zones 2–3 near the origin of the aberrant vessel, where disturbed flow patterns and off-axis mechanical forces were observed. These features may promote chronic wall stress, endothelial dysfunction, and localized aneurysmal degeneration. Notably, two patients (M1 and M6) displayed particularly elevated drag forces and TVR in the distal arch, correlating with the presence of a distal aneurysm and right-sided arch configuration, respectively. Overall, this work supports the hypothesis that aberrant hemodynamics contribute to Kommerell diverticulum formation and progression, and highlights the CFD’s feasibility for clarifying disease mechanisms, characterizing flow patterns, and informing endovascular planning by identifying hemodynamically favorable landing zones. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS^®, Artivion Inc.) for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Methods: Between January 2021 and January 2025, all consecutive patients undergoing emergent surgery for ATAAD and hybrid aortic arch repair using the AMDS from two centers were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. Patients were stratified based on 30-day or in-hospital mortality. Survival analysis was performed for patients who survived hospital discharge. Radiological evaluation focused on the presence of distal anastomotic new entries (DANEs), false lumen thrombosis, and aortic remodeling on follow-up computed tomography angiography. A total of 46 patients (12 female, mean age 66.1 ± 13.8 years) were included in the study. Results: The 30-day or in-hospital mortality rate was 21.7% (10 patients). There were no significant differences in demographic variables between survivors and non-survivors. All patients underwent hemiarch replacement with AMDS stent placement, with 54.3% also requiring aortic root replacement. Median cross-clamp time, hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) time, and time of antegrade selective cerebral perfusion did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, significant differences were observed in median cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (151 vs. 274 min, p = 0.02) and HCA temperature (27 °C vs. 25 °C, p = 0.021). Postoperatively, the non-survivor group showed a significantly higher incidence of dialysis requirement (7.7% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.02), use of mechanical circulatory support (3.9% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.01), and re-exploration for bleeding (15.4% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.023). Conclusions: The AMDS^® is an effective adjunct in hemiarch replacement for ATAAD. Moderate hypothermia and optimized perfusion were linked to better early survival, while the device reliably promoted true-lumen expansion with few DANEs. Its rapid deployment may further facilitate the use of moderate hypothermia by balancing procedural efficiency with systemic protection. Full article