Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Acute Type-A Aortic Dissection with Coronary Artery Involvement

The surgical strategies for acute type-A aortic dissection (aTAAD) with coronary artery involvement have been controversial, and its prognosis remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we aim to determine the characteristics, surgical strategies, and prognosis of patients with coronary artery involvement due to aTAAD.Retrospective analysis of 65 consecutive aTAAD patients with coronary artery involvement between September 2005 and January 2012 was performed. The patients were divided into two groups: those treated with aTAAD repair and coronary ostia reimplantation (Neri type-A, group A, n = 37) and those with aTAAD repair and coronary artery bypass grafting (Neri type B and C, group B, n = 28).Overall in-hospital mortality was determined to be 8.1% for group A and 21.4% for group B (P = 0.124). No significant difference was determined between groups A and B in cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross-clamp time, cerebral perfusion time, and hospitalization time. Intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 5.8 ± 7.4 days for group A, whereas it was 12.4 ± 10.6 days for group B (P = 0.009). The morbidity of postoperative temporary and permanent neurological dysfunction was similar between the two groups, while renal and respiratory dysfunction were 8.1% versus 25.0% and 16.2% versus 39.3%, respectively (P = 0.062, P = 0.036). Average follow-up time was 112.0 ± 44.8 months, and survival curves have not shown statistical significance between two groups (P = 0.386).Coronary artery dissection with Neri type B and C in acute TAAD has been associated with higher early death, but comparable long-term survival after discharge. However, combined immediate coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic repair remains a safe, effective, and acceptable approach to these challenging group of patients.