Surgical outcomes of total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique in type A aortic dissection: insights from single-center experience

Background Total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique plays an important role in treating acute type A aortic dissection in China. We aim to summarize the therapeutic effects of this procedure in our center over a 17-year period. Methods Consecutive patients treated at our hospital due to type A aortic dissection from January 2004 to January 2021 were studied. Relevant data of these patients undergoing total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 589 patients were included with a mean age of 53.1 ± 12.2 years. The mean of cardiopulmonary bypass, cross-clamping, and selected cerebral perfusion time were 199.6 ± 41.9, 119.0 ± 27.2, and 25.1 ± 5.0 min, respectively. In-hospital death occurred in 46 patients. Multivariate analysis identified four significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality: preexisting renal hypoperfusion (OR 5.43; 95% CI 1.31 – 22.44; P = 0.020), cerebral malperfusion (OR 11.87; 95% CI 4.13 – 34.12; P < 0.001), visceral malperfusion (OR 4.27; 95% CI 1.01 – 18.14; P = 0.049), and cross-clamp time ≥ 130 min (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.72 – 6.19; P < 0.001). The 5, 10, and 15 years survival rates were 86.4%, 82.6%, and 70.2%, respectively. Conclusions Total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique is an effective treatment for acute type A aortic dissection with satisfactory perioperative results. Patients with preexisting renal hypoperfusion, cerebral malperfusion, visceral malperfusion, and long cross-clamp time are at a higher risk of in-hospital death.