Valve-Sparing Root Reconstruction Does Not Compromise Survival in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Background. The optimal management of the dissected aortic root remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether aortic valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) compromises survival in aortic dissection repair and to evaluate the comparative efficacy of 2 types of VSRR procedures. Methods. The Heart Center database (Leipzig, Germany) was reviewed to identify patients who underwent a VSRR for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) repair. Patients were classified into 3 groups: Bentall (biological or mechanical valved conduit), Yacoub VSRR, and David VSRR. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the t test and analysis of variance as appropriate. Results. From March 1995 to April 2010, 208/374 patients (56%) undergoing AAAD repair received an aortic root procedure. Group 1 (n = 130) underwent a Bentall operation, group 2 (n = 51) underwent a modified Yacoub procedure, and group 3 (n = 27) underwent a modified David procedure. Age and logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) as well as cross-clamp, cardiopulmonary bypass, and circulatory arrest times were similar among the groups. Hospital mortality among all 3 groups was similar (group 1, 27%; group 2, 16%; group 3, 15%). At a mean follow-up of 44 months for group 2 and 27 months for group 3, there was no difference in the need for aortic valve replacement for moderate to severe aortic insufficiency (AI) (2/37 survivors in group 2 versus 1/23 survivors in group 3; z score = -0.279; p > 0.05). Five-year survival estimates were 66% for group 1, 65% for group 2, and 80% for group 3 (log rank p = 0.2). Conclusions. Both the David and Yacoub techniques have similar midterm durability in AAAD repair. When compared with the Bentall procedure, neither technique compromises short-term or midterm survival after AAAD repair. (Ann Thorac Surg 2012; 94: 1230-4) (C) 2012 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons