Cannulation strategies for acute type A dissection-role of central cannulation

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of direct cannulation of the ascending aorta in comparison with cannulating peripheral arteries. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed type A dissection patients [n = 107; median (interquartile range [IQR]) age, 64 [53-73] years] from January 2008 to March 2018. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: direct ascending aorta cannulation (group A, n = 47; median [IQR] age, 69 [54-74] years; 34% female) and non-aortic cannulation (group B, n = 60; median [IQR] age, 62 [52-72] years; 20% female). Postoperative outcomes and long-term survival were compared. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups, except for higher creatinine in group B (median 0.9 vs 1.1, P = 0.028) and higher prevalence of dyslipidaemia in group A (58.7% vs 38.3%, P = 0.037). Overall early mortality was 12.1% (n = 13); 12.8% (n = 6) in group A and 11.7% (n = 7) in group B (P = 0.863). The incidence of stroke was 10.6% (n = 5) in group A and 6.7% (n = 4) in group B (P = 0.463). After adjusting for CPB and circulatory arrest times, there was no group difference in the length of ICU (P = 0.257) or hospital stay (P = 0.118), all-cause reoperation (P = 0.709), peak postoperative creatinine (P = 0.426) and lactate values (n = 60; P = 0.862). Overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 84%, 78% and 73%, respectively, with no difference between the 2 groups after adjustment (P = 0.629). CONCLUSIONS: Direct cannulation of the ascending aorta is a safe cannulation strategy for type A dissection repair, offering the opportunity for rapid arterial cannulation and antegrade perfusion.