Quality of Life Following Surgery of Ascending Aorta and Aortic Arch with Selective Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion

Abstract

Objective Surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic arch has been challenging since its inception as neurological complications may occur significantly affecting the quality of life (QOL).

Methods From January 1998 to December 2007, 79 patients mainly suffering aortic dissection (65%) or true aortic aneurysm (34%) underwent surgery on the aortic arch employing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. QOL was assessed with the sickness-impact-profile (SIP) comprising 136 questions and 12 categories.

Results All patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta, combined with a partial (hemiarch) (n = 33; 42%) or total (n = 46, 58%) arch replacement. Thirty-day mortality was 17.7% (n = 14 patients). Perioperatively, three patients (3.8%) suffered a transitory ischemic attack (TIA) and 5.1% patients suffered a stroke. The median score of the complete questionnaire was 4.7, which demonstrates excellent QOL following such complex surgical procedures. The median physical dimension was 2.5 (0; 8), the psychosocial median score was 3.7 (1.2; 16.1), both underline an only minimal impairment of the daily life.

Conclusion The QOL after following the surgery of ascending aorta and aortic arch with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion is excellent on the long-term as assessed by the SIP.

Keywords

aorta/aortic - outcomes (includes mortality and morbidity) - quality of life

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