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We performed a contemporary assessment of clinical and radiographic factors of stroke after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Patients undergoing TEVAR from 2006 to 2017 were identified. We assessed clinical and radiographic data, including preoperative head and neck computed tomography, Doppler ultrasonography, and intraoperative angiography. Our primary outcome was stroke after TEVAR. Four hundred seventy-nine patients underwent TEVAR, mean age 68.1 ± 19.5 years, 52.6% male. Indications for TEVAR included aneurysms (n = 238, 49.7%) or dissections (n = 152, 31.7%). Ishimaru landing zones were Zone 2 (n = 225, 47.0%), Zone 3 (n = 151, 31.5%), or Zone 4 (n = 103, 21.5%). Stroke occurred in 3.8% (n = 18) of patients, with 1.9% (8) major events (modified Rankin Scale3). Pathophysiology was predominantly embolic (n = 14), and occurred in posterior (n = 6), anterior (n = 6), or combined circulation (n = 4), and in the left hemisphere (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 6). Univariate analysis suggested use of lumbar drain (33.3% versus 57.2%, P = 0.04), inability to revascularize the left subclavian artery (16.7% vs 5.2%, P = 0.04) and number of implanted components (2.5 ± 1.2 vs 2.0 ± 0.97, P = 0.03) were associated with stroke. Multivariable analysis identified number of implanted components (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.17-2.67 P = 0.00) and inability to revascularize the left subclavian artery as independent predictors of stroke. Stroke was associated with a higher perioperative mortality (27.8% vs 3.9%, P0.01). Stroke after TEVAR is primarily embolic in nature and related to both anatomic and procedural factors. This may have important implications for device development in the era of endovascular arch repair.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a potential precipitant of myocardial infarction and sudden death for which the etiology is poorly understood. Mendelian vascular and connective tissue disorders underlying thoracic aortic disease (TAD), have been reported in ~5% of individuals with SCAD. We therefore hypothesized that patients with TAD are at elevated risk for SCAD. We queried registries enrolling patients with TAD to define the incidence of SCAD. Of 7568 individuals enrolled, 11 (0.15%) were found to have SCAD. Of the sequenced cases (9/11), pathogenic variants were identified (N = 9), including COL3A1 (N = 3), FBN1 (N = 2), TGFBR2 (N = 2), TGFBR1 (N = 1), and PRKG1 (N = 1). Individuals with SCAD had an increased frequency of iliac artery dissection (25.0% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.047). The prevalence of SCAD among individuals with TAD is low. The identification of pathogenic variants in genes previously described in individuals with SCAD, particularly those underlying vascular Ehlers–Danlos, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys–Dietz syndrome, is consistent with prior reports from clinical SCAD series. Further research is needed to identify specific genetic influences on SCAD risk.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection are complex diagnoses that require management by multidisciplinary providers using a variety of medical therapies, surgical interventions, and lifestyle modifications. Pharmacological agents, such as β-blockers (atenolol) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (losartan), have been mainstay treatments for several years, and research from the past decade has continued to evaluate these and other medication classes to further improve patient morbidity and mortality. Combination β- and renin-aldosterone-angiotensin blockade, statins, metformin, antioxidants, and vitamins have been evaluated as therapeutics in both thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, as well as the effects of various antibiotics (ie, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines) and benefits of lifestyle modifications (eg, diet and exercise) and enhanced patient-centered care and treatment adherence. In addition, as our understanding of the genetic, biochemical, and pathophysiological mechanisms behind these diseases expands, so do potential targets for future therapeutic research (eg, interleukins, matrix metalloproteases, and mast cells). This review incorporates the major meta-analyses, systematic and generalized reviews, and clinical trials published from 2010 through 2021 that focus on these topics in thoracic aortic aneurysms (and abdominal aneurysms when thoracic literature is scarce). Several key ongoing clinical trials, case studies, and in vivo/in vitro studies are also mentioned. Furthermore, we discuss current gaps in the literature and the abundance of clinical evidence for some interventions in abdominal aneurysms with few thoracic correlates, thus indicating a need for investigation of these subjects in the latter.

Pregnancy-associated aortic dissection (AD) is a rare event, with an incidence of 0.0004% per pregnancy. The work of the Aortic Dissection Collaborative identified pregnancy-associated AD as a high-priority topic, despite its rarity. The Pregnancy Working Group, which included physicians and patient stakeholders, performed a systematic literature review of pregnancy-associated AD from 1960 to 2021 and identified 6,333 articles through PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science. The inclusion criterion was AD in pregnant populations and exclusion criteria were case reports, conference abstracts, and languages other than English. Assessment of full-text articles for eligibility after removal of duplicates from all databases yielded 68 articles to be included in the final review. Topics included were timing of AD in pregnancy, type of AD, and management considerations of pregnancy-associated AD. The Pregnancy Working Group identified gaps in knowledge and future areas of research for pregnancy-associated AD, including clinical management, mental health outcomes post AD, reproductive and genetic counseling, and contraception after AD. Future collaborative projects could be a multicenter, international registry for all pregnancy-associated AD to refine the risk factors, best practice and management of AD in pregnancy. In addition, future mixed methodology studies may be useful to explore social, mental, and emotional factors related to pregnancy-associated AD and to determine support groups' effect on anxiety and depression related to these events in the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Telemedicine uses telephone-based or any form of digital communication for remote clinical services. It has been a field of interest for the last century, with broader implementation of telemedicine technologies during the last 25 years. The COVID-19 pandemic was an impetus for the adoption of these technologies globally across all health care services, including patient care, surgical practice, and workflow. As part of the patient engagement work in the Aortic Dissection Collaborative, this topic was identified as an important patient-centered research topic. Telemedicine has been adopted increasingly in vascular surgery; however, there is little evidence on appropriate use of these technologies pertaining to treating patients with aortic dissection or aortopathy in general. This landscape review summarizes the uses of telemedicine applications pre and post pandemic in medicine and vascular surgery, with a particular focus on uses in aortopathy. Using common resource databases, we identified articles related to the history of telemedicine, its current utilization, and application to vascular surgery and/or aortopathy. We briefly review the history of telemedicine and illustrate a range of applications in medicine before the pandemic, along with its rapid uptake globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. The enablers and barriers to using telemedicine are explored, although as a whole there is satisfaction with its integration among patients and providers. To address these, we offer recommendations to address future research as it pertains to telemedicine technologies in aortic dissection.

Although the topics of surgical techniques and medical therapies have been widely studied in aortic dissection (AD), studies examining the short- and long-term impact of this event on mental health are largely lacking. Many of the studies have used the 36-Item Short Form Survey at variable time points after the event. However, AD as medical trauma has a complex impact on a person's identity. Its implications for emotional, mental, social, existential, and self-concept could be explored more robustly. This topic was identified as a topic of interest by the AD Collaborative. The AD Collaborative Mental Health Working Group was formed and performed a landscape review to summarize current literature surrounding quality of life research in those who have experienced AD, identify gaps in knowledge, and to outline future research questions.

Aortic dissection confers high mortality and morbidity rates despite advances in treatment, impacts quality of life, and contributes immense burden to the healthcare system globally. Efforts to prevent aortic dissection through screening and management of modifiable risk factors and early detection of aneurysms should incorporate genomic information, as it is integral to stratifying risk. However, effective integration of genomic-guided risk assessment into clinical practice will require addressing implementation barriers that currently permeate our healthcare systems. The Aortic Dissection Collaborative was established to define aortic dissection research priorities through patient engagement. Using a collaborative patient-centered feedback model, our Genomic Medicine Working Group identified related research priorities that could be investigated by pragmatic interventional studies aimed at aortic dissection prevention, utilization of genomic information to improve patient outcomes, and access to genomic medicine services. Further research is also needed to identify the genomic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors that contribute to aortic dissection so these data can be incorporated into future comparative effectiveness studies to prevent aortic dissection.

Understanding what matters most to patients can help guide research in a direction that is best situated to provide evidence that is responsive to their core concerns. This can better inform the treatment decision-making process for patients and their physicians. The Aortic Dissection (AD) Collaborative built a collaborative AD research infrastructure involving patients and other stakeholders to facilitate patient-centered outcomes research training, support, and networking among those affected by AD. Two surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and October 2020 to gather information from people with and at risk for AD and their family members to better understand their experiences and needs. Discussion of survey and interview results were then articulated as seven key topics for future research to meet the needs of the AD community. Working groups were assembled to address each of the key topics. The groups conducted landscape reviews that were focused on providing guidance for future research that directly addresses the needs identified by the AD community. Recommendations for future research generated by the working groups were compiled by the Aortic Dissection Collaborative. From these recommendations, the Aortic Dissection Collaborative advisors and stakeholders identified high-priority research questions. The research questions form the basis for a third survey, disseminated to the Virtual Research Network between November 2021 and February 2022. Final analysis of the survey will identify top ranked research questions and assess willingness to participate. These results will inform the development of future patient-centered outcomes research and comparative effectiveness research proposals.

Introduction The reuse of cardiac implantable electronic devices may help increase access to these therapies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). No published data exist regarding the views of patients and family members in LMICs regarding this practice. Methods and Results A paper questionnaire eliciting attitudes regarding pacemaker reuse was administered to ambulatory adult patients and patients’ family members at outpatient clinics at Centro Nacional Cardiologia in Managua, Nicaragua, Indus Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín and Hospital Eugenio Espejo in Quito, Ecuador, and American University of Beirut Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon. There were 945 responses (Nicaragua – 100; Pakistan – 493; Ecuador – 252; Lebanon – 100). A majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they would be willing to accept a reused pacemaker if risks were similar to a new device (707, 75%), if there were a higher risk of device failure compared to a new device (584, 70%), or if there were a higher risk of infection compared to a new device (458, 56%). A large majority would be willing to donate their own pacemaker at the time of their death (884, 96%) or the device of a family member (805, 93%). Respondents who were unable to afford a new device were more likely to be willing to accept a reused device (79% vs. 63%, P

OBJECTIVES We sought to examine management and outcomes of (Stanford) type A aortic dissection (TAAAD) in patients aged >70 years. METHODS All patients with TAAAD enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection database (1996–2018) were studied (n = 5553). Patients were stratified by age and therapeutic strategy. Outcomes for octogenarians were compared with those for septuagenarians. Variables associated with in-hospital mortality were identified by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS In-hospital mortality for all patients (all ages) was 19.7% (1167 deaths), 16.1% after surgical intervention vs 52.1% for medical management (P 80 years. Fewer octogenarians underwent surgery versus septuagenarians (68.1% vs 85.9%, P CONCLUSIONS When compared with septuagenarians, a smaller percentage of octogenarians undergo surgical repair for TAAAD, even though postoperative outcomes are similar. Age alone should not preclude consideration for surgery in appropriately selected patients with TAAAD.

Our aim was to analyze outcomes of patients aged 70 years or above presenting with type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA). A retrospective analysis of the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) was conducted. Patients aged 70 years or above (n = 1449) were stratified according to presence or absence of CVA before surgery (CVA: n = 110, 7.6%). In-hospital outcomes and mortality up to 5 years were analyzed. Additionally, in-hospital outcomes of patients who received medical management were described. No patient presenting with CVA over the age of 87 years underwent surgery. The rates of in-hospital mortality and post-operative CVA were significantly higher in patients presenting with CVA (in-hospital mortality: 32.7% vs 21.7%, P = 0.008; post-operative CVA: 23.4% vs 8.3%, P0.001). Presence of CVA was independently associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.35 - 6.60, P = 0.007). In survivors of the hospital stay, presenting CVA had no independent influence on mortality up to 5 years (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 0.99 - 2.31, P = 0.54). In medically managed patients, exceedingly high rates of in-hospital mortality (71.4%) and CVA (90.9%) were noted. Patients presenting with TAAAD and CVA at ≥ 70 years of age are at significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality, although long-term mortality is not affected in hospital survivors. Medical management is associated with poor outcomes. We believe that surgical management should be offered after critical assessment of comorbidities.

The purpose of this paper is to describe all available evidence on the distinctive features of a group of 4 life-threatening acute aortic pathologies gathered under the name of acute aortic syndrome (AAS). The epidemiology, diagnostic strategy, and management of these patients has been updated. The authors propose a new and simple diagnostic algorithm to support clinical decision making in cases of suspected AAS, thereby minimizing diagnostic delays, misdiagnoses, and unnecessary advanced imaging. AAS-related entities are reviewed, and a guideline to avoid imaging misinterpretation is provided. Centralization of patients with AAS in high-volume centers with high-volume surgeons is key to improving clinical outcomes. Thus, the role of multidisciplinary teams, an “aorta code” (streamlined emergent care pathway), and aortic centers in the management of these patients is boosted. A tailored patient treatment approach for each of these acute aortic entities is needed, and as such has been summarized. Finally, a set of prevention measures against AAS is discussed.

The REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial) trial demonstrated that high-dose icosapent-ethyl reduced the risk of ischemic events in statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides (TG) and either atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or diabetes plus at least one risk factor.Using data from REACH (Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health), a large international registry of outpatients with or at risk of ASCVD, we evaluated the proportion of patients potentially eligible for enrolment in REDUCE-IT and compared their outcomes to those excluded because of low TG. Among 62,464 patients with either ASCVD or diabetes enrolled in the REACH Registry, 1036/8418 (12.3%) patients in primary prevention and 6049/54046 (11.2%) patients in secondary prevention (11.3% overall) would have been eligible for inclusion in REDUCE-IT. Compared with patients excluded for low TG level, adjusted risk of the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, unstable angina, or coronary revascularization was higher in the REDUCE-IT eligible group (HR:1.06, 95%CI:1.00-1.13, p = 0.04). In addition, unstable angina, non-fatal MI, percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting were also more frequent in the REDUCE-IT eligible group (HR:1.17, 95%CI:1.07-1.27, p 0.001; HR:1.25, 95%CI:1.07-1.45, p 0.001; HR:1.42, 95%CI:1.27-1.57, p 0.001; HR:1.43, 95%CI:1.19-1.71, p 0.001, respectively), whereas the adjusted risk of non-fatal stroke was lower (HR:0.64, 95%CI:0.54-0.75, p 0.001).In this large international registry of patients with or at high-risk of ASCVD, 11.3% met the REDUCE-IT trial selection criteria. REDUCE-IT eligible patients were found to be at higher risk of cardiac atherothrombotic events, but at lower risk of stroke than trial-ineligible patients with lower TG.

Hypertension (HTN) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and unhealthy lifestyles in adults. However, data on both physiological and lifestyle factors associated with abnormal blood pressure (BP) in adolescents, as well as the effectiveness of interventions in improving these factors among adolescents with abnormal BP, is scarce.Students enrolled in a middle-school-based wellness program, Project Healthy Schools (PHS), between 2005-2016 were eligible. Three systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP measurements were taken pre-PHS and post-PHS; averages of the final two were analyzed. Students were grouped by baseline BP: abnormal BP (≥90th percentile for SBP and/or DBP, or ≥120/80 mmHg) or normal BP (90th percentile for SBP and/or DBP, or120/80 mmHg). Demographics, physiologic measures, and health behaviors were compared between groups pre- and post-PHS.Of 2,865 students, 812 (28.3%) had abnormal BP. Median SBP was 119 mmHg in abnormal BP students and 103 mmHg in normal BP students (p.001). Females were less likely to have abnormal BP than males (48.4% vs. 51.6%, p.01). Pre-PHS, abnormal BP students were more likely to be overweight (62.3% vs. 28.2%, p.001) or obese (38.9% vs. 11.3%, p.001) than normal BP students. Their total cholesterol, triglycerides, random glucose, resting, and recovery heart rates were also higher, and they had worse dietary and sedentary habits. Post-PHS, abnormal BP students demonstrated greater reduction in SBP (-4.0 vs. 2.8 mmHg, p.001) and DBP (-3.3 vs. .8 mmHg, p.001) than normal BP students.Abnormal BP was prevalent and associated with worse cardiometabolic health parameters and behaviors at baseline. Abnormal BP students demonstrated significant improvements in BP post-PHS, suggesting school-based programs may be effective as nonpharmacological lifestyle interventions in this population.

Traditional training and funding mechanisms in academic health centers often do not support its faculty, staff, and trainees in evaluating and implementing innovative ideas, necessitating supplemental innovation programming. The University of Michigan (U-M) Frankel Cardiovascular Center partnered with U-M Fast Forward Medical Innovation (FMMI), a biomedical innovation and commercialization unit funded in part by the Clinical and Translational Science Award awarded to the Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research, to provide training and resources to advance ideas toward impacting patients. The program recruited faculty, trainees, staff, patients, and family members from multidisciplinary backgrounds. Engaging patients and family members expanded the ideas generated and furthered clinical relevance. Over two years, 11 project teams completed an 11-week, 16-session course on innovation and entrepreneurship concepts that incorporated workshops to progress ideas and develop a pitch for development funding. An increase in knowledge was reported in key innovation topics, such as customer discovery, assessing markets, and intellectual property. Participants reported an increase in project preparation, including obtaining stakeholder support, preparation of a development plan, readiness to apply for funding, and filing invention disclosures. This program can serve as a model for implementing training and funding mechanisms to advance innovative ideas.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a key component of a heart-healthy diet. For patients without clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, 2 or more servings of fatty fish per week is recommended to obtain adequate intake of omega-3 PUFAs. If this not possible, dietary supplementation with an appropriate fish oil may be reasonable. Supplementation with omega-3 PUFA capsules serves 2 distinct but overlapping roles: treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and prevention of cardiovascular events. Marine-derived omega-3 PUFAs reduce triglycerides and have pleiotropic effects including decreasing inflammation, improving plaque composition and stability, and altering cellular membranes. Clinical trial data have shown inconsistent results with omega-3 PUFAs improving cardiovascular outcomes. In this paper, the authors provide an overview of PUFAs and a summary of key clinical trial data. Recent trial data suggest the use of prescription eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event reduction in selected populations.

OBJECTIVE We studied the utilization of home health care (HHC) among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, impact of HHC on and predictors of 30-day readmission. METHODS We queried the National Readmission Database (NRD) from 2012 to 2014identify patients with AMI discharged home with (HHC+) and without HHC (HHC-). Linkage provided in the data identified patients who had 30-day readmission, our primary end-point. The probability for each patient to receive HHC was calculated by a multivariable logistic regression. Average treatment of treated weights were derived from propensity scores. Weight-adjusted logistic regression was used to determine impact of HHC on readmission. RESULTS A total of 406 237 patients with AMI were discharged home. Patients in the HHC+ cohort (38 215 patients, 9.4%) were older (mean age 77 vs. 60 years P < 0.001), more likely women (53 vs. 26%, P < 0.001), have heart failure (5 vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (26 vs. 6%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (35 vs. 26%, P < 0.001). Patients readmitted within 30-days were older with higher rates of diabetes (RR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.37-1.48) and heart failure (RR = 5.8, 95% CI: 5.5-6.2). Unadjusted 30-day readmission rates were 21 and 8% for HHC+ and HHC- patients, respectively. After adjustment, readmission was lower with HHC (21 vs. 24%, RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82-0.96; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION In the United States, AMI patients receiving HHC are older and have more comorbidities; however, HHC was associated with a lower 30-day readmission rate.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the most important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. There is heterogeneity in the epidemiology and management of CVD between male and female patients. In the specific case of acute aortic dissection (AAD), women, at the time of diagnosis, are older than men and complain less frequently of an abrupt onset of pain with delayed presentation to the emergency department. Furthermore, a history of hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is more common among women. In type A AAD, women more often experience pleural effusion and coronary artery compromise, but experience less neurological and malperfusion symptoms. They undergo less frequent surgical treatment and have higher overall in-hospital mortality. Conversely, in type B AAD no significant differences were shown for in-hospital mortality between the two genders. However, it should be highlighted that further studies are needed in order to develop AAD gender specific preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Background: An estimated 1 million patients require cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) but go without annually. This disparity exists in low-to-middle-income nations largely owing to the cost of CIED hardware. Humanitarian reuse of CIEDs has been shown to be safe and feasible. However, recent publications have raised concern that promotion of CIED reuse may foster a CIED “black market,” to the dismay of manufacturers, regulators, and clinicians alike. Objective: To determine if unregulated CIED sales for potential human use is a real issue by investigating unregulated public online CIED sale listings in the United States of America. Methods: An observational study was undertaken over 6 months using multiple internet search engines from May 1 to November 1, 2019. We cataloged usable CIEDs (still in packaging, manufactured

There are limited data on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), following open repair for a proximal thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection. The aim was to evaluate serious adverse events, abnormal CPX event rate, CRF (peak oxygen uptake, (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak), and blood pressure.Patients were retrospectively identified from cardiac rehabilitation participation or prospectively enrolled in a research study and grouped by phenotype: (1) bicuspid aortic valve/thoracic aortic aneurysm, (2) tricuspid aortic valve/thoracic aortic aneurysm, and (3) acute type A aortic dissection.Patients (n = 128) completed a CPX a median of 2.9 mo (interquartile range: 1.8, 3.5) following repair. No serious adverse events were reported, although 3 abnormal exercise tests (2% event rate) were observed. Eighty-one percent of CPX studies were considered peak effort (defined as respiratory exchange ratio of ≥1.05). Median measured (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak was36% predicted normative values (19.2 mL·kgmin vs 29.3 mLkgmin, P.0001); the most marked impairment in (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak was observed in the acute type A aortic dissection group (40% normative values), which was significantly different from other groups (P.05). Peak exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 160 mm Hg (144, 172) and 70 mm Hg (62, 80), with no differences noted between groups.We observed no serious adverse events with an abnormal CPX event rate of only 2% 3 mo following repair for a proximal thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection. (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak was reduced among all patient groups, especially the acute type A aortic dissection group, which may be clinically significant, given the well-established prognostic importance of reduced cardiorespiratory fitness.

To investigate clinical course of patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) occurring at a young age with confirmed or suspected heritable thoracic aortic disease.Individuals with TBAD occurring at an age50 years enrolled in the National Registry of the Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Conditions Consortium were selected for analysis. Three cohorts were compared: Marfan syndrome (MFS TBAD), nonsyndromic familial TBAD (FTBAD), and sporadic TBAD. Demographics, comorbidities, aortic dissection details, and repair were compared.A total of 150 individuals met inclusion criteria (mean age at TBAD, 36.9 ± 9 years): 73 MFS TBAD, 42 FTBAD, and 35 sporadic TBAD. The cohort of sporadic TBAD had more male patients (71.4%) and fewer individuals of European descent (51.4%) compared with MFS TBAD (57.5% male, 84.9% European descent) and FTBAD (59.5% male, 90.5% European descent). There was a stepwise increase in hypertension prevalence across the cohorts (28.8% MFS, 59.5% FTBAD, 71.4% sporadic TBAD, P.001). Repair of the descending thoracic aorta was performed in 92 cases (67.1% in MFS, 61.9% in FTBAD, and 48.6% sporadic TBAD, P = .18) at a mean of 3.4 ± 5.4 years from TBAD. The repair extent varied. The largest extent of repair was in MFS TBAD, in which thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair was performed in 56.2% compared with 35.7% FTBAD and 17.1% sporadic TBAD (P.001).Control of hypertension is an essential component of care to decrease the risk of TBAD. Over half of the young individuals with TBAD require aortic repair, and individuals with MFS undergo a larger anatomical extent of repair after TBAD.

Aortic dissection (AD) is recognized as a potentially fatal condition and its standard treatment has been surgical intervention for acute type A AD (TAAD) and complicated acute type B AD (TBAD), and medical management for uncomplicated acute type B AD. Due to rapidly evolving device technologies and minimally invasive surgical techniques that have lowered perioperative risk, there are paradigm shifts for the indications and treatment options for both TAAD and TBAD. In this article, we will discuss the current indications and treatment options for TAAD and TBAD by chronicity of the disease, which comprises four categories: acute TAAD, chronic (repaired) TAAD, acute TBAD, and chronic TBAD. We will also discuss the knowledge gaps in the current surgical management strategies and literature evidence. Open surgical intervention remains the reference standard for acute TAAD and chronic TAAD with complications until an endoprosthesis that will suit the complex anatomy of aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch is developed. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is now the first line for complicated acute and chronic TBADs. However, we need a larger trials to support the safety and durability of the procedures in patients with uncomplicated TBAD. Without additional data, patients are left to choose between existing treatment options, such as open surgical repair and stent-grafting.

The Aortic Dissection (AD) Collaborative was established to evaluate patient-centered research priorities in AD. Education was identified as a topic of interest by the stakeholders. The AD Collaborative Education Working Group evaluated existing educational resources and identified areas amenable to comparative effectiveness research. The most important positive qualities of available AD education resources are ease of use, diversity of representation, accessibility, and organization. The most important negative qualities of these resources are non-patient-centered language, promotional themes, and those with limited applicability and accessibility. Through a series of focus groups, the Working Group identified target audiences for AD education and educational material content and critically assessed and prioritized barriers to effective AD education. Both the target audiences and the barriers include clinicians and patients themselves. The Working Group defined initiatives to overcome barriers, to include a comprehensive, universally agreed on AD resource that is updated in real time and making education accessible to all relevant target audiences. The Working Group then prioritized needs for comparative effectiveness research in AD education and determined that clinician education is the top priority for future efforts. The Working Group determined that assessment and evaluation of specific and appropriate screening strategies is the second most important priority. Finally, the Working Group identified patient education as the third most important priority, specifically determining how patients and their support groups learn best, the ideal strategies for information dissemination, and methods of assessing understanding and satisfaction with the education process.

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening rare disease that occurs as a spontaneous tear in the wall of the aorta. Survivors of AD go on to have a chronic disease process that requires lifelong follow-up and management. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has strained health systems and impacted practice in the United States, the effects of these impacts on people living with or at risk for AD is not well understood. This mixed methods project examined the experiences of people in the AD community during the COVID-19 pandemic between March and October 2020. Results reveal that the AD community lacked clear guidance on the role aortic health status plays in COVID-19 risk and experienced significant disruptions in aortic healthcare. At the same time, the new expansion in access to medical care with telehealth conferred unforeseen benefits in the form of reduced barriers for access to specialized aortic health care.

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-changing event that is often accompanied by a loss of normal quality of life. Survivors of AD go on to have a chronic disease that requires lifestyle modification, medical management, and surgical repair of the aorta. Clinical care includes multiple disciplines, health care settings, and often different geographic locations. This qualitative assessment examined the experiences of people with and at risk for AD. The following four themes emerged: "unnecessary drama" at diagnosis, unmet needs for information and support, the burden of self-advocacy and care coordination, and living with unaddressed mental health impacts. Our findings inform recommendations to advance patient-centered care delivery for individuals with and at risk for AD, improving communication of timely and relevant information, and an approach to care that acknowledges the whole person in clinical decision making.

IMPORTANCE: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is associated with high mortality in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), and medical management of CS-associated VT is limited by high failure rates. The role of catheter ablation has been investigated in small, single-center studies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate outcomes associated with VT ablation in patients with CS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study from the Cardiac Sarcoidosis Consortium registry (2003-2019) included 16 tertiary referral centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. A total of 158 consecutive patients with CS and VT were included (33% female; mean [SD] age, 52 [11] years; 53% with ejection fraction [EF]

Healthcare providers are expected to deliver care improvement solutions that not only provide high quality patient care, but also improve outcomes, reduce costs, ensure safety, and increase patient satisfaction. Human-centered design methodologies, such as design thinking, allow providers to collaboratively ideate solutions with patients and family members. We describe a pilot workshop designed to teach providers the stages of design thinking while working on improving patient-provider communication. Twenty-four providers (physicians, nurses, technical staff, and administrative staff) from multiple cardiovascular units attended the workshop with five former patients and family members from those units. The workshop educated on and guided teams of providers patients and family members through the stages of design thinking (empathy, define, ideate, prototype, test). Pre- and post-event assessments indicated an increase in knowledge of the design thinking methodology and participants’ ability to apply it to a clinical problem. We also present recommendations for designing a successful design thinking workshop.

OBJECTIVES: Thirty-day readmission following hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atrial fibrillation (AF), or congestive heart failure (CHF) is common, and many occur within one week of discharge. Using a cohort of patients hospitalized for ACS, AF, or CHF, we sought to identify predictors of 30-day, early (0–7 day), and late (8–30 day) all-cause readmission. METHODS: We identified 3531 hospitalizations for ACS, AF, or CHF at a large academic medical center between 2008 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify predictors of 30-day, early, and late unplanned, all-cause readmission, adjusting for discharge diagnosis and other demographics and comorbidities. RESULTS: Of 3531 patients hospitalized for ACS, AF, or CHF, 700 (19.8%) were readmitted within 30 days, and 205 (29.3%) readmissions were early. Of all 30-day readmissions, 34.8% of ACS, 16.8% of AF, and 26.0% of the CHF cohorts’ readmissions occurred early. Higher hemoglobin was associated with lower 30-day readmission [adjusted (adj) OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.97] while patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission were more likely readmitted within 30 days (adj OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03–1.67). Among patients with a 30-day readmission, females (adj OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.22, 2.47) and patients requiring ICU admission (adj OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.27, 3.26) were more likely readmitted early than late. Readmission predictors did not vary substantively by discharge diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Patients admitted to the ICU were more likely readmitted in the early and 30-day periods. Other predictors varied between readmission groups. Since outpatient follow-up often occurs beyond 1 week of discharge, early readmission predictors can help healthcare providers identify patients who may benefit from particular post-discharge services.

ImportanceEarly data revealed a mortality rate of 1% to 2% per hour for type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) during the initial 48 hours. Despite advances in diagnostic testing and treatment, this mortality rate continues to be cited because of a lack of contemporary data characterizing early mortality and the effect of timely surgery.ObjectiveTo examine early mortality rates for patients with TAAAD in the contemporary era.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study examined data for patients with TAAAD in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection between 1996 and 2018. Patients were grouped according to the mode of their intended treatment, surgical or medical.ExposureSurgical treatment.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMortality was assessed in the initial 48 hours after hospital arrival using Kaplan-Meier curves. In-hospital complications were also evaluated.ResultsA total of 5611 patients with TAAAD were identified based on intended treatment: 5131 (91.4%) in the surgical group (3442 [67.1%] male; mean [SD] age, 60.4 [14.1] years) and 480 (8.6%) in the medical group (480 [52.5%] male; mean [SD] age, 70.9 [14.7] years). Reasons for medical management included advanced age (n = 141), comorbidities (n = 281), and patient preference (n = 81). Over the first 48 hours, the mortality for all patients in the study was 5.8%. Among patients who were medically managed, mortality was 0.5% per hour (23.7% at 48 hours). For those whose intended treatment was surgical, 48-hour mortality was 4.4%. In the surgical group, 51 patients (1%) died before the operation.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, the overall mortality rate for TAAAD was 5.8% at 48 hours. For patients in the medical group, TAAAD had a mortality rate of 0.5% per hour (23.7% at 48 hours). However, among those in the surgical group, 48-hour mortality decreased to 4.4%.

Background Guidelines recommend frequent follow-up after acute aortic dissection (AAD), but optimal rates of follow-up are not clear. Methods We examined rates of imaging and clinic visits in 267 individuals surviving AAD during recommended intervals (≤1, > 1–3, > 3–6, > 6–12 months, then annually), frequency of adverse imaging findings, and the relationship between follow-up and mortality. Results Type A and B AAD were noted in 46 and 54% of patients, respectively. Mean follow-up was 54.7 ± 13.3 months, with 52 deaths. Adverse imaging findings peaked at 6 to 12 months (5.6%), but rarely resulted in an intervention (3.4% peak at 6–12 months). Compared with those with less frequent imaging, patients with imaging for 33 to 66% of intervals (p = 0.22) or ≥66% of intervals (p = 0.77) had similar adjusted survival. In comparison to patients with fewer clinic visits, those with visits in 33 to 66% of intervals experienced lower adjusted mortality (hazards ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.97, p = 0.04), with no difference seen in those with ≥66% (vs. 0.05 for each). Conclusions Adverse imaging findings following AAD are common, but rarely require prompt intervention. Patients with the lowest and highest rates of clinic visits experienced increased mortality. While the overall rate of surveillance imaging did not correlate with mortality, adverse imaging findings and related interventions peaked at 6 to 12 months after AAD, and imaging during this time was associated with improved survival.

To analyze presentation, management, and outcomes of acute aortic dissections with proximal entry tear in the arch.Patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection and entry tear in the arch were classified into 2 groups: arch A (retrograde extension into the ascending aorta with or without antegrade extension) and arch B (only antegrade extension into the descending aorta or further distally). Presentation, management, and in-hospital outcomes of the 2 groups were compared.The arch A (n = 228) and arch B (n = 140) groups were similar concerning the presence of any preoperative complication (68.4% vs 60.0%; P = .115), but the types of complication were different. Arch A presented more commonly with shock, neurologic complications, cardiac tamponade, and grade 3 or 4 aortic valve insufficiency and less frequently with refractory hypertension, visceral ischemia, extension of dissection, and aortic rupture. Management for both groups were open surgery (77.6% vs 18.6%; P .001), endovascular treatment (3.5% vs 25.0%; P .001), and medical management (16.2% vs 51.4%; P .001). Overall in-hospital mortality was similar (16.7% vs 19.3%; P = .574), but mortality tended to be lower in the arch A group after open surgery (15.3% vs 30.8%; P = .090), and higher after endovascular (25.0% vs 14.3%; P = .597) or medical treatment (24.3% vs 13.9%; P = .191), although the differences were not significant.Acute aortic dissection patients with primary entry tear in the arch are currently managed by a patient-specific approach. In choosing the management type of these patients, it may be advisable to stratify them based on retrograde or only antegrade extension of the dissection.

Background Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality and hospitalization in the United States. Transitional care initiatives can improve outcomes for cardiac patients, but it is unclear whether patients with different baseline comorbidity burden benefit equally. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Bridging the Discharge Gap Effectively (BRIDGE) program, a nurse-practitioner-led transitional care clinic, in mitigating adverse clinical outcomes in cardiac patients with varying Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Methods We studied patients referred to BRIDGE between 2008 and 2017 postdischarge for a cardiac condition. Using proportional hazards regression models, we evaluated associations between attendance at BRIDGE and hospital readmission, emergency department (ED) visit, and a composite outcome consisting of readmission, ED visit, or mortality, and assessed interaction between BRIDGE attendance and CCI. Results Of 4559 patients, 3256 (71.4%) attended BRIDGE. In patients with low CCI, attendance at BRIDGE was inversely associated with hospital readmission (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69, 0.97, P = .02) and the composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.98, P = .02). Associations of BRIDGE attendance with both readmission and ED visit were significantly weaker in patients with high CCI (adjusted P, interaction = .007 and .03, respectively). Overall, BRIDGE attendance was associated with an 11% lower hazard of developing the composite endpoint (95% CI: 2%, 19%, P = .01). Conclusions Attendance at a transitional care clinic is inversely associated with risk of readmission and a composite endpoint in cardiac patients with low CCI. Future research should investigate modified transitional care programs in patients with varying comorbidity burden.

Summary Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is characterized by dilation of the aortic root or ascending/descending aorta. TAA is a heritable disease that can be potentially life threatening. While 10%–20% of TAA cases are caused by rare, pathogenic variants in single genes, the origin of the majority of TAA cases remains unknown. A previous study implicated common variants in FBN1 with TAA disease risk. Here, we report a genome-wide scan of 1,351 TAA-affected individuals and 18,295 control individuals from the Cardiovascular Health Improvement Project and Michigan Genomics Initiative at the University of Michigan. We identified a genome-wide significant association with TAA for variants within the third intron of TCF7L2 following replication with meta-analysis of four additional independent cohorts. Common variants in this locus are the strongest known genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Although evidence indicates the presence of different causal variants for TAA and type 2 diabetes at this locus, we observed an opposite direction of effect. The genetic association for TAA colocalizes with an aortic eQTL of TCF7L2, suggesting a functional relationship. These analyses predict an association of higher expression of TCF7L2 with TAA disease risk. In vitro, we show that upregulation of TCF7L2 is associated with BCL2 repression promoting vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, a key driver of TAA disease.

Background Disclosure of pathogenic variants to thoracic aortic dissection biobank participants was implemented. The impact and costs, including confirmatory genetic testing in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratory, were evaluated. Methods We exome sequenced 240 cases with thoracic aortic dissection and 258 controls, then examined 11 aortopathy genes. Pathogenic variants in 6 aortopathy genes (COL3A1, FBN1, LOX, PRKG1, SMAD3, and TGFBR2) were identified in 26 participants, representing 10.8% of the cohort (26/240). A second research sample was used to validate the initial findings. Mailed letters to participants disclosed that a potentially disease causing DNA alteration had been identified (neither the gene nor variant was disclosed). Participants were offered clinical genetic counseling and confirmatory genetic testing in a CLIA laboratory. Results Excluding 6 participants who were deceased or lost to follow-up, 20 participants received the disclosure letter, 10 of whom proceeded with genetic counseling, confirmatory genetic testing, and enrolled in a survey study. Participants reported satisfaction with the letter (4.2 ± 0.7) and genetic counseling (4.4 ± 0.4; [out of 5, respectively]). The psychosocial impact was characterized by low decisional regret (11.5 ± 11.6) and distress (16.0 ± 4.2, [out of 100, respectively]). The average cost for 26 participants was $400, including validation and sending letters. The average cost for those who received genetic counseling and CLIA laboratory confirmation was $605. Conclusions Participants were satisfied with the return of clinically significant biobank genetic results and CLIA laboratory testing; however, the process required significant time and resources. These findings illustrate the trade-offs involved for researchers considering returning research genetic results.