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Aortic dissection is a surgical emergency which poses a challenge to numerous clinicians across different specialties due to its high rate of associated morbidity and mortalities. Acute type A aortic dissection, which involves the ascending aorta and beyond, is a lethal condition. It is therefore vital to understand the pathophysiology that underlies this condition and the tools that aid its early detection. Haemodynamics factors including lumen wall shear stress and pressure, geometrical factors as entry tear location and size, and the composition of the aortic wall are well known to affect the disease progression. The studies on these factors are well established in Type B aortic dissection but not clearly emphasised in the setting of acute type A aortic dissection. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of available literature on the relationship between tear size, location and the pressure of false lumen in acute type A aortic dissection., (Copyright © 2019 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Sternal wound infection (SWI) is one of the potential complications post cardiac surgery, and despite refined surgical techniques such as smaller incisions, antibiotic therapy, and optimised glycaemic control, the incidence rate is between <1% in elective cases with low risk factors and as high as 25% in patients with extensive risk factors. The presence of SWI will increase the perioperative morbidity and mortality rates and prolong the patient's hospital stay, therefore the prevention and diagnosis with appropriate management of such adverse outcomes at an early stage is important to prevent further progression as it can be fatal when the mediastinal structures are affected. Currently, the diagnosis typically consists of three main stages: clinical, biochemical including microbiology studies and imaging studies. In the current health care system, the use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is valuable to define mediastinal abnormalities and can also help find the source of a descending infection. Management is through methods such as antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement, reconstruction with soft tissue flap coverage, sternal plating, and sternectomy. In this literature review, we aim to summarise current literature evidence behind appropriately diagnosing such a catastrophe., (Copyright © 2019 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)