Outcomes of Liu's aortic root repair and valve preservation in patients with type A dissection and aortic regurgitation.

Objectives: To evaluate short- and medium-term outcomes following Liu's aortic root repair and valve preservation in patients with acute type A aortic dissection complicated by moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (AR).

Methods: From October 2011 to July 2018, a total of 324 consecutive patients underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. There were 122 patients (38%) with moderate-to-severe AR, of whom 82 (67%) underwent Liu's aortic root repair and valve preservation. Aortic computed tomography angiography and echocardiography were performed at discharge, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. We focused on assessing the survival and aortic root and valve durability in the 82 patients.

Results: The 30-day, 1-year, 3-year and 6-year survival estimates were 94%, 90%, 85% and 81%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 36.5 (interquartile range 24.9-50.9) months, all patients were free from reoperation. No residual false lumens in the aortic root, recurrent aortic root dissections or aortic root pseudoaneurysms were observed during the follow-up period. Only 1 patient (1%) presented with moderate AR at 6 months, which remained asymptomatic with no significant changes over a 3-year period. The remaining patients showed satisfactory valve function with an AR grade of mild (27%) or trace or none (72%). In the competing risk analysis, the incidence of recurrence of AR was 2% at 8 years.

Conclusions: Liu's aortic root repair and valve preservation is a safe and effective operative strategy that achieves favourable short- and medium-term outcomes for acute type A aortic dissection with moderate-to-severe AR.