Abstract
Background Incidentally discovered severe calcified ascending aorta (CAA) is a major challenge
faced by surgeons during cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
outcome in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in this condition with the additional
replacement of the CAA.
Methods A retrospective study on a cohort of 74 patients (28.4% females; mean age: 73 ± 7
years) underwent cardiac surgery and initial replacement of an incidentally discovered
CAA using moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest. A control group was matched according
to age, gender, and procedure.
Results No significant differences were noted with regard to preoperative risk factors. Due
to the additional replacement of CAA, the extracorporeal circulation and cross-clamping
time were significantly longer in the study group (p < 0.001). Postoperatively, no significant differences in complications were observed
between the groups. There was no significant difference in regard to incidence of
neurologic adverse events (5.4 vs. 2.7%; p = 0.68) or 30-day mortality (6.7 vs. 4.1%; p = 0.72).
Conclusion Our study showed that the initial replacement of incidental CAA in patients undergoing
cardiac surgery was not associated with increased risks for neurologic adverse events
and mortality.
Keywords
cardiac surgery - stroke - calcified ascending aorta - moderate hypothermic circulatory
arrest
