One-stop hybrid versus conventional surgery for acute type A aortic dissection: a randomized controlled trial.

objectiveThis study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy and prognostic impact of one-stop hybrid surgery in patients diagnosed with Stanford type A aortic dissection, comparing it with conventional surgical approaches aortic arch replacement plus stented elephant trunk (Sun's procedure).

methodsIn this prospective, randomized controlled trial, a cohort of 140 patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) was prospectively enrolled. Patients were randomized 1:1 into two groups based on treatment modality: the Conventional Group (n = 70), which underwent conventional total arch replacement with stented elephant trunk (Sun's procedure) utilizing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, and the Hybrid Group (n = 70), which received one-stop hybrid surgery (total arch replacement with a standard four-branched graft and retrograde placement of one or two stent grafts into the descending aorta, performed under moderate hypothermia).

resultsBaseline demographic and clinical characteristics were largely comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05), although patients in the Hybrid Group were slightly older (P = 0.003). The Hybrid group exhibited significantly reduced operative times (P < 0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass durations (P < 0.001), aortic cross-clamp times (P < 0.001), and ventilator dependency periods (P < 0.001) compared to the Conventional group. Patients in the Hybrid Group also had shorter ICU and hospital stays (P < 0.001). Postoperative complication rates were markedly lower in the Hybrid group, with significant reductions in pulmonary infections (P = 0.009), severe hypoxemia (P = 0.032), stroke (P = 0.045), and reoperation for bleeding (P = 0.038). Postoperative contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CTA) assessments at 1 and 3 months post-surgery revealed superior aortic remodeling in the Hybrid group, as evidenced by significantly lower aortic morphology scores (1 month: P < 0.001; 3 months: P < 0.001). Furthermore, the Hybrid group demonstrated a higher 30-day survival rate (91.4% vs. 78.6%, P = 0.024), alongside reduced incidences of endoleak (P = 0.197) and cardiovascular events (P = 0.127).

conclusionOne-stop hybrid surgery represents a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for selected patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection, offering superior perioperative outcomes, reduced postoperative morbidity, enhanced short-term survival, and improved quality of life compared to conventional Sun's procedure.