Elective Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery: Better Outcomes from High-Volume Centers

Indications for Repair of the Aneurysmal Aorta

“…These results are similar to other contemporary series. 11 In our own experience, we have demonstrated mortality rates Ͻ1% and stroke rates between 0% and 2%. 12,13 Based on these data, although results of elective operations are excellent, avoidance of urgent and emergent operations by earlier intervention seems desirable.…”

Mortality variability after endovascular versus open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in a large tertiary vascular center using a Medicare-derived risk prediction model

“…Previous studies have demonstrated significant hospital-level effects on outcomes after surgery in many specialties. 22,[40][41][42][43] With respect to AAA repairs specifically, a large meta-analysis of >100,000 surgeries performed in the United Kingdom between 2001 and 2005 demonstrated an odds of death of 0.67 for procedures performed in high-volume ($32 cases/y) vs low-volume centers. 23 On the basis of this data, the authors estimate that performing AAA repairs at low-volume centers results in 15 extra deaths per 1000 cases.…”

Risk factors for pre, intra, and postoperative hospital mortality in patients undergoing aortic surgery

“…The causes of mortality include haemorrhage, stroke and respiratory failure, and heart failure is considered the most common cause of premature death in this population [3][4][5].…”

“…Gazoni et al [5] compared immediate results of elective thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery, among low-volume centers (< 40 surgeries/year) and high volume (> 80 surgeries/year). Operative mortality was 8.3% and 3.7%, respectively (P=0.02).…”