Quality of Life: Modified Triple-branched Stent Graft Implantation Versus Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique
Abstract Objective: To compare the effects of modified triple-branched stent implantation and frozen elephant trunk technique on the quality of life (QoL) of acute Stanford Type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients at different follow-up times.Methods: Data from 175 AAAD survivors was collected which were divided into two groups according to different surgical techniques: (group A): modified triple-branched stent graft implantation; (group B): frozen elephant trunk. The SF-36 were used to assess the QoL at discharge(AD), the third postoperative month (POM3), and the twelfth postoperative month (POM12).Results: (1)The total scores at each time of both groups showed lower than the normal level; Group A scored higher than group B at some time points in terms of some items (role physical, role emotion and mental health; all P=0.000), and some items at POM3 or POM12 scored higher than at discharge (role physical, social function; both P=0.000). (2) There were less patients with heavy self-perceived burden in group A than group B at discharge (P=0.032) and patients with heavy self-perceived burden decreased over time. (3) Young postoperative AAD patients (P=0.002) in group B (P=0.005) with heavy self-perceived burden (P=0.000) , acute renal failure (P=0.008) , long LOS (P=0.026) and blood loss(> 1000 mL / 24h)(P=0.039) seemed to get a worse QoL. Conclusion: The impact on QoL of the modified triple-branched stent graft implantation technique seemed to be better than those of frozen elephant trunk surgery in role physical, role emotion and mental health.