Preoperative Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Increases Bleeding and Transfusions but Not Mortality in Acute Aortic Dissection Type A Repair

Hansson and colleagues analyzed the effect of preoperative dual antiplatelet therapy on outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for acute aortic dissection type A. Among 1,141 patients with acute type A dissection, 108 had aspirin and clopidogrel, and 11 had aspirin and ticagrelor. Dual antiplatelet therapy led to more bleeding and more transfusions but not to more deaths. However, major bleeding was associated with higher mortality. The authors conclude that correct diagnosis is important to avoid dual antiplatelet therapy and reduce bleeding complications in patients with type A dissection.