Reflection From UK Aortic Group: Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique as Optimal Solution in Type A Acute Aortic Dissection

The UK Aortic Group report their experience with the frozen elephant trunk (FET) repair for 66 acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients using the Thoraflex Hybrid graft at eight UK high-volume aortic centers. The in-hospital mortality was 12% (8/66). Postoperative temporary or permanent neurological events and temporary renal replacement therapy occurred in 17% and 20%, respectively. No spinal cord injury events were documented. These data were similar to those reported in literature in the two largest experiences with the use of FET in patients with ATAAD (in-hospital/30-day mortality: 11-12%). This initial experience demonstrated that FET can potentially be adopted as standard approach in life-threatening aortic diseases, with acceptable complication and mortality rates.