Introduction

Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is an acute cardiovascular condition that is normally associated with genetic conditions such as Marfan Syndrome, but it can also occur in patients with no known predisposing risk factors. TAAD is associated with extremely high mortality (over 20% of documented cases in medical literature) if not addressed on time. Surgical management of TAAAD also varies tremendously depending on the causative pathology. Techniques to manage TAAAD cover the entire spectrum of methods employed in cardiac surgery ranging from a simple replacement of the ascending aorta to aortic root sparing or replacement, and an aortocoronary bypass to total arch and descending aortic stenting involving hypothermic circulatory arrest or other cerebral protection strategies. New medical evidence suggests that concomitant, intraoperative management of the arch and descending aorta minimizes the need for subsequent surgeries in patients who are operated upon for TAAAD. Coupled with new diagnostic technology available to medical professionals, better long-term patient outcomes for TAAD treatment are now a reality.

Recent Advances in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection presents a collection of comprehensive reviews from many experts on TAAAD. Cardiac surgeons can benefit from this volume by learning about current medical opinions and consensuses on risk factors (including genetic predisposition), diagnostic modalities, intraoperative management, surgical options, cerebral protection strategies, and long-term follow up procedures on acute TAAAD.