Long term functional survival after surgery on the thoracic aorta in Manitoba

Abstract

Problem: The epidemiology of thoracic aortic disease (TAD) in Manitoba is currently unknown. Additionally, it is unclear whether minimally invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is associated with improved functional (ie. non-institutionalized) survival compared to open surgery.

Methods: Data housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and the Manitoba Thoracic Aortic Diseases clinic were used to examine the epidemiology and functional survival of patients with TAD.

Results: The incidence and prevalence of TAD is increasing, especially in women and the Winnipeg region. There was no difference between TEVAR and open surgery in functional survival (HR 1.509; p=0.3565) however, a small sample size makes it difficult to interpret these results.

Conclusion: Resources should be allocated to ensure appropriate monitoring, treatment and follow up for the growing number of patients with TAD. Multicenter collaboration is necessary to make definitive conclusions regarding functional survival in TEVAR and open surgery patients.