Posterior left pericardiotomy for prevention of re-thoracotomy and postoperative atrial fibrillation in aortic surgery.

Objectives: Re-thoracotomy due to pericardial effusion is a frequent complication after aortic surgery, leading to prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays and adverse outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of re-thoracotomy and postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing ascending aorta replacement with or without posterior left pericardiotomy.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed clinical data from patients who underwent elective ascending aorta replacement with or without aortic root between January 2014 and June 2024.

The Long-Term Outcome and Quality of Life after Replacement of the Ascending Aorta.

(1) Background: Despite optimal surgical therapy, replacement of the ascending aorta leads to a significant reduction in the quality of life (QoL). However, an optimal result includes maintaining and improving the QoL. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and the QoL in patients with aneurysms in the ascending aorta; (2) Methods: Between 2014 and 2020, 121 consecutive patients who underwent replacement of the ascending aorta were included in this study.