Imaging Surveillance After Proximal Aortic Operations: Is it Necessary?

The Duke group analyzed their group of patients undergoing proximal aortic operations during a 9-year period (n=869) to determine the incidence and etiology of reintervention on the aorta during follow-up.  In all, 4.32% of patients required reintervention—roughly evenly divided between the proximal ascending aort and the distal aorta—and most occured within 3 years.  The type of intervention needed in the second setting varied based upon the indications for, and type of, initial operation.