Intravascular Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Malperfusion Syndrome in the Setting of Acute Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition caused by a tear in the internal layer of major artery wall (aorta) that carries blood to all body organs, resulting in separation of the aortic wall layers (dissection). The dissected aorta compromises blood flow to any organ, and eventually leads to organ damage (Malperfusion Syndrome). Our goal in this project is to use Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) to have real time assessment and confirm any evidence of malperfusion syndrome in the setting of aortic dissection after repairing the original aortic tear. IVUS is a small ultrasound (sound waves) wand that is attached to the top of a thin tube. This tube is inserted into the aorta from the groin. This device takes pictures of the aorta and its major branches, to identify problems with blood flow. Having this real-time and dynamic assessment will help to identify any malperfused organs before leaving the operating room and allow us to address the malperfusion syndrome as quickly as possible to limit complications. Without this technique, identifying the problem can take several days after surgery at which point there can be irreversible complications.