Correlation of Coagulopathy and Frozen Elephant Trunk Use in Aortic Arch
Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: The advent of Frozen elephant trunk (FET) for reconstruction
of elective and non-elective aortic arch surgery has augmented the
treatment of complex aortic pathologies in a single-stage operation. To
date, no studies have been focused on the prevalence and predictors of
coagulopathy potentiated by FET procedure. Methods: In a systematic
review, we searched databases up to June 2020 for studies reporting
coagulopathy complications after FET procedure. A proportional
meta-analysis was carried out using STATA software (StataCorp, TX, USA).
Results: In total, 46 studies including 6313 patients were eligible. The
pooled estimation of reoperation for postoperative bleeding was 7%
(95% confidence interval [CI] 5 to 8; I2 = 84.73%; reported by 39
studies including 4796 patients). The mean volume of transfused packed
blood cells and fresh frozen plasma was 1677 ml (95% CI 1066.4-2287.6)
and 1016.5 ml (95% CI 450.7-1582.3). The subgroup by stent type showed
a decrease in the heterogeneity (I2 = 0.01%, I2 = 53.95%, I2 = 0.01%,
and I2 = 54.41% for Thoraflex® Hybrid, E-vita®, Frozenix®, and Cronus®,
respectively). The subgroup by chronicity of operation resulted in less
heterogeneity among patients undergoing elective compared to
non-elective operation (I2 = 29.22% versus I2 = 80.56% in
non-elective). Meta-regression analysis showed that age and male gender
significantly impacted on the reoperation for postoperative bleeding.
Conclusions: The FET procedure for arch replacement is associated with
coagulopathy and the transfusion of blood products. Male, age, and
selective choice of FET use were identified as heterogeneity sources of
reoperation for postoperative bleeding.