# Surgical Outcomes of Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection in Jehovah’s Witness Patients

## TL;DR

This study examines the surgical outcomes for Jehovah’s Witness patients with aortic dissection, finding that with proper timing and management, favorable results can be achieved.

## Contribution

The paper provides a rare analysis of surgical outcomes for aortic dissection in Jehovah’s Witness patients, emphasizing preoperative and surgical strategies.

## Key findings

- Six out of eight patients were discharged home without major complications.
- Preoperative iron supplementation was used in elective cases, potentially aiding recovery.
- Perioperative outcomes were favorable despite the high surgical risk in this patient group.

## Abstract

Surgery for Jehovah’s Witness patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) carries a high surgical risk, and few reports have examined outcomes in this patient population. This study evaluated perioperative outcomes of surgery for TAAD in Jehovah’s Witness patients.

Eight Jehovah’s Witness patients who underwent surgery for TAAD at our institution between February 2016 and January 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. No patients were receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy at the time of surgery. Preoperative characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were assessed.

Emergency ascending aortic replacement was performed in 6 patients, while the 2 patients who underwent elective surgery due to a chronic course or thrombosed false lumen received total or partial arch replacement. Both elective cases received preoperative iron supplementation. The median postoperative nadir hemoglobin was 9.2 (interquartile range, 6.8–9.6) g/dL. One patient died, one was transferred to rehabilitation, and 6 patients (75.0%) were discharged home without major complications.

Perioperative outcomes of surgery for TAAD in Jehovah’s Witness patients were favorable. Proper surgical timing and preoperative management are essential to achieving satisfactory results. Further investigation with a larger cohort and longer follow-up is warranted.