Aortic dissection treatment needs standardisation, say CT surgeons

A national survey led by Hyderabad cardiothoracic surgeons highlights the need to standardise treatment techniques and improve training for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection. Timely surgery is critical, and the study calls for better guidelines, infrastructure, and referral systems

Hyderabad: There is a need to standardise treatment techniques and training to improve outcomes to treat patients suffering from aortic dissection, a life-threatening medical condition in which the aorta, which is the main blood vessel carrying blood from the heart develops a tear, a national survey conducted by senior cardiothoracic surgeons from Hyderabad said.

The national survey, published in the Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (September, 2025), highlighted that while many surgeons prioritise timely surgery, major differences exist in techniques, such as a tendency towards conservative care for patients over 80 and the underuse of advanced techniques in smaller centres.

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To harmonise care and improve outcomes while treating patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (ATAAD), the survey, which was led by senior CT surgeon from Star Hospitals Dr Lokeswara Rao Sajja along with Star Hospitals MD Dr Gopichand Mannam, calls for developing standardised treatment guidelines and investing in specialised training, infrastructure and improve regional referral systems.

For acute Type A aortic dissection, surgery is the only proven treatment. Emergency surgery replaces the torn part of the aorta with an artificial graft, preventing rupture or heart failure. “Without surgery, most patients do not survive beyond a few days. Awareness, quick recognition of symptoms, and immediate referral to a cardiac surgery centre can save lives,” said Dr Sajja.