Statistical analysis
All analyses were performed with SAS jmp Statistic, version12.2.0 (SAS
Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Categorical variables are presented as
frequency (percentage) and continuous variables are presented as median
(interquartile range [IQR]) as all were not normally distributed
based on Shapiro-Wilk tests. Univariable analysis was performed between
patients with and without postoperative stroke using
χ2 tests for categorical variables and Wilcoxon tests
for continuous variables. All P values were 2-sided. P values of
less than 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. A
multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the
independent contribution of the 3 primary variables of interest
(dissection of brachiocephalic artery, cardiopulmonary arrest time, and
preoperative neurological dysfunction). These variables were selected
based on previous reports and their clinical significance. Results were
displayed as odds ratio with 95% confidence interval andP -values. For analyzing long-term survival, the Kaplan-Meier
curve was calculated, and the groups were tested by the log-rank test to
describe differences in survival.