Patient follow-up
Patients in the AAG cohort were followed up initially for one month
post-surgery and subsequently had annual outpatient follow up, including
transthoracic echocardiography, to determine the long-term
characteristics of the native aortic valve and root following ATAAD.
Echocardiographic images were reviewed to determine the degree of aortic
regurgitation and dimensions of the aortic root at the level of the
annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta.
These parameters were compared with the initial imaging reports and any
discrepancies discussed and agreed with a second reviewer.