Acute aortic arch dissection: reevaluation of the indications for medical and surgical therapy.

Of 42 patients with dissection of the aorta, 4 had important arch involvement. Results were good in 2 patients treated medically. In two other patients wrapping the arch with a Dacron graft successfully prevented fatal hemorrhage. This technique avoids the need for arch replacement in selected cases. From this experience and a review of others a flow sheet was developed to guide decision-making in the surgical and medical management of patients with aortic dissection.