CompletedObservational

Transatlantic registry of type A aortic dissection

This study, called the Transatlantic Registry of Type A Aortic Dissection (TARTAAD), is gathering information on adult patients who have had emergency surgery for a serious heart condition called Type A Aortic Dissection. This condition happens when there is a tear in the body's main artery, the aorta, near the heart. The study aims to look closely at different surgical approaches and how they affect patients' recovery both shortly after surgery and in the long term. By collecting data from various heart centres in Europe and North America, researchers hope to find the safest and most effective treatment methods for this life-threatening condition, ultimately improving care for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Helsinki University Hospital

Enrolment target

10,000

Start

16 May 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Type A aortic dissection

What is this study about?

Imagine your body's main blood vessel, called the aorta, which carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Sometimes, in a serious medical emergency called Type A Aortic Dissection, a tear can happen in the inner layer of the aorta, near your heart. This is a very dangerous condition that needs urgent surgery to fix.

Even with surgery, there can be serious risks and complications, and tragically, some patients don't survive or face other problems like stroke or kidney issues. Doctors are always trying to find the best ways to perform these complex operations to give patients the safest and best possible outcome. One big question they have is how much of the torn aorta they should repair during surgery. Doing too much might increase immediate risks, but doing too little could lead to problems later on.

This study, called the Transatlantic Registry of Type A Aortic Dissection (TARTAAD), is designed to help answer these important questions. It's collecting information from many different hospitals in Europe and North America about adult patients who have undergone surgery for this condition. By looking at a large number of cases and how different surgical techniques affect patients' recovery – both in the short term and over many years – the researchers hope to identify the most successful treatment approaches. The goal is to learn from past experiences to improve the care and long-term health of future patients facing this challenging condition.

Key takeaways

The study looks at outcomes after surgery for a serious heart condition called Type A Aortic Dissection.
It's collecting information from existing patient records across different hospitals.
There are no new treatments or tests involved for patients in this study.
The goal is to improve understanding and future care for this condition.
Participation involves sharing anonymised medical data; no direct risks or benefits to individuals.

Who may be eligible?

To be included in this study, patients must be adults, aged 18 or older, who have had surgery for a Type A Aortic Dissection. This means their aorta near the heart had a tear or a bruise (called an intramural hematoma) that developed within seven days before their surgery. They might also have had another heart operation at the same time as their aortic dissection surgery.

You would not be included if you are under 18, if your symptoms started more than seven days before your surgery, or if you had previous surgery for this specific condition. The study also doesn't include other types of aortic dissections (Type non-A non-B), or if the tear started in a different part of the aorta and moved upwards. Additionally, if the dissection was caused by an infection of the heart lining (endocarditis) or a chest injury, you wouldn't be part of this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 18 or older?
Did you have surgery for Type A Aortic Dissection or a similar condition near your heart?
Did your symptoms start within 7 days before your surgery?
Was this your first surgery for this type of aortic dissection?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As a patient, taking part in this study means that information about your surgery for Type A Aortic Dissection will be collected. This includes details about the type of surgery you had, your recovery in the hospital, and how you're doing in the long term. This is a "registry" study, which means it gathers existing medical information from your hospital records. Your healthcare team will be providing this anonymised data to the study. You won't have any extra hospital visits, tests, or medication specifically because of this study. The researchers will simply be looking at the information already gathered as part of your standard medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known direct benefits or risks to you as an individual for participating in this study. This is because the study simply collects information from your medical records after you have already undergone your surgical treatment. It doesn't involve any new treatments, extra procedures, or changes to your care. However, the information gathered from many patients like you could help doctors better understand Type A Aortic Dissection and improve future treatments for others. You have the right to ask your care team any questions you have and can decide not to have your anonymised data included in the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (34)

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, England
The Glenfield Surgery
City only
Leicester, England
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Liverpool, England
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Southampton, England
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
City only
Plymouth, England
Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cambridge, England
Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England
Helsinki University Hospital
Approximate
Helsinki, Finland
University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
City only
Hamburg, Germany
Erasmus Medical Center
City only
Rotterdam, Netherlands
University Hospital Cologne
Unverified
Köln, Germany
Cabrol University Hospital
Unverified
Reims, France

Common questions

What is Type A Aortic Dissection?

It's a serious medical emergency where the body's main artery, the aorta, develops a tear near the heart, often requiring urgent surgery.

Will I get any new treatments or medicines in this study?

No, this study only collects information from your existing medical records after your surgery. It doesn't involve any new treatments.

Who is running this study?

This is an international study, managed by Helsinki University Hospital in Finland, involving many heart surgery centers.

When did the study start and how long will it run?

The study collects information on patients from March 2025 to February 2026.

Will my personal details be shared?

No, your information will be anonymised, meaning your name and other identifying details will be removed to protect your privacy.

How to find out more

Fausto Biancari

fausto.biancari@hus.fi 393474837339 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.