To better understand this issue, clinicians should track patient outcomes for more than just 30 days after surgery. 

The new guideline calls for a “stepwise approach," followed by close clinical surveillance, when treating uncomplicated TBAD. In some cases, however, earlier endovascular treatments may be necessary. 

All patients originally presented with a dysfunctional RVOT conduit or stented bioprosthetic pulmonary valve.

"I want to live," the 57-year-old patient said before the procedure. "I know it's a shot in the dark, but it's my last choice.”

These findings, the authors wrote, should help inform the decision-making process when different treatment options are being considered. 

The study's authors hope that “just in case” prescriptions can become a thing of the past. 

Researchers examined data from four different randomized control trials.

The findings suggest that obesity may be a modifiable risk factor for the severity of COVID-19 infection, experts detailed in JAMA Surgery.