Abstract

Background and Aims The current study proposes a novel volume–outcome (V–O) meta-analytical approach to determine the optimal annual hospital case volume threshold for cardiovascular interventions in need of centralization. This novel method is applied to surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) as an illustrative example. Methods A systematic search was applied to three electronic databases (1 January 2012 to 29 March 2023). The primary outcome was early mortality in relation to annual hospital case volume. Data were presented by volume quartiles (Qs). Restricted cubic splines were used to demonstrate the V–O relation, and the elbow method was applied to determine the optimal case volume. For clinical interpretation, numbers needed to treat (NNTs) were calculated. Results One hundred and forty studies were included, comprising 38 276 patients. A significant non-linear V–O effect was observed (P < .001), with a notable between-quartile difference in early mortality rate [10.3% (Q4) vs. 16.2% (Q1)]. The optimal annual case volume was determined at 38 cases/year [95% confidence interval (CI) 37–40 cases/year, NNT to save a life in a centre with the optimal volume vs. 10 cases/year = 21]. More pronounced between-quartile survival differences were observed for long-term survival [10-year survival (Q4) 69% vs. (Q1) 51%, P < .01, adjusted hazard ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.75–0.91 per quartile, NNT to save a life in a high-volume (Q4) vs. low-volume centre (Q1) = 6]. Conclusions Using this novel approach, the optimal hospital case volume threshold was statistically determined. Centralization of ATAAD care to high-volume centres may lead to improved outcomes. This method can be applied to various other cardiovascular procedures requiring centralization.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberehad551
Pages (from-to)4357-4372
Number of pages16
JournalEuropean Heart Journal
Volume44
Issue number41
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2023

Keywords

  • Volume-outcome relationship
  • acute type A aortic dissection
  • annual case volume
  • cardiovascular interventions
  • hospital volume
  • optimal case volume

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Type A aortic dissection: optimal annual case volume for surgery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this