Insurance and In-hospital Outcomes of Type A Aortic Dissection Repair: A Population Study of National Inpatient Sample from 2015-2020.

Abstract

Background:  Although insurance status has been linked to surgical outcomes in thoracic aortic operations, its specific association with the outcomes of Type A Aortic Dissection (TAAD) repair remains underexplored. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive, population-based analysis to assess the association between insurance status and in-hospital outcomes after TAAD repair using a national registry.

Methods:  Patients who underwent TAAD repair were identified in National Inpatient Sample from the last quarter of 2015 to 2020. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare in-hospital outcomes between patients using public and private insurance while adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, primary payer status, and transfer-in status.

Results:  There were 2,380 (55.58%) and 1,468 (34.28%) patients under public and private insurance, respectively. Patients under public and private insurance had comparable time from admission to operation (p = 0.08) and adjusted in-hospital mortality rates (aOR = 1.172, 95 CI = 0.925-1.484, p = 0.19). However, patients under public insurance had higher mechanical ventilation (aOR = 1.185, 95 CI = 1.024-1.373, p = 0.02), acute kidney injury (aOR = 1.213, 95 CI = 1.052-1.399, p = 0.01), and infection (aOR = 1.428, 95 CI = 1.087-1.876, p = 0.01). Moreover, patients under public insurance had higher transfer-out rate (p < 0.01), longer length of stay (p < 0.01), and higher total hospital charge (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Although patients with public insurance had comparable adjusted mortality outcomes to those of privately insured patients, they experienced higher rates of postoperative complications and resource utilization. Future studies should investigate the underlying systemic reasons for these disparities and explore strategies for improving surgical outcomes and ensuring equitable healthcare delivery for these vulnerable populations.