Patient follow-up
Patients in the AAG cohort were followed up initially for one month post-surgery and subsequently had annual outpatient follow up, including transthoracic echocardiography, to determine the long-term characteristics of the native aortic valve and root following ATAAD. Echocardiographic images were reviewed to determine the degree of aortic regurgitation and dimensions of the aortic root at the level of the annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta. These parameters were compared with the initial imaging reports and any discrepancies discussed and agreed with a second reviewer.