Finite element modeling of the human pulmonary autograft: A quantitative analysis of wall stress after the Ross procedure

CONCLUSIONS: Underinsured patients are at the greatest risk of requiring non-elective thoracic aortic operations, likely due to decreased use of anti-hypertensive and lipid-lowering therapies, and aortic surveillance. After presentation for treatment, insurance status does not confer additional independent operative risk. These data suggest that greater access to preventative cardiovascular care may reduce the need for non-elective thoracic aortic surgery and lead to improved survival from thoracic aortic disease.