There are approximately 9000 new cases of aortic dis- section in the United States each year. Uncomplicated type B aortic dissections are traditionally managed with medical therapy, controlling blood pressure and heart rate, with 30-day mortality rates between 4% and 10%. However, there is no consensus regarding the management of com- plicated (ie, presenting with malperfusion or refractory pain) type B dissections. Open surgical management of these patients carries an