Stanford & DeBakey Classification

Name: Stanford & DeBakey Classification calculator — MedScore
Creator: Nabil Alzein

Aortic dissection by extent — Stanford and DeBakey types from one choice

Extent of the dissection

Tap the one that applies — its meaning opens right below.

Ascending aorta and arch, often extending beyond (= DeBakey I, Stanford A)

Ascending aorta only (= DeBakey II, Stanford A)

Descending aorta (distal to the left subclavian artery), above the diaphragm (= DeBakey IIIa, Stanford B)

Descending aorta, extending below the diaphragm (= DeBakey IIIb, Stanford B)

About this score

When to use

Classifies aortic dissection by extent: Stanford type A involves the ascending aorta and type B does not; DeBakey I involves the ascending aorta and beyond, II the ascending aorta only, III the descending aorta. ⁦[1, 2]⁩

Pearls and pitfalls

• The 2014 ESC guideline uses both systems: Stanford A corresponds to DeBakey I and II, Stanford B to DeBakey III. ⁦[3]⁩

• DeBakey III is subdivided into IIIa (above the diaphragm) and IIIb (extending below it). ⁦[2]⁩

Summarised from the numbered sources under Evidence. Check the source before relying on a statement.

Evidence

[1] Original publication

Daily PO, Trueblood HW, Stinson EB, Wuerflein RD, Shumway NE. Management of acute aortic dissections. Origin of the Stanford classification: type A involves the ascending aorta, type B does not.

Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 1970

Open source

[2] Validation

DeBakey ME, Henly WS, Cooley DA, et al. Surgical management of dissecting aneurysms of the aorta. Origin of the DeBakey types: I ascending aorta and beyond, II ascending aorta only, III descending aorta (IIIa above, IIIb extending below the diaphragm).

Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 1965

Open source

[3] Guideline

Erbel R, Aboyans V, Boileau C, et al. 2014 ESC Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of aortic diseases. Uses both systems (Stanford A = DeBakey I and II; Stanford B = DeBakey III). Management follows the current guideline and local pathway.

Open source

Last reviewed: 2026-10

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MedScore is an educational and clinical decision-support tool. It does not provide a diagnosis, a treatment, or a drug-dosing recommendation, and it does not replace clinical judgement or local guidelines. Confirm every result against the original source before acting on it. The treating clinician remains responsible for all decisions.