Total arch replacement using aortic arch branched grafts with the aid of antegrade selective cerebral perfusion

We report our clinical experience with total arch replacement using aortic arch branched graft in an attempt to determine the independent predictors of both in-hospital mortality and neurologic outcome.

We studied 220 consecutive patients who underwent total arch replacement using aortic arch branched graft between May 1990 and June 1999. All operations were performed with the aid of hypothermic extracorporeal circulation, antegrade selective cerebral perfusion, and open distal anastomosis.

The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 12.7%. Multivariable analysis showed independent determinants of in-hospital mortality to be chronic renal failure, long pump time, participation in early series, and shock. Postoperative permanent neurologic dysfunction was 3.3%. On multivariable analysis, old cerebral infarct and pump time were independent determinants of permanent neurologic dysfunction. The selective cerebral perfusion time had no significant influence on in-hospital mortality or neurologic outcome. The 5-year survival rate including in-hospital deaths was 79% +/- 6%.

Selective cerebral perfusion allows increased ease of performance of total arch replacement, a complex and time-consuming procedure, and helps reduce periprocedural mortality and morbidity in patients with aortic arch aneurysm and those with acute aortic dissection.