Cerebral effects of profound hypothermia (18 degrees C) and circulatory arrest

Clinical use of profound hypothermia and total circulatory arrest has been accompanied by occasional postoperative neurological abnormalities. In a series of infant baboons, surface cooling to 32 degrees C (brain) followed by perfusion cooling by cardiopulmonary bypass with a membrane oxygenator and heat exchanger to 18 degrees C was carried out, after which the circulation was stopped for 30 minutes. The animal was rewarmed to 35 degrees C. Marked alterations in the regional cerebral circulation were observed during perfusion cooling and rewarming. Regional cerebral ischemia was negatively correlated with jugular outflow (total cerebral blood flow) during rewarming, while regional hyperemia showed positive correlation both following perfusion cooling and after rewarming. A higher degree of ischemia in brain ischemic samples was found during rewarming than during cooling. These alterations in regional cerebral perfusion were associated with lactacidosis and hyperglycemia after rewarming, and may be considered potentially responsible for posthypothermic cerebral dysfunction.