Aortic arch replacement using a four-branched aortic arch graft

Surgical repair for aortic arch aneurysms is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. Adequate brain protection is essential. Experience of aortic arch repair in six patients using a four-branched arch graft is described. There were two emergency and three reoperations. One patient had ruptured aneurysm. Hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (18-22 degrees C) was employed. A four-branched polymer albumin-coated arch graft was used. The fourth branch of the graft was used for secondary arterial cannulation to ensure continuous brain circulation. One hospital death occurred. No permanent neurological event occurred. The four-branched arch graft facilitates fashioning arch branch anastomoses and provides better brain protection.