A simplified technique for antegrade selective cerebral perfusion

Various methods of cerebral protection have been used during aortic arch surgery. We reviewed our experience with a modified technique for selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) administration during surgery on the thoracic aorta from October 1999. Conventionally, this technique requires an additional roller pump on the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) console. In order to simplify the extracorporeal circuit (ECC), the paediatric double-roller pump used for the administration of cardioplegia was utilized by adding a 'Y-connection' on the blood line of the cardioplegia circuit, upstream of the cardioplegia reservoir, to provide SCP blood flow. SCP administration with a Y-connection is both easy and fast to set up on the ECC circuit and does not create additional difficulties to the surgeon. It simplifies SCP delivery by allowing the perfusionist to use a standard ECC system set-up.