Novel technique for aortic arch surgery under mild hypothermia.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Aortic arch repair presents significant surgical challenges.
• Maintaining adequate cerebral and systemic perfusion during aortic arch surgery is critical.
• Current perfusion strategies require optimization for improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the initial experience and feasibility of a novel perfusion technique for open aortic arch repair.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of continuous antegrade perfusion of the brain and lower body.
• To determine the impact of this technique on aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times.

Main Methods:

• Open aortic arch repair was performed in 5 patients.
• Continuous antegrade perfusion was achieved via direct cannulation of the right axillary artery and descending aorta.
• Systemic perfusion was maintained under mild hypothermia (30°C) using a specific venous cannula.

Main Results:

• The technique allowed for safe open aortic arch repair.
• Shorter aortic cross-clamping and CPB times were observed.
• The method was associated with the benefits of mild hypothermia.

Conclusions:

• This novel perfusion strategy demonstrates potential for safe and effective open aortic arch repair.
• The technique may offer advantages in reducing procedural times and maintaining organ perfusion.
• Further evaluation is warranted to establish its general applicability in aortic arch surgeries.