Bifurcated Arterial Circulation for Hybrid Aortic Reconstruction: A Novel Technique

Hybrid aortic procedures present many new challenges to the management of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Reoperation or previous thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) can further complicate these procedures, increasing the need for flexibility within the CPB system to execute multiple perfusion strategies as cases dictate. This technique describes the use of a bifurcated arterial circulation to provide both cerebral and lower body perfusion during a redo hybrid aortic arch reconstruction. The arterial line was divided into upper and lower body limbs, and connected to an 8-mm Dacron graft to the axillary artery, as well as a percutaneous 16-Fr. OptiSite femoral arterial cannula respectively. A 25-Fr. multi-stage femoral venous cannula was placed percutaneously as well. CPB was initiated utilizing both arterial cannulas with near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalogram to monitor the adequacy of cerebral perfusion. Moderate hypothermia of 26°C was induced and a CODA balloon (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) was deployed to occlude the proximal limb of a thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) graft; the common trunk of the debranched arch vessels was clamped proximally, allowing for simultaneous upper and lower body perfusion. Upon completion of the distal arch, the CODA balloon was removed and total body perfusion was reinitiated via central cannulation utilizing a sidearm on the arch graft.