Transapical cannulation for surgical repair of chronic type B aortic dissection

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Open surgery for chronic type B aortic dissection carries significant risks of cerebrovascular complications.
• Retrograde perfusion during surgery is a potential cause of intraoperative cerebrovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a transapical cannulation strategy for descending aorta replacement in chronic type B aortic dissection repair.
• To demonstrate the technique's ability to prevent cerebrovascular events and facilitate cardiopulmonary bypass.

Main Methods:

• A transapical cannulation strategy was employed for descending aorta replacement.
• Cardiopulmonary bypass was established via a left thoracotomy.
• The transapical cannula served as a vent during proximal anastomosis and rewarming.

Main Results:

• The transapical cannulation technique allowed for easy and quick establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass.
• The strategy effectively prevented cerebrovascular events during the procedure.
• The cannula functioned effectively as a vent, ensuring a bloodless field and preventing left ventricle distension.

Conclusions:

• Transapical cannulation is a valuable and safe option for open repair of the descending aorta in chronic type B aortic dissection.
• This technique mitigates the risk of cerebrovascular complications associated with traditional open repair methods.