Aortic arch operation using selective cerebral perfusion for nondissecting thoracic aneurysm

Risks of increasing mortality and disability in aortic arch operations using the selective cerebral perfusion method for nondissecting aneurysm have not yet been determined. A multicenter, retrospective study was employed.

The subjects were 143 patients who were admitted to one of the nine cardiovascular centers between January 1988 and December 1993, including 15 with ruptured aneurysm. A graft replacement of the transverse aortic arch or distal arch was performed in 80 patients, extensive aortic reconstruction comprising simultaneous replacement of the ascending or descending thoracic aorta (or both) in 46, and patch repair of involved arch in 17. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 19 months.

Hospital mortality was 36/143 patients (25.2%). Univariate analysis revealed that age of 70 years or more, ruptured aneurysm, and renal dysfunction affected hospital mortality. Neurologic deficits were noted in 15 patients (10.5%). Reoperation was performed in 13 patients for residual distal aneurysm or false aneurysm. Late death occurred in 10 patients and were due to vascular complications in 6. Multivariate analysis confirmed that aneurysmal rupture and renal dysfunction were independent predictors for vascular death including hospital mortality.

The present study confirmed that age, aneurysmal rupture, and renal dysfunction were significant predictors for mortality and disability in the aortic arch operation using selective cerebral perfusion for nondissecting thoracic aneurysm.