Early and Long-Term Outcome of Total Arch Replacement Using Selective Cerebral Perfusion

Branch-first aortic arch replacement strategy decreases perioperative mortality

OBJECTIVE

Sparce evidence suggests superiority of total arch replacement with the branch-first technique and antegrade cerebral perfusion over conventional techniques with respect to morbidity and mortality. Thus, we aimed to compare perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing traditional total arch replacement versus branch-first total arch replacement.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 144 patients undergoing total arch replacement from January 2017 to December 2021. Patients were dichotomized based on technique, either traditional total arch replacement or branch-first total arch replacement. Primary end points were 30-day mortality and adverse events. Branch-first total arch replacement and traditional total arch replacement cohorts were compared using Student t tests and chi-square tests. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify risk factors associated with 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients (47.2%) underwent traditional total arch replacement, and 76 patients (52.8%) underwent branch-first total arch replacement. The branch-first total arch replacement cohort had higher rates of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and previous myocardial infarction (P = .04, .002, .035, and .031 respectively). The majority of total arch replacements (78, 55%) were performed for aneurysmal disease. Median antegrade cerebral perfusion times were significantly shorter in the branch-first total arch replacement cohort (P = .001). There were no significant differences in rates of stroke, reintubation, postoperative lumbar drainage, renal failure, reoperation for bleeding, or prolonged ventilation between total arch replacement cohorts. The branch-first total arch replacement group had significantly lower 30-day mortality compared with the traditional total arch replacement group (4% vs 19%, P = .004). After adjustment for chronic kidney disease, nonelective status, antegrade cerebral perfusion time, rates of dissections arriving in extremis or with malperfusion, and primary surgeon, undergoing a branch-first total arch replacement was associated with a 93% reduced odds of 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.07, 95% CI, 0.009-0.48, P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence that branch-first total arch replacement significantly reduces 30-day mortality compared with traditional total arch replacement.

Neurological Impact of Slower Rewarming during Bypass Surgery in Infants

BACKGROUND

 Hypothermia is a neuroprotective strategy during cardiopulmonary bypass. Rewarming entailing a rapid rise in cerebral metabolism might lead to secondary neurological sequelae. In this pilot study, we aimed to validate the hypothesis that a slower rewarming rate would lower the risk of cerebral hypoxia and seizures in infants.

METHODS

 This is a prospective, clinical, single-center study. Infants undergoing cardiac surgery in hypothermia were rewarmed either according to the standard (+1°C in < 5 minutes) or a slow (+1°C in > 5-8 minutes) rewarming strategy. We monitored electrocortical activity via amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and cerebral oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy during and after surgery.

RESULTS

 Fifteen children in the standard rewarming group (age: 13 days [5-251]) were cooled down to 26.6°C (17.2-29.8) and compared with 17 children in the slow-rewarming group (age: 9 days [4-365]) with a minimal temperature of 25.7°C (20.1-31.4). All neonates in both groups (n = 19) exhibited suppressed patterns compared with 28% of the infants > 28 days (p < 0.05). During rewarming, only 26% of the children in the slow-rewarming group revealed suppressed aEEG traces (vs. 41%; p = 0.28). Cerebral oxygenation increased by a median of 3.5% in the slow-rewarming group versus 1.5% in the standard group (p = 0.9). Our slow-rewarming group revealed no aEEG evidence of any postoperative seizures (0 vs. 20%).

CONCLUSION

 These results might indicate that a slower rewarming rate after hypothermia causes less suppression of electrocortical activity and higher cerebral oxygenation during rewarming, which may imply a reduced risk of postoperative seizures.

Early Efficacy of In Situ Fenestration with a Triple Chimney Technique for High-Risk Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Purpose

The objective of this investigation was to study the early efficacy of in situ fenestration with triple chimney technique for high-risk type A aortic dissection patients.

Methods

This study included 24 patients who were treated by in situ fenestration with TCT for high-risk TAAD between January 2018 and December 2019. Multiple comorbidities or preoperative critical conditions rendered patients ineligible for open surgery, but all patients that were evaluated and considered had to undergo operation. By analyzing the regular follow-up data, the early postoperative efficacy of the patients was evaluated.

Results

The average age of the 24 patients was 65.4 ± 9.3 years. The success rate of the operation was 100%, as all the patients were discharged successfully. There were no serious neurological complications or persistent endoleakage. The mean follow-up time was 21.4 ± 6.9 months. The patency rate of all branching stents was 100%, with no stent displacement, stenosis, or blockage observed. While none presented with type I endoleakage, one patient (4.2%) presented asymptomatic type II endoleakage around the left subclavian artery stent. Currently, 23 of the 24 patients remain alive.

Conclusion

Initial results are encouraging with TCT for high-risk TAAD. However, due to its high selectivity and potential complexity related to surgical risks, the mid- and long-term efficacy of this technique remains unknown. For patients who are eligible for open heart surgery, we still recommend it be performed.

The results of aortic arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion in haemodialysis patients: analysis of the Japan cardiovascular surgery database

OBJECTIVES

There have been limited data available regarding aortic arch replacement in dialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to examine real-world data and to determine the impact of preoperative dialysis status and other risks on surgical aortic arch replacement using the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database.

METHODS

A total of 5044 patients who underwent elective, isolated aortic arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion during 2014-2017 were eligible for the study. Of these, 89 patients received haemodialysis preoperatively. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to their preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate and dialysis status for comparison. Preoperative and postoperative data were examined using a multivariable regression model.

RESULTS

The overall surgical mortality rates of non-Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 ml/min/1.73 m2), stage 3A, stage 3B, stage 4, stage 5 CKD and dialysis patients were 2.6%, 3.1%, 6.8%, 11.6%, 16.7% and 13.5%, respectively. After risk adjustment, dialysis was shown to be strongly associated with surgical mortality (odds ratio 4.39 and 95% confidence interval 2.22-8.72) and have a trend to be associated with postoperative stroke (odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.00-4.10, P = 0.051) when compared to the non-CKD group. As predictors of mortality, male sex, peripheral arterial disease, preoperative liver dysfunction and impaired left ventricular function were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The Japanese nationwide database revealed the outcomes of aortic arch replacement in dialysis patients. Appropriate counselling and an alternative strategy should be considered for such patients with multiple risks for mortality.

Plasma S100β and neuron-specific enolase, but not neuroglobin, are associated with early cognitive dysfunction after total arch replacement surgery: A pilot study

To investigate whether plasma concentrations of S100β protein, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and neuroglobin (NGB) correlate with early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients undergoing total arch replacement.This prospective study analyzed 40 patients who underwent total arch replacement combined with stented elephant trunk implantation at our hospital between March 2017 and January 2019. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) preoperatively, on the day after extubation and on day 7 after surgery. Plasma levels of S100β, NSE, and NGB POCD were assayed preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 24 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass. POCD was defined as a decrease of at least 1 unit in the MMSE score from before surgery until day 7, and patients were stratified into those who experienced POCD or not. The 2 groups were compared in clinicodemographic characteristics and plasma levels of the 3 proteins.Plasma levels of all 3 biomarkers increased significantly during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Levels of S100β and NSE, but not NGB, were significantly higher in the 15 patients who showed POCD than in the remainder who did not. For prediction of early POCD, S100β showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.87), sensitivity of 48%, and specificity of 87%. The corresponding values for NSE were 0.77 (95%CI 0.60-0.94), 92%, and 67%. Together, S100β and NSE showed an AUC of 0.81 (95%CI 0.66-0.96), sensitivity of 73%, and specificity of 80%. NGB did not significantly predict early POCD (AUC 0.62, 95%CI 0.43-0.80).Plasma S100β protein and NSE, but not NGB, may help predict early POCD after total arch replacement.

Estimation Model for Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Time to Predict Risk in Total Arch Replacement

BACKGROUND

We created an estimation model for hypothermic circulatory arrest time and analyzed the risk factors for major adverse outcomes in total arch replacement.

METHODS

This study involved 272 patients who underwent total arch replacement. The estimation model for hypothermic circulatory arrest time was established using multiple linear regression analysis, and the predicted hypothermic circulatory arrest time from this model was analyzed to detect risk factors.

RESULTS

Atrial fibrillation, rupture, malperfusion, saccular aneurysm, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and hypothermic circulatory arrest time were identified as independent risk factors associated with major adverse outcomes. The estimation model for hypothermic circulatory arrest time was established as follows: hypothermic circulatory arrest time = 99.3 - 0.19 × age + 0.65 × body mass index + 6.19 × previous cardiac operation + 11.7 × acute dissection + 8.9 × rupture + 0.19 × aortic angulation + 0.15 × length to the distal anastomosis site - 6.17 × total arch replacement surgeon case volume - 3.06 × surgery year. The predicted hypothermic circulatory arrest time calculated by this estimation model was evaluated using multivariate logistic analysis, which identified atrial fibrillation, rupture, malperfusion, saccular aneurysm, and predicted hypothermic circulatory arrest time as risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

As with the actual hypothermic circulatory arrest time, the predicted hypothermic circulatory arrest time using our model detected significant factors associated with major adverse outcomes. These results indicated that this prediction model for hypothermic circulatory arrest time may be effective.

Endovascular Repair of Aortic Arch Aneurysm with a New Modular Double Inner Branch Stent Graft

Endovascular repair of an aortic arch aneurysm has made great progress in the last 10 years. Custom-made branched stent grafts have been used, and preliminary results have been promising. To reduce the effect of aortic arch anatomical variations on indications, we designed a new off-the-shelf modular double inner branch stent-graft system. This case is the "First-in-Man" study for the device. A 74-year-old man presented with an asymptomatic saccular aneurysm and an ulcer lesion of the aortic arch. Left common carotid artery (LCCA) and left subclavian artery bypass was performed before endovascular repair. The modular stents reconstructed the innominate artery and LCCA. A follow-up on the computed tomography angiography 6-month results showed that the new device is safe and feasible for patients who are unfit for conventional surgery.

Short-term outcomes of modified Y-graft technique in acute type a aortic dissection using the femoral artery bypass and one minute systemic circulatory arrest technique

Objective

Aortic arch replacement in acute type A aortic dissection patients remains the most challenging cardiovascular operation. Herein, we described our modified Y-graft technique using the Femoral Artery Bypass (FAB) and the One Minute Systemic Circulatory Arrest (OSCA) technique, and assessed the short-term outcomes of the patients.

Methods

Between February 2015 and November 2017, 51 patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic arch replacement. Among them, 23 patients underwent FAB while 28 patients underwent both FAB and OSCA. The intraoperative data and postoperative follow-up data were recorded. The follow-up data of patients with traditional Y-graft technique were collected from previously reported studies.

Results

In the FAB group, two patients died due to pulmonary infection (30-day survival rate, 91.3%), and two patients were paralyzed from the waist down. Hemodialysis was performed for five patients (21.7%) before hospital discharge. Fifteen patients (65.2%) received respiratory support for more than 2-days and eight patients (34.8%) for more than 5-days. These follow-up results were comparable or better than the patients with traditional Y-graft technique. Furthermore, compared to the FAB group, the morbidity due to neurological dysfunction and acute renal failure was significantly reduced in the FAB+OSCA group. Moreover, the respiratory support, length of postoperative stay and ICU stay were shortened.

Conclusions

This study clarified the feasibility of FAB and OSCA technique in modifying Y-graft technique. The acute type A aortic dissection patients showed less surgical complications and favorable short-term outcomes after this surgery.

Outcomes of different aortic arch replacement techniques

Background

Consensus on the best treatment for aortic arch pathology is unresolved due to an emerging variety of procedures. We aimed to compare the outcomes of two major techniques for open aortic arch replacement involving the supra‐aortic branches and to identify the risk factors for specific adverse events.

Methods

Between 1974 and 2017, 172 patients were treated with either the en bloc (island, n = 59; 34.3%) or branched graft technique (n = 113, 65.7%). Most of the patients were treated in an emergent/urgent setting (52.4%).

Results

Patients who underwent the en bloc procedure had significantly shorter cardiopulmonary bypass (median: 241 vs 271 minutes, P = .041) and aortic cross clamp times (median: 124 vs 168 minutes, P = .005) than patients who underwent the separate graft technique. Overall, the hospital mortality was lower in the en bloc group, 8.5% vs 19.5%, although the difference was not significant (P = .077). No difference was found in the survival between the separate graft and en bloc groups at 1 (77.0 vs 86.3%), 5 (67.7 vs 66.3%) and 10 years (42.4 vs 51.3%), (P = .63). The postoperative stroke rate was comparable between the en bloc and separate graft cohorts (14.3 vs 19.6%, P = .52). Diabetics and those who underwent an elephant trunk procedure were at a higher risk for reintervention.

Conclusions

The separate graft technique, which is more common today, showed no difference from the en bloc technique with regard to hospital mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, the late survival and reintervention rates were similar after both procedures.

Prognostic factors for permanent neurological dysfunction after total aortic arch replacement with regional cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prognostic factors for permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) after total aortic arch replacement with regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO₂ ) monitoring.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 98 type A aortic dissection aneurysm patients who underwent emergency total aortic arch replacement combined with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and right axillary artery selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP). Data such as age, gender, body mass index, preoperative coexisting disease, laboratory test results, intraoperative critical operation duration, and intraoperative rSO₂ were collected, and the neurological prognoses in the hospital were recorded and grouped by severity. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on the statistically significant differences between the groups to screen the predictors of postoperative neurological complications in these patients.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients had postoperative neurological complications, among which there were 29 cases (29.6%) of transient neurological dysfunction, and 13 cases (13.3%) of PND. Multiple logistic regression results showed that advanced age, preoperative low platelet count, prolonged hemostasis time and lowest relative rSO₂ to baseline (ΔrSO₂ min) in each time period were risk factors for postoperative PND. The ROC curve measurement showed that the optimal cut-off value of ΔrSO₂ min was 79.7%, and the area under the curve was 0.708 (95% confidence interval = 0.557-0.858), p = 0.016; the optimal cut-off value of ΔrSO₂ min in SACP was 81.6%, and the area under the curve was 0.720 (95% confidence interval = 0.570-0.870), p = 0.011; the optimal cut-off value of ΔrSO₂ min in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was 80.8%, and the area under the curve was 0.697 (95% confidence interval = 0.554-0.840), p = 0.023.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative ΔrSO₂ min that is lower than the basal level of about 80%, advanced age, preoperative low platelet count, and prolonged hemostasis time are predictors of PND after total aortic arch replacement.

Single-center experience with an inner branched arch endograft

OBJECTIVE

Whereas open repair is the "gold standard" for most aortic arch diseases, a subgroup of patients might benefit from an endovascular approach. The introduction of branched stent grafts with dedicated design to address the challenges of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch has opened an entirely new area of treatment for these patients. We investigated the early outcomes of branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (b-TEVAR) in various types of disease of the aortic arch.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of prospectively collected data from a single center of all consecutive patients treated with b-TEVAR. The indication for elective endovascular repair was consented in an interdisciplinary case conference. All patients were treated with a custom-made inner branched arch endograft with two internal branches (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) and left-sided carotid-subclavian bypass. Study end points were technical success, 30-day mortality, and complications as well as late complications and reinterventions.

RESULTS

Between 2012 and 2017, there were 54 patients (38 male; median age, 71 years) treated with diseases of the aortic arch. Indications for therapy involved degenerative aortic arch or proximal descending aortic aneurysms requiring arch repair (n = 24), dissection with or without false lumen aneurysms (n = 26), and penetrating aortic ulcers (n = 4). Forty-three cases (80%) were performed electively and 11 urgently for contained ruptures (n = 3) or symptomatic aneurysms (n = 8) with endografts already available for the patient or with grafts of other patients with similar anatomy. Technical success was achieved in 53 cases (98%). The 30-day mortality and major stroke incidence were 5.5% (3/54) and 5.5% (3/54), respectively; in-hospital mortality was 7.4% (n = 4), and minor strokes (including asymptomatic new cerebral lesions) occurred in 5.5% (n = 3). There were two cases of transient spinal cord ischemia with complete recovery and one of paraplegia. No retrograde type A dissections or cardiac injuries were observed. Three early stent graft-related reinterventions were necessary to correct proximal endograft kinking with type IA endoleak in one patient, a bridging stent graft stenosis in another patient, and false lumen persistent perfusion from dissected supra-aortic vessels in the last patient. Mean in-hospital stay was 14 ± 8 days. During a mean follow-up of 12 ± 9 months, three nonaorta-related deaths and one aorta-related death distal to the arch repair were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of aortic arch diseases with b-TEVAR is feasible and safe with acceptable mortality and stroke rates.

Neuroprotective Strategies in Repair and Replacement of the Aortic Arch

Aortic arch surgery is a technical challenge, and cerebral protection during distal anastomosis is a continued topic of controversy and discussion. The physiologic effects of hypothermic arrest and adjunctive cerebral perfusion have yet to be fully defined, and the optimal strategies are still undetermined. This review highlights the historical context, physiological rationale, and clinical efficacy of various neuroprotective strategies during arch operations.

Total Aortic Arch Replacement: Advantages of Varied Techniques

We review the operative techniques of aortic arch replacement. Aortic arch replacement presents several formidable challenges, as it requires arresting the circulation to the body and replacement of the brachiocephalic vessels with special consideration for protecting the central nervous system. Perfusion strategies, selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, and operative graft selection are key elements in aortic arch replacement surgery. Standard approaches include the island technique, the branched graft technique, and the "Spielvogel" trifurcated graft technique-each having its own advantages. In addition, thoracic aortic aneurysms involving the arch and descending aorta pose a substantial surgical challenge and often require hybrid or nonclamp technique with staged operative interventions. Hybrid and endovascular (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) techniques for the descending aorta are evolving and require consideration in operative planning. Areas of controversy include management of the subclavian artery, extent of distal arch replacement, elephant trunk and hybrid frozen elephant trunk techniques, and use and timing of staged approaches. Aortic arch replacement remains a complex, potentially difficult procedure. Better understanding of the potential open approaches to arch replacement will optimize the potential outcomes for patients. Aortic arch pathology is best served by tailoring the procedure to the patient-specific anatomy and pathology.

Complete Antegrade Transapical Deployment of a Branched Aortic Arch Endograft: A Porcine Feasibility Study

PURPOSE

To describe and prove the concept of a technique for complete transapical deployment of a single-branch aortic arch endograft in a porcine model.

METHODS

Eight domestic pigs underwent antegrade transapical delivery of a single-branch arch endograft, including a mating stent-graft to the innominate artery. Technical feasibility, operating time, radiation parameters, and hemodynamic changes were studied according to a standardized protocol during baseline (T0), after establishing the transapical access and through-and-through wire (T1), and after stent-graft deployment (T2). Myocardial and cerebral blood flow status was assessed using fluorescent microspheres (FM) and transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) monitoring.

RESULTS

Transapical access, introduction and deployment of the endograft, side branch catheterization, and deployment of the mating stent-graft were feasible in 6 of 8 animals. One animal died due to irreversible heart rhythm disorders and one due to accidental graft rotation during deployment, resulting in unintended coverage of the innominate artery. The mean operating and fluoroscopy times were 223±11 minutes and 27.2±6.3 minutes, respectively. During introduction and deployment of the stent-graft, transient aortic valve insufficiency occurred in all animals. Hemodynamic stability recovered within 10 minutes after retrieval of the delivery system in all animals. The innominate artery was patent, with unchanged TTFM measurements throughout the procedure. FM evaluation revealed stable cerebral blood flow.

CONCLUSION

An antegrade transapical access to the aortic arch for implantation of a single-branch endograft is feasible in a porcine model with reversible impact on hemodynamic measures during deployment. Transapical access allows deployment of a complex endograft through a single large-bore access site in a porcine model.

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

Effective cerebral protection remains the principle concern during aortic arch surgery. Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) is entrenched as the primary neuroprotection mechanism since the 70s, as it slows injury-inducing pathways by limiting cerebral metabolism. However, increases in HCA duration has been associated with poorer neurological outcomes, necessitating the adjunctive use of antegrade (ACP) and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). ACP has superseded RCP as the preferred perfusion strategy as it most closely mimic physiological perfusion, although there exists uncertainty regarding several technical details, such as unilateral versus bilateral perfusion, flow rate and temperature, perfusion site, undue trauma to head vessels, and risks of embolization. Nevertheless, we believe that the convenience, simplicity and effectiveness of straight DHCA justifies its use in the majority of elective and emergency cases. The following perspective offers a historical and clinical comparison of the DHCA with other techniques of cerebral protection.

Surgical management for acute type A aortic dissection in patients over 70 years-old

Background

This study aimed to retrospectively investigate our experience of surgical treatment for acute type A aortic dissection in patients older than 70 years.

Methods

From September 2005 to January 2012, eleven patients who were older than 70 years underwent surgical treatment for type A aortic dissection at our center and were included in this study. Total arch replacement was performed in three patients, seven patients underwent subtotal arch replacement and one with single-branched stent graft implantation. One patient underwent a valve-sparing (David) procedure while another underwent a concomitant aortic valve replacement (Wheat procedure). One patient required coronary artery bypass grafting. All operations were performed under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion.

Results

There was one in-hospital death (9.1%) and no operative mortality within 30 days. Cardiopulmonary bypass time, myocardial ischemic time and antegrade cerebral perfusion time accounted for 151.4±33.5 minutes, 68.5±41.4 minutes and 30.3±12.9 minutes, respectively. Overall in-hospital duration, intensive care unit (ICU) time and mean ventilation time were 40.9±40.3 days, 16.5±22.5 days and 90.5±139.4 hours, respectively. New postoperative permanent neurological dysfunction and temporary neurological dysfunction were observed in one patient (9.1%) and in three patients (27.3%), respectively. Mean follow-up was 49.0±19.9 months and nine patients are still alive, one patient died of cancer after 24 months postoperation.

Conclusions

Surgical management for acute type A dissection in patients older than 70 years is a safe alternative with acceptable risk of death and the early and late results are satisfactory.

Results of Proximal Arch Replacement Using Deep Hypothermia for Circulatory Arrest: Is Moderate Hypothermia Really Justifiable?

The use of selective cerebral perfusion with warmer temperatures during circulatory arrest has been increasingly used for arch replacement over concerns regarding the safety of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). However, little data actually exist on outcomes after arch replacement and DHCA. This study examines modern results with DHCA for proximal arch replacement to provide a benchmark for comparison against outcomes with lesser degrees of hypothermia. Between July 2005 and June 2010, 245 proximal arch replacements (“hemiarch”) were performed using deep hypothermia; mean minimum core and nasopharyngeal temperatures were 18.0 ± 2.1°C and 14.1 ± 1.6°C, respectively. Adjunctive cerebral perfusion was used in all cases. Concomitant ascending aortic replacement was performed in 41 per cent, ascending plus aortic valve replacement in 23 per cent, and aortic root replacement in 32 per cent. Mean age was 58 ± 14 years; 36 per cent procedures were urgent/emergent. Mean duration of DHCA was 20.4 ± 6.2 minutes. Thirty-day/in-hospital mortality was 2.9 per cent. Rates of stroke, renal failure, and respiratory failure were 4.1 per cent (0.8% for elective cases), 1.2 per cent, and 0.4 per cent, respectively. Deep hypothermia with adjunctive cerebral perfusion for circulatory arrest during proximal arch replacement affords excellent neurologic as well as nonneurologic outcomes. Centers using lesser degrees of hypothermia for arch surgery, the safety of which remains unproven, should ensure comparable results.

Usage of external shunt in hybrid approach for aortic arch aneurysm to restore cerebral oxygenation

A hybrid approach, combining open and endovascular procedures, may be a less invasive substitute to correct aortic arch pathologies in high-risk patients. We describe an 82-year-old male patient with an atherosclerotic aortic arch aneurysm, which was treated with proximal transposition of all arch branches and endovascular aortic arch repair. During the left common carotid artery reconstruction, oxygen saturation level of the left cerebral hemisphere decreased lower than the safety limit. To re-establish brain perfusion, we installed an external shunt from the right common femoral artery to the left common carotid artery. The oxygen saturation was restored to an acceptably safe level, and the patient tolerated the procedure without any signs of postoperative ischemic stroke.