Simultaneous antegrade/retrograde normothermic perfusion with blood (beating heart) for aortic root replacement in acute type-a dissection of the aorta.

A new technique of myocardial protection was utilized in performing surgery for acute type-A dissection involving the aortic valve, requiring replacement of the root. Simultaneous antegrade and retrograde perfusion of the heart with normothermic blood at high flows allows for safe and precise surgery, without concerns for the period of aortic clamping, since ischemia is eliminated altogether.