Surgery for aortic arch aneurysm with selective cerebral perfusion and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

Deep-hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) was used in 34 consecutive patients with aneurysms involving the aortic arch or the adjacent part of the aorta. The ages ranged from 25 to 79 years (mean, 56 years). Atherosclerotic aneurysms were present in 14 patients, dissecting aortic aneurysms in 16, and other lesion types in four. Replacement of the ascending aorta was performed in 10 patients, replacement of the ascending aorta and arch in 12, replacement of the distal arch in two, and other procedures in 10. Perfusion techniques consisted of femoral artery perfusion and SCP to the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery. The blood temperature was maintained at 16 degrees-20 degrees C. SCP time ranged from 25 to 214 minutes (mean, 123 minutes). Operative death occurred in three (9%) patients. Neurological sequelae occurred in one patient (cerebral infarction), but significant respiratory and hemorrhagic problems were not encountered. For the SCP protocols, we advise that perfusion pressures at bilateral superficial temporal arteries be kept at approximately 50 mm Hg and that venous oxygen saturation of the superior vena caval line or internal jugular vein be kept at above 90%. With appropriate monitoring, this method can be performed in aortic arch or related surgeries with low morbidity results.