Separate-hypothermia retrograde cerebral perfusion.

We have developed a technique of cerebral protection in which the blood for the retrograde cerebral perfusion from the superior vena cava cannula is cooled down to 10 degrees C, while the core temperature is maintained at moderate hypothermia. We performed graft replacement of the ascending and aortic arch in 2 patients with dissecting aneurysm using this method. This technique may provide excellent cerebral protection without coagulation disorder.