Antegrade cerebral perfusion in thoracic aortic surgery: A single surgeon experience

Abstract

Aim: To present the experiences and outcomes in patients who underwent thoracic aortic surgery due to aortic aneurysm and/or dissection and in whom unilateral or bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion was performed.

Methods: A total of 51 patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion during thoracic aortic surgery performed due to aortic aneurysm and/or acute type A aortic dissection were included in the study.  Patients’ demographic data such as age and gender, comorbidity, diagnosis, type of procedure, type and duration of cerebral perfusion, temperature of hypothermia, and perioperative outcomes were recorded and retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Of all patients, 63.7% were male and 35.3% were female. The mean age of the patients was 55.1±12.0 years. Bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion was performed in 47.1% and unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion in 52.9% of the patients. The mean duration of antegrade cerebral perfusion was 60.2±26.6 minutes in patients with bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion and 33.5±25.9 minutes in patients with unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion. Mortality occurred in three patients, while one patient developed a major cerebrovascular event. 

Conclusion: The present analysis revealed that antegrade cerebral perfusion performed during thoracic aortic surgery was associated with favorable perioperative outcomes.