Transapical aortic perfusion using a deep hypothermic procedure during descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.

BACKGROUND: In descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) surgery, though proximal anastomosis using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is often selected, there are issues surrounding brain and heart protection. In this study, the usefulness of concomitant upper body perfusion via transapical aortic cannulation during deep hypothermic surgery was examined.

METHODS: Between October 2014 and May 2019, 5 patients (Crawford extent II chronic dissection, n = 3; extent IV aneurysms, n = 1; DTAA, n = 1) underwent DTAA/TAAA repair under deep hypothermia using transapical aortic perfusion. A proximal anastomosis and artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA) reconstruction were performed under continuous perfusion of the upper and lower body at 20 °C.

RESULTS: The time from aortic cross-clamping to proximal anastomosis was 69 ± 33 minutes, and it took 86 ± 47 minutes to AKA reperfusion. There was no spinal cord ischemic injury or brain or heart complications. One case required tracheostomy, and the average postoperative intubation time for the other cases was 57 ± 52 hours. All patients were discharged, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 25.6 ± 8.1 days.

CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant upper body perfusion by the transapical aortic approach contributes to avoidance of brain and heart complications and maintaining spinal cord circulation under deep hypothermic DTAA/TAAA surgery.