The procedure and efficacy of the intermittent distal perfusion during hypothermic circulatory arrest in total arch replacement was described. During hypothermic circulatory arrest, elephant trunk was fixed inside the descending aorta. Then, the AP Grid Catheter was inserted through the elephant trunk, and blood perfusion at a flow rate of 500 ml/min for 5 min was installed. After the perfusion, distal anastomosis was completed. Clinical results of 23 patients (Group I) with this technique were compared with these of 21 patients without the procedure (Group II). Continuous hypothermic circulatory arrest time was significantly shorter (32.7 vs. 72.7 min; p < 0.05) and postoperative serum creatinine level was significantly lower (1.29 vs. 1.68; p < 0.05) in Group I than Group II. The incidence of abdominal complication was also fewer in Group I. Intermittent distal perfusion shortens hypothermic circulatory arrest time and is protective for the lower body including kidneys.
Keywords: Aortic arch replacement; Hypothermic circulatory arrest; Kidney; Spinal cord.