Neurologic Dysfunction after Aortic Dissection Surgery: Different Cerebral Hypothermic Antegrade Perfusion Techniques

Introduction: Neurologic dysfunction remains one of the most disabling complications of emergency aortic arch surgery. Many cerebral protection techniques are described, but their comparison has always been hampered by the wide spectrum of preoperative conditions, pathologic anatomies, complications, and surgical procedures. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of early permanent neurologic injury and in-hospital mortality after emergency aortic arch surgery splitted by different antegrade cerebral perfusion techniques combined with hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2015, 249 patients underwent emergent surgery for acute, type A aortic dissection. Of these, 112 (45%) (Mean age 63.8 ± 12.8 years, 82 males) received cerebral protection through antegrade perfusion of the supra-aortic vessels. Unilateral perfusion (UACP) was performed in 55 (49.1%) patients, while bilateral perfusion (BACP) was achieved via right axillary artery cannulation alone in 25 (22.3%) cases or with the Kazui technique in 32 (28.6%). Permanent neurologic injury was defined as the post-operative onset of focal stroke or lethal coma. Results: In-hospital mortality was 17.9% (UACP 20% vs. BACP 15.8%; p=0.56). The global rate of the early permanent neurologic injury was 12.3% (UACP 10.9% vs. BACP 15.8%; p=0.45). Conclusion: There is no evidence that BACP combined with HCA is superior to UACP combined with HCA for emergency aortic arch surgery in preventing early permanent neurologic injury and in-hospital mortality.