Moderate hypothermia during aortic arch surgery is associated with reduced risk of early mortality

Does Higher Temperature During Moderate Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Increase the Risk of Paraplegia in Acute DeBakey I Aortic Dissection Patients?

BACKGROUND

In this study, we sought to assess the safety of high-moderate (24.1-28.0°C) and low-moderate (20.1-24.0°C) systemic hypothermia during circulatory arrest (MHCA) in patients with acute DeBakey I aortic dissection (DeBakey I AAD), particularly concerning spinal cord protection.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2020, 1759 patients with DeBakey I AAD who underwent frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement surgery at a tertiary centre were divided into preoperative malperfusion (viscera, spinal cord, or lower extremities) and nonmalperfusion subgroups. The baseline differences were balanced with the use of propensity score matching. Prognoses were compared between those who were subjected to high-MHCA (nasopharyngeal temperature 24.1-28.0°C) and low-MHCA (nasopharyngeal temperature 20.1-24.0°C).

RESULTS

In the nonmalperfusion subgroup (n = 1389), 469 pairs of matched patients showed lower in-hospital mortality and incidence of acute kidney injury in the high-MHCA group than in the low-MHCA group: in-hospital mortality 7.0% vs 10.2% (P = 0.01); acute kidney injury, 57.1% vs 64.6% (P < 0.01). The duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter in the high-MHCA group than that in the low-MHCA group (P = 0.03). No significant difference in the incidence of paraplegia was observed between the 2 groups. In the malperfusion subgroup (n = 370), 112 pairs of matched patients showed a higher incidence of paraplegia in the high-MHCA group than in the low-MHCA group (15.9% vs 6.5%; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The safety of high-MHCA, a commonly used temperature management strategy during aortic arch surgery, was recognised in most patients with DeBakey I AAD. However, among patients with preoperative distal organ malperfusion, low-MHCA may be more appropriate owing to an increased risk of postoperative paraplegia associated with high-MHCA.

Cardiopulmonary bypass for total aortic arch replacement surgery: A review of three techniques

One treatment for acute type A aortic dissection is to replace the ascending aorta and aortic arch with a graft during circulatory arrest of the lower body, but this is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Maintaining the balance between oxygen supply and demand during circulatory arrest is the key to reducing morbidity and is the primary challenge during body perfusion. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of body perfusion techniques and to predict future development of this field. We present three perfusion techniques based on deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA): DHCA alone, DHCA with selective cerebral perfusion, and DHCA with total body perfusion. DHCA was first developed to provide a clear surgical field, but it may contribute to stroke in 4%–15% of patients. Antegrade or retrograde cerebral perfusion can provide blood flow for the brain during circulatory arrest, and it is associated with much lower stroke incidence of 3%–9%. Antegrade cerebral perfusion may be better than retrograde perfusion during longer arrest. In theory, blood flow can be provided to all vital organs through total body perfusion, which can be implemented via either arterial or venous systems, or by combining retrograde inferior vena caval perfusion with antegrade cerebral perfusion. However, whether total body perfusion is better than other techniques require further investigation in large, multicenter studies. Current techniques for perfusion during circulatory arrest remain imperfect, and a technique that effectively perfuses the upper and lower body effectively during circulatory arrest is missing. Total body perfusion should be systematically compared against selective cerebral perfusion for improving outcomes after circulatory arrest.

Systematic review and network meta-analysis of various nadir temperature strategies for hypothermic circulatory arrest for aortic arch surgery

BACKGROUND

The optimal nadir temperature for hypothermic circulatory arrest during aortic arch surgery remains unclear. We aimed to assess and compare clinical outcomes of all three temperature strategies (deep, moderate, and mild hypothermia) using a network meta-analysis.

METHODS

After literature search with MEDLINE and EMBASE through December 2021, studies comparing clinical outcomes with deep (<20°C), moderate (20-28°C), or mild (>28°C) hypothermic circulatory arrest were included. The outcomes of interest were perioperative mortality, stroke, transient ischemia attack (TIA), acute kidney injury (AKI), postoperative bleeding, operative time, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Twenty-four comparative studies were identified, including 6018 patients undergoing aortic arch surgery using hypothermic circulatory arrest (deep: 2,978, moderate: 2,525, and mild: 515). Compared to deep hypothermia, mild and moderate hypothermia were associated with lower mortality (mild vs. deep: odds ratio [OR] 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.87, moderate vs. deep: OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.54-0.86). In addition, mild hypothermia was associated with lower stroke (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.28-0.89), AKI (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15-0.88) and postoperative bleeding (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.31-0.97) compared to deep hypothermia. There was no significant difference between mild and moderate hypothermia in mortality, AKI or bleeding occurrence, while mild hypothermia was associated with shorter operative time and hospital stay. There was no significant difference in TIA rate among three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild hypothermia was associated with overall more favorable clinical outcomes with comparable neurological complications compared to deep hypothermia. Furthermore, considering the shorter operative time and hospital stay compared with moderate hypothermia, mild hypothermia may be warranted when appropriate adjunctive cerebral perfusion is employed.

Total arch replacement: When and how?

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening disease, which often causes cardiac tamponade, rupture, and malperfusion. ATAAD is associated with a high hospital mortality rate. Open aortic surgery for ATAAD is always required to save the patient, particularly elderly patients. Tear-oriented surgery is recommended as the frontline treatment for ATAAD, and hemiarch replacement (HAR) is sufficient because the primary entry is often observed in the ascending aorta (60%-70%). However, HAR has some drawbacks, such as new creation of an anastomotic entry and unfavorable distal aortic remodeling during long-term follow-up. Although total arch replacement (TAR) is a demanding procedure, it is another useful option for ATAAD. Proper patient selection for TAR is controversial. Standardized procedure for TAR, including the optimal brain protection methods and the use of excellent sealed vascular prosthetic grafts, has been established over the past decades. Therefore, TAR is increasingly being selected for HAR in patients who are young or have enlarged aortic arch, severely dissected supra-aortic arch vessels, or hereditary thoracic aortic disorders. The emerging technology of commercially available frozen elephant trunk accelerated the application of TAR, facilitates distal anastomosis, and improves distal aortic remodeling. Although further evidence is required, TAR could be the best choice for HAR for selected patients. Currently, appropriate selection of the surgical technique is important to maximize the benefits of open surgery for ATAAD.

Visceral protection in total arch replacement for aortic dissection: Effect of lower body hypothermia

OBJECTIVE

Optimal hypothermia strategy for total arch replacement in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is unclear. A higher temperature during circulatory arrest might reduce tolerance to ischemia for visceral organs. We sought to investigate the effect of hypothermia on visceral protection.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2019, 1138 consecutive patients underwent total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection. The data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Visceral organ injury and visceral-related adverse outcomes were defined as acute renal failure or spinal cord injury or both. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate linear regression model were used.

RESULTS

The mean age of patient was 46.9 ± 10.0 years, with a male preponderance (79.6%). Operative mortality was 6.1% (69 patients). Spinal cord injury occurred in 55 (4.8%) patients and 133 (11.7%) patients had acute renal failure. In the multivariate logistic regression model, neither bladder temperature (odds ratio [OR] 0.971, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.922-1.024, p = .278) nor circulatory arrest duration (OR 1.017, 95% CI 0.987-1.047, p = .267) significantly associated with visceral-related adverse outcomes. Female, lower limb malperfusion, age, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration and preoperative serum creatinine level were independent risk factors of visceral-related outcomes. There was a significant negative correlation between bladder temperature and CPB duration in multiple linear regression model (β = -3.67, p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder temperature had no effect on outcomes related to visceral protection under the premise of short circulatory arrest duration, but female gender, lower limb malperfusion, age, CPB duration, and preoperative serum creatinine level were independent risk factors. Bladder temperature negatively correlated to CPB duration.

Quiescence-inducing neurons-induced hypometabolism ameliorates acute kidney injury in a mouse model mimicking cardiovascular surgery requiring circulatory arrest

Objectives

Acute kidney injury is a serious complication after cardiovascular surgery requiring circulatory arrest. It is reported that mice can be induced into a hibernation-like hypometabolic state by stimulating a specific neuron located at the hypothalamus (quiescence-inducing neurons-induced hypometabolism [QIH]). Here, we investigated the efficacy of QIH for the amelioration of acute kidney injury in an experimental circulatory arrest using a transgenic mouse model.

Methods

We genetically prepared mice in which QIH can be conditionally induced (QIH-ready mice). Mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 6 for each): QIH-ready normothermia (QN), QIH-ready hypothermia (QH), control normothermia (CN), and control hypothermia (CH). After induction of QIH, left thoracotomy and descending aorta crossclamping were conducted. After reperfusion, we collected kidneys and evaluated histologic changes and serum biochemical markers, specifically neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C, indicating early kidney injury.

Results

Normothermia showed higher tubular injury scores than those in hypothermia (QN vs QH [P = .0021] and CN vs CH [P < .001]). QN exhibited lower neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C levels than those in CN (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin: CN vs QN: 1.51 ± 0.71 vs 0.82 ± 0.32; P = .0414 and cystatin C: 1.48 ± 0.39 vs 0.71 ± 0.26; P = .0015). There was no significant difference between QN and QH.

Conclusions

QIH partly ameliorated acute kidney injury in a mouse ischemia model even in normothermia. QIH might be a promising approach to achieving sufficient kidney protection without hypothermic circulatory arrest in the future.

Aortic arch repair: lessons learned over three decades at Baylor College of Medicine

The treatment of complex aortic arch disease continues to be among the most demanding cardiovascular operations, with a considerable risk of death and stroke. Since January 1990, our single-practice service has performed over 3000 repairs of the aortic arch. Our aim was to describe the progression of our technical approach to open aortic arch repair. Our center's surgical technique has evolved considerably over the last three decades. When it comes to initial arterial cannulation, we have shifted away from femoral artery cannulation to innominate and axillary artery cannulation. During difficult repairs, this transition has made it easier to use antegrade cerebral perfusion rather than retrograde cerebral perfusion, which was commonly used in the early days. Brain protection tactics during open aortic arch procedures have evolved from profound (≤14 °C) hypothermia during circulatory arrest to moderate (22-24 °C) hypothermia. Aortic arch repair is performed through a median sternotomy and may treat acute aortic dissection, chronic aortic dissection, or degenerative aneurysm. Reoperative repair - that necessitating redo sternotomy - is common in patients undergoing aortic arch repair. The majority of repairs will include varying portions of the ascending aorta and may involve the aortic valve or the aortic root. In some patients, repair may extend into the proximal descending thoracic aorta; this includes elephant trunk, frozen elephant trunk, and antegrade hybrid approaches.

Duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest for aortic arch surgery: is it a myth, fiction, or scientific leap?

INTRODUCTION

The use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) to provide aortic surgeons with a bloodless operative field while simultaneously protecting the brain and peripheries from ischemic damage revolutionized cardiac and aortic surgery, and is currently used in specialist centers across the globe. However, it is associated with manifold adverse outcomes, including neurocognitive dysfunction and mortality. This review seeks to analyze the relationship between DHCA duration and clinical outcome, and evaluate the controversies and limitations surrounding its use.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a review of available literature with statistical analysis to evaluate the relationship between DHCA duration (<40 min and >40 min) and key clinical outcomes, including mortality, permanent and temporary neurological deficit, renal damage, admission length, and reintervention rate. The controversies surrounding DHCA use and future directions for care are also explored.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Statistical analysis revealed no significant association (P>0.05) between DHCA duration and clinical outcomes (early and late mortality rates, neurological deficit, admission length, and reintervention rate), both with and without adjunctive perfusion techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Available literature suggests that the relationships between DHCA duration (with and without adjunctive perfusion) and clinical outcomes are unclear, and at present not statistically significant. Alternative surgical and endovascular techniques have been identified as promising novel approaches not requiring DHCA, as have the use of biomarkers to enable early diagnosis and intervention for aortic pathologies.

The New York experience of open arch surgery

BACKGROUND

Aortic arch repair has undergone constant evolution since its inception with improving outcomes. A sizeable number of competing techniques and strategies have been described, with no single optimal method endorsed by the surgical community. We describe our experience with open aortic arch repair in a high-volume center.

METHODS

We queried our aortic database for consecutive patients undergoing aortic arch repair from 1997-2021. Those undergoing hemiarch repair were compared to those undergoing total arch repair. Outcomes were compared using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1308 patients undergoing aortic arch repair, 953 underwent hemiarch repair and 355 underwent total arch repair. The median age was 69 [interquartile ratio 58-76] and 61.7% were men. Hemiarch patients more frequently hade aortic dissection (28.5 vs 11.8%, P < 0.001) and urgent or emergent procedure status (45.1 vs 30.4%, P < 0.001). Overall operative mortality was 2.7% and significantly higher in the hemiarch group (3.5 vs 0.6%, P=0.007). No difference in the incidence of major adverse events (MAE) including myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, new need for dialysis, re- exploration for bleeding, and tracheostomy was found between the two groups. Multivariate analysis found diabetes, urgent or emergent procedure status, preoperative renal dysfunction, New York Heart Association class III/IV symptoms, and connective tissue disease to be independent predictors of MAE.

CONCLUSIONS

Retrograde cerebral perfusion with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is safe and effective, with no appreciable difference in neurologic outcomes when comparing hemiarch to total arch strategies. Rates of mortality and MAE compare favorably with strategies utilizing antegrade cerebral perfusion.

Direct Innominate Artery Cannulation versus Side Graft for Selective Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion during Aortic Hemiarch Replacement

Background  Selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) has become our preferred method for cerebral protection during open arch cases. While the initial approach involved sewing a graft to the innominate artery as the arterial cannulation site, our access strategy has since evolved to central aortic cannulation with use of a percutaneous cannula in the innominate for SACP. We hypothesized that SACP delivered via direct innominate cannulation using a 12- or 14-Fr cannula results in equivalent outcomes to cases utilizing a side graft.

Methods  This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of 211 adult patients who underwent elective hemiarch replacement using hypothermic circulatory arrest with SACP via the innominate artery between 2012 and 2020. Urgent and emergent cases were excluded.

Results  A side graft sutured to the innominate was utilized in 81% ( n  = 171) of patients, while direct innominate artery cannulation was performed in 19% ( n  = 40) of patients. Baseline patient characteristics were similar between groups aside from a higher baseline creatinine in the direct cannulation group (1.3 vs. 0.9, p  = 0.032). Patients undergoing direct cannulation demonstrated shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (132.7 vs. 154.9 minutes, p  = 0.020) and shorter circulatory arrest time (8.1 vs. 10.9 minutes, p  = 0.004). Nadir bladder temperature did not significantly differ between groups (27.2°C for side graft vs. 27.6°C for direct cannulation, p  = 0.088). There were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion  Direct cannulation of the innominate artery with a 12- or 14-Fr cannula for SACP during hemiarch replacement is a safe alternative to using a sutured side graft. While cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest times appear improved, this is likely attributable to accumulation of experience and proficiency in technique. However, direct innominate artery cannulation may facilitate quicker completion of these procedures by eliminating the time necessary to suture a graft to the innominate artery.

Neuroprotective strategies with circulatory arrest in open aortic surgery - A meta-analysis

Objective

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) in aortic surgery is associated with morbidity and mortality despite evolving strategies. With the advent of antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP), moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) was reported to have better outcomes than DHCA. There is no standardised guideline or consensus regarding the hypothermic strategies to be employed in open aortic surgery. Meta-analysis was performed comparing DHCA with MHCA + ACP in patients having aortic surgery.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Any studies with DHCA versus MHCA + ACP in aortic surgeries were selected according to specific inclusion criteria and analysed to generate summative data. Statistical analysis was performed using STATS Direct. The primary outcomes were hospital mortality and post-operative stroke. Secondary outcomes were cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPB), post-operative blood transfusion, length of ICU stay, respiratory complications, renal failure and length of hospital stay. Subgroup analysis of primary outcomes for Arch surgery alone was also performed.

Results

Fifteen studies were included with a total of 5869 patients. There was significantly reduced mortality (Pooled OR = +0.64, 95% CI = +0.49 to +0.83; p = 0.0006) and stroke rate (Pooled OR = +0.62, 95% CI = +0.49 to +0.79; p < 0.001) in the MHCA group. MHCA was associated significantly with shorter CPB times, shorter duration in ICU, less pulmonary complications, and reduced rates of sepsis. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of circulatory arrest times, X-Clamp times, total operation duration, transfusion requirements, renal failure and post-op hospital stay.

Conclusion

MHCA + ACP are associated with significantly better post-operative outcomes compared with DHCA for both mortality and stroke and majority of the secondary outcomes.

Moderate and Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Have Comparable Effects on Severe Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome After Total Aortic Arch Replacement in Patients With Type A Aortic Dissection

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome (sSIRS) after total aortic arch replacement between patients who underwent moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) and those who underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Methods: At Fuwai Hospital, 600 patients who underwent total aortic arch replacement with MHCA or DHCA from January 2013 to December 2016 were consecutively enrolled and divided into DHCA (14.1-20.0°C) and MHCA (20.1-28.0°C) groups. Preliminary statistical analysis revealed that some baseline indicators differed between the two groups; therefore, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the covariates. Post-operative sSIRS as the primary outcome was compared between the groups both before and after PSM. Results: A total of 275 (45.8%) patients underwent MHCA, and 325 (54.2%) patients underwent DHCA. After PSM analysis, a total of 191 matched pairs were obtained. The overall incidence of sSIRS was 27.3%. There was no significant difference in post-operative sSIRS between the MHCA group and the DHCA group in either the overall cohort or the PSM cohort (no-PSM: P = 0.188; PSM: P = 0.416); however, post-operative sSIRS was increased by ~4% in the DHCA group compared with the MHCA group in both the no-PSM and PSM cohorts (no-PSM: 29.5 vs. 24.7%; PSM: 29.3 vs. 25.1%). Both before and after PSM, the rates of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and pulmonary infection and post-operative length of stay were significantly increased in the DHCA group compared with the MHCA group (P < 0.05), and the remaining secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: MHCA and DHCA are associated with comparable incidences of sSIRS in patients following total aortic arch replacement for type A aortic dissection. However, the MHCA group had a shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time, a shorter post-operative length of stay and lower pulmonary infection and gastrointestinal hemorrhage rates than the DHCA group. We cautiously recommend the use of MHCA for most total arch replacements in patients with type A aortic dissection.

Modified Technique for Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion during Hemiarch Aortic Replacement

Background  Uncertainty remains regarding the optimal method of brain protection for procedures that require repair or replacement of the aortic arch. We examined the early outcomes of a technique for brain protection in patients undergoing partial aortic arch (hemiarch) replacement that involves deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) of cold blood from the superior vena cava toward the end of the arrest interval.

Methods  During a recent 15-year interval, 520 patients underwent elective or urgent/emergent ascending aortic and hemiarch replacement as an isolated (47 patients) or combined (473 patients) procedure employing DHCA (mean nasopharyngeal temperature at circulatory arrest, 17.1°C and mean duration, 19.3 minutes) supplemented with RCP of cold blood from the superior vena cava toward the end of the arrest interval (mean, 6.7 minutes). The mean age of the patients was 59.5 years, and 65% were male.

Results  The in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 1.2% (six patients). Seven patients (1.4%) sustained a stroke and 19 patients (3.7%) had transient neurologic dysfunction that completely resolved by the time of hospital discharge. Four patients (0.77%) developed postoperative renal failure requiring dialysis. Twenty-one patients (4%) required ventilator support for >48 hours and five patients (0.96%) required a tracheostomy. The median hospital length of stay was 6 days.

Conclusion  DHCA with a brief interval of RCP is a safe and effective technique for brain protection during hemiarch aortic replacement. RCP reduces the duration of brain ischemia and permits removal of particulate matter and air from the arterial circulation.

Reoperative Aortic Arch Surgery under Mild Systemic Hypothermia: Two-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

 The aim of the study was to assess the indications, surgical strategies, and outcomes after reoperative aortic arch surgery performed generally under mild hypothermia.

METHODS

 Ninety consecutive patients (60 males, mean age, 55 ± 16 years) underwent open reoperative aortic arch surgery after previous cardiac aortic surgery. The indications included chronic-progressive arch aneurysm (55.5%), chronic aortic dissection (17.8%), contained arch rupture (16.7%), and graft infection (10%). The reoperation was performed through a repeat sternotomy (96%) or clamshell thoracotomy (4%) using antegrade cerebral perfusion under mild systemic hypothermia (28.9 ± 2.5°C) in all except three patients.

RESULTS

 The surgery comprised hemiarch or total arch replacement in 41 (46%) and 49 (54%) patients, respectively. The distal extension included classic or frozen elephant trunk technique, each in 12 patients, and total descending aorta replacement in 4 patients. Operative mortality was 6 (6.7%) among all patients, with age identified as the only independent predictor of operative mortality (p = 0.05). Permanent and transient neurologic deficits occurred in 1% and 9% of the patients, respectively. Estimated survival at 8 years was 59 ± 8% with advanced heart failure predictive for late mortality (p = 0.014). Freedom from second reoperation or intervention on the aorta was 78 ± 6% at 8 years, with most of these events occurring downstream in patients with chronic degenerative aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

 Aortic arch reoperations performed using antegrade cerebral perfusion under mild systemic hypothermia offer favorable operative outcomes with an exceptionally low rate of neurologic morbidity without any difference between hemiarch and complex arch procedures.

Long-term outcomes of hemiarch replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to report outcomes of hemiarch replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion, and secondarily, to report outcomes of this operative approach by type of underlying aortic disease.

METHODS

This was an observational study of aortic surgeries from 2010 to 2018. All patients who underwent hemiarch replacement with retrograde cerebral perfusion were included, whereas patients undergoing partial or total arch replacement or concomitant elephant trunk procedures were excluded. Patients were dichotomized into 2 groups by underlying aortic disease; that is, acute aortic dissection (AAD) or aneurysmal degeneration of the aorta. These groups were analyzed for differences in short-term postoperative outcomes, including stroke and operative mortality (Society of Thoracic Surgeons definition). Multivariable Cox analysis was performed to identify variables associated with long-term survival after hemiarch replacement.

RESULTS

A total of 500 patients undergoing hemiarch replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest plus retrograde cerebral perfusion were identified, of whom 53.0% had aneurysmal disease and 47.0% had AAD. For the entire cohort, operative mortality was 6.4%, whereas stroke occurred in 4.6% of patients. Comparing AAD with aneurysm, operative mortality and stroke rates were similar across each group. Five-year survival was 84.4% ± 0.02% for the entire hemiarch cohort, whereas 5-year survival was 88.0% ± 0.02% for the aneurysm subgroup and was 80.5% ± 0.03% for the AAD subgroup. On multivariable analysis, AAD was not associated with an increased hazard of death, compared with aneurysm (P = .790).

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity and mortality after hemiarch replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest plus retrograde cerebral perfusion are acceptably low, and this operative approach may be as advantageous for AAD as it is for aneurysm.

The Role of Deep Hypothermia in Cardiac Surgery

Hypothermia is defined as a decrease in body core temperature to below 35 °C. In cardiac surgery, four stages of hypothermia are distinguished: mild, moderate, deep, and profound. The organ protection offered by deep hypothermia (DH) enables safe circulatory arrest as a prerequisite to carrying out cardiac surgical intervention. In adult cardiac surgery, DH is mainly used in aortic arch surgery, surgical treatment of pulmonary embolism, and acute type-A aortic dissection interventions. In surgery treating congenital defects, DH is used to assist aortic arch reconstructions, hypoplastic left heart syndrome interventions, and for multi-stage treatment of infants with a single heart ventricle during the neonatal period. However, it should be noted that a safe duration of circulatory arrest in DH for the central nervous system is 30 to 40 min at most and should not be exceeded to prevent severe neurological adverse events. Personalized therapy for the patient and adequate blood temperature monitoring, glycemia, hematocrit, pH, and cerebral oxygenation is a prerequisite and indispensable part of DH.

Effect of Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Versus Moderate Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest in Aortic Arch Surgery on Postoperative Renal Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) has been widely used in aortic arch surgery. However, the renal function after MHCA remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis direct comparison of the postoperative renal function of MHCA versus deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) in aortic arch surgery.

Methods and Results

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for postoperative renal function after aortic arch surgery with using MHCA and DHCA, published from inception to January 31, 2020. The primary outcome was renal failure. Secondary outcomes were the need for renal therapy and other major postoperative outcomes. The random‐effects model was used for all comparisons to pool the estimates. A total of 14 observational studies with 4142 patients were included. Compared with DHCA, MHCA significantly reduced the incidence of renal failure (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61–0.94; P=0.011; I²=0.0%) and the need of renal replacement (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48–0.97; P=0.034; I²=0.0%). Subgroup analysis showed that when the hypothermic circulatory arrest time was <30 minutes, the incidence of renal failure in MHCA group was significantly lower than that in DHCA group (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54–0.99; P=0.040; I²=1.1%), whereas an insignificant difference between 2 groups when hypothermic circulatory arrest time was >30 minutes (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.51–1.13; P=0.169; I²=17.3%).

Conclusions

MHCA compared with DHCA reduces the incidence of renal failure and the need for renal replacement.

Registration

URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero; Unique identifier: CRD42020169348.

Risk factor for acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in patients with pre-existing impaired renal function carries deleterious outcomes but is not frequently evaluated. The optimal CPB strategy for preventing AKI in this vulnerable patient group is still controversial.

METHODS

A total of 156 patients with preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) <30 ml/min but not on chronic dialysis receiving valve operation under CPB were included in the present study. Postoperative AKI was defined as KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) stage 3. Hospital mortality and two-year renal function evolution were compared between patients with postoperative AKI and those without AKI. Risk factors for the development of postoperative AKI were also studied.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative KDIGO-3 was high (44.2%). Hospital mortality was higher in the AKI group (30.4%) than in the non-AKI group (8.0%). Among the hospital survivors, renal function deterioration to permanent dialysis at two years was also more common in AKI group (14.5%) than in non-AKI group (4.6%). Univariate logistic regression for postoperative AKI revealed male gender, increased age, height, weight, BSA, and BMI, high preoperative serum creatinine, prolonged CPB duration, and decreased CPB target temperature as risk factors. However, multivariate analysis revealed only high preoperative serum creatinine and decreased CPB target temperature as significant risk factors for postoperative AKI.

CONCLUSION

To prevent postoperative AKI in CKD patients, low CPB target temperature is avoided, especially for those with high preoperative serum creatinine levels.

Dexmedetomidine pretreatment attenuates myocardial ischemia reperfusion induced acute kidney injury and endoplasmic reticulum stress in human and rat

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) often develop acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MI/R), and this renal injury can be resolved notably by dexmedetomidine. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was reported to get involved in organ injury including AKI.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to address the correlation between MI/R induced AKI with ER stress and to assess the effects of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on AKI protection.

METHOD

Patients selected for heart valve replacement surgery were randomly assigned to NS group (pre-anesthesia with 0.9% NaCl) and DEX group (pre-anesthesia with dexmedetomidine). Rat MI/R model was induced by occluding coronary artery for 30 min followed by 48-hour reperfusion. Rats were randomized into Sham (0.9% NaCl), I/R (MI/R + 0.9% NaCl) and I/R + DEX (MI/R + dexmedetomidine). Organ function and ER stress condition were evaluated by blood chemistry, pathology, and molecular test.

RESULTS

Clinical data indicated dexmedetomidine pretreatment attenuated AKI and oxidative stress as well as postischemic myocardial injury in patients. Accordingly animal results suggested dexmedetomidine reduced cellular injury and improved postischemic myocardial and renal function. Dexmedetomidine also reduced myocardial and renal cells apoptosis and down-regulated ER stress.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that dexmedetomidine pretreatment attenuates MI/R injury-induced AKI by relieving the ER stress.

Total Arch Replacement with Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest, Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion and the Y-graft

This study examines postoperative morbidity and mortality and long-term survival after total arch replacement (TAR) using deep to moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP), and the Y-graft. Seventy-five patients underwent TAR with the Y graft. Deep to moderate HCA was initiated at 18-22°C. ACP was either initiated immediately (early ACP) or after the distal anastomosis was performed (late ACP). The arch vessels were then serially anastomosed to the individual limbs of the Y-graft. The median age was 66 years (range = 32-82). Etiology of aneurysmal dilatation included 20 (27%) patients with medial degenerations, 25 (33%) with chronic dissections, 14 (19%) with acute dissections, 9 (12%) with atherosclerosis and 2 (3%) with Marfan syndrome. In-hospital mortality was 5%. Neurologic complications occurred in 8 (11%) patients; 2 (3%) had strokes and 6 (8%) had transient neurologic deficits. Patients undergoing TAR with moderate hypothermia had a significantly higher incidence of new-onset renal insufficiency (3 [23%] vs [0%], P < 0.001) and TND (3 (23%) vs 3 (5%), P = 0.028) than the profound and deep hypothermia cohort. Excluding the 1 patient who died intraoperatively, 89% (95%CI: 79-94%) were alive at 1 year, 78% at 5 years (95%CI: 66-86%), and 73% at 10 years (95%CI: 59-82%). The combination of deep to moderate HCA, ACP, and the Y-graft is a safe and reproducible technique. Further inquiry is needed to assess if early ACP provides superior clinical outcomes.

Aortic balloon occlusion technique versus moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion in total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

Moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) with antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) is safe and efficient in total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Complications related to hypothermia and ischemia are inevitable, however. The aortic balloon occlusion (ABO) technique is performed to elevate the lowest nasopharyngeal temperature to 28°C and shorten the circulatory arrest time. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this new technique.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical data of patients with ATAAD who underwent TAR and FET, including 79 who underwent ABO and 109 who underwent MHCA/ACP.

RESULTS

Circulatory arrest time was significantly lower in the ABO group compared with the MHCA/ACP group (mean, 4.8 ± 1.2 minutes vs 18.4 ± 3.1 minutes; P < .001). The composite endpoint was comparable in the 2 groups (11.4% for ABO vs 13.8% for MHCA/ACP; P = .631). Fewer patients in the ABO group developed high-grade acute kidney injury (AKI) according to a modified RIFLE criterion (22.8% vs 36.7%; P = .041), and the rate of hepatic dysfunction was lower in the ABO group (11.4% vs 28.4%; P = .005). Multivariable logistic analysis showed that the ABO technique is protective against duration of ventilation >24 hours (odds ratio [OR], 0.455; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.234-0.887; P = .021), hepatic dysfunction (OR, 0.218; 95% CI, 0.084-0.561; P = .002), and grade II-III AKI (OR, 0.432; 95% CI, 0.204-0.915; P = .028).

CONCLUSIONS

The ABO technique significantly shortens the circulatory arrest time in TAR and FET. Available clinical data suggest that it has a certain protective effect on the liver and kidney. Future large-sample studies are warranted to thoroughly evaluate this new technique.

Open aortic arch surgery: the gold standard method

Aortic arch pathologies are complex and treating them requires close team collaboration and technical skills to provide safe outcomes with low morbidity and mortality rates. Such challenges are facing both aortic and vascular surgeons. Open aortic arch repair has been the standard method of practice in all cases of aortic arch pathologies for the last four decades since the very first successful published case series by Griepp et al. during 1975. However, since then, repair of multi-segmented thoracic aortic pathologies has been explored through endovascular techniques; this is with or without open repair as a one-stage procedure especially in high-risk and elderly patients. Although the role of endovascular techniques in thoracoabdominal aorta is well established, its utilization as solo technique in aortic arch pathologies remains debatable. In this review, we highlight current evidences behind using open, endovascular, and hybrid procedures in aortic arch surgery.

Simplified surgical approach to improve surgical outcomes in the center with a small volume of acute type A aortic dissection surgery

BACKGROUND:

Despite recent advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management, the surgical mortality of acute type A aortic dissection remains high.

OBJECTIVE:

In a hospital with few acute type A aortic dissection operations, we retrospectively investigated whether simplified surgical approach could obtain proper surgical outcomes.

METHODS:

Between October 2007 and December 2016, we performed emergency surgery in 99 patients who had acute type A aortic dissection, including replacement of the hemi-arch in 62 patients (63%) and total arch in 32 patients (32%) and aortic root surgery in 7 patients (7%). Surgical strategy has been simplified over time.

RESULTS:

We performed right axillary artery perfusion in 61 patients (62%) and antegrade cerebral perfusion in 78 patients (79%). During the last 3 years, in-hospital mortality was decreased to 4% (2/47). Preoperative unresolved shock was an independent predictor of hospital death. Although the patients with total arch replacement or aortic root surgery had a mean significantly long cardiopulmonary bypass or circulatory arrest time, in-hospital mortality or neurologic complications was not increased.

CONCLUSIONS:

Simplified surgical approach could provide a reasonable surgical outcome in acute type A aortic dissection surgery in a center with a small volume of acute aortic dissection surgery.

Hybrid and frozen elephant trunk for total arch replacement in DeBakey type I dissection

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to determine whether hybrid aortic repair yields superior outcomes compared with the conventional surgical approach for DeBakey type I aortic dissection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with DeBakey type I dissection admitted to Fuwai Hospital between January 2010 and December 2016 showed that 815 patients (86.9%) underwent open total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk (frozen elephant trunk group) and 122 (13.1%) underwent hybrid aortic arch repair without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (hybrid group). We selected 109 pairs of patients for propensity score matching. Outcomes included early postoperative death, a composite of complications, dissected aorta remodeling, long-term survival, and freedom from reoperation.

RESULTS

Early mortality and complication rates were lower in the hybrid group, but the difference was not statistically significant (9.2% vs 17.4%, P = .073; 15.6% vs 25.7%, P = .066). The rates of postoperative renal insufficiency was significantly lower in the hybrid group than in the frozen elephant trunk group (22.9% vs 38.5%, P = .013); liver insufficiency and paraplegia were significantly lower in the hybrid group than in the frozen elephant trunk group (20.2% vs 33.9%, P = .022; 0% vs 6.4%, P = .014). After matched, the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survivals were 87.6%, 86.3%, and 82.2%, respectively, in the hybrid group and 80.7%, 76.5%, and 74.6% (P = .071), respectively, in the frozen elephant trunk group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hybrid aortic arch repair is a viable alternative treatment for patients with DeBakey type I aortic dissection, which improves outcomes and promotes remodeling of the dissected thoracic aorta.

Intermittent upper and lower body perfusion during circulatory arrest is safe for aortic repair

Introduction:

We report our initial surgical experience of intermittent upper and lower body retrograde perfusion during aortic repair under circulatory arrest.

Methods:

Between 2007 and 2015, 148 consecutive patients underwent surgical aortic repair using moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest with intermittent upper and lower body retrograde perfusion.

Results:

All patients underwent ascending aorta replacement; eight had hemiarch replacement (5.4%) and 92 had aortic root surgery (62.2%). Twenty-nine patients (19.6%) had re-operations and 60 patients (40.5%) had concomitant procedures. The mean duration of circulatory arrest was 23.2 ± 5.4 minutes (range 13-48 minutes). Hospital length of stay was 11.3 ± 16.9 days (median 7.0 days; interquartile range [IQR] 6 days). Complications included death in 0.7%, stroke in 3.4%, respiratory failure in 12.8%, renal replacement therapy in 2.0% and re-exploration for bleeding in 0.7%. Peak renal and hepatic biomarkers were: creatinine 1.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 291 ± 1112 U/L (IQR 91.8 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 212 ± 924 U/L (IQR 43.0 U/L) and total bilirubin 1.2 ± 0.9 mg/dL. Peak lactate was 5.0 ± 3.3 mmol/L (IQR 3.3 mmol/L) and the mean time to normalization (<2 mmol/L) was 14.3 ± 14.0 hours.

Conclusions:

Intermittent upper and lower body retrograde perfusion during circulatory arrest is safe for aortic repair, resulting in low morbidity and mortality. There were only modest rises in hepatic and renal injury biomarkers as well as the rapid clearance of lactate. These findings support the continued study of this technique to reduce end-organ dysfunction during circulatory arrest, including expansion to patients with longer circulatory arrest duration and a direct comparison with conventional circulatory arrest without retrograde upper and lower body perfusion.

Deep chronic microvascular white matter ischemic change as an independent predictor of acute brain infarction after thoracic aortic replacement

BACKGROUND

Postoperative brain injury is a cause of mortality and morbidity in patients who undergo thoracic aortic replacement. Chronic microvascular white matter ischemic change (WMIC) has been shown to be associated with acute brain infarction in the general population. WMIC has also been shown to be an independent predictor of non-focal neurocognitive changes, generalized seizures, and temporary neurologic dysfunction in patients who undergo thoracic aortic replacement. The aim of this study is to determine if WMIC is a risk factor for acute brain infarction in patients who undergo thoracic aortic replacement.

METHODS

A case-control study of patients who underwent thoracic aortic replacement between 2001 and 2014 were reviewed for neurological changes after surgery and acute brain infarction on postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients with neurological changes were matched with control patients who underwent thoracic aortic replacement and had postoperative neurological symptoms without acute brain infarctions. Acute infarction was re-assessed by reviewing DWI sequences on postoperative MRI. WMIC was assessed on FLAIR and T2WI sequences on both preoperative and postoperative MRI. Logistic regression was performed assessing the relationship of WMIC and acute ischemic infarction.

RESULTS

5171 patients underwent thoracic aortic replacement; 179 had postoperative neurological changes, and of those 53 patients had acute brain infarction on postoperative DWI. Patients with deep WMIC were more likely to have acute DWI infarctions after thoracic aortic replacement (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Our matched retrospective case-controlled study shows deep WMIC to be a predictor of acute brain infarction on DWI after thoracic aortic replacement.

Neuroprotective Strategies in Repair and Replacement of the Aortic Arch

Aortic arch surgery is a technical challenge, and cerebral protection during distal anastomosis is a continued topic of controversy and discussion. The physiologic effects of hypothermic arrest and adjunctive cerebral perfusion have yet to be fully defined, and the optimal strategies are still undetermined. This review highlights the historical context, physiological rationale, and clinical efficacy of various neuroprotective strategies during arch operations.

Perioperative Outcomes of Using Different Temperature Management Strategies on Pediatric Patients Undergoing Aortic Arch Surgery: A Single-Center, 8-Year Study

Background: With the widespread application of regional low-flow perfusion (RLFP), development of surgical techniques, and shortened circulatory arrest time, deep hypothermia is indispensable for organ protection. Clinicians have begun to increase the temperature to reduce hypothermia-related adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of elevated temperatures during aortic arch surgery with lower body circulatory arrest (LBCA) combined with RLFP. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 207 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent aortic arch repair with LBCA & RLFP between January 2010 and July 2017 and evaluated different hypothermia management strategies. The overall cohort was divided into three groups: deep hypothermia (DH, 20.0-25.0°C), moderate hypothermia (MoH, 25.1-30.0°C) and mild hypothermia (MH, 30.1-34.0°C). Results: The percentage of AKI-1 occurrences was significantly increased in the MH group (51.52%) compared to those in the DH (25.40%) and MoH (37.84%) groups (P = 0.036); prolonged hospital stay occurrences were decreased with elevated temperature (DH 47.62%, MoH 28.83%, MH 18.18%, P = 0.006). Neurological complications, peritoneal dialysis, hepatic dysfunction, 30-day hospital mortality, delay extubation occurrences were no significant among the groups. Logistic analysis showed that the MH group was negatively associated with post-op AKI-1 compared with the DH group [OR = 0.329 (0.137-0.788), P = 0.013], no differences were found between the MoH and the MH group. Compared to other groups, the intubation time (P = 0.006) and postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.009) were significantly decreased in the MH group. Multivariate logistic analysis showed hypothermia levels were not significant with prolonged hospital stay. Conclusions: This retrospective analysis demonstrated that for pediatric patients undergoing surgeries with RLFP & LBCA, three different gradient temperature management strategies are available: deep, moderate, and mild hypothermia. Utilizing mild or moderate hypothermia is safe and feasible. Although the number of AKI-1 occurrences in the MH group was significantly increased compared to those in the other groups, further analysis showed no significance in the MoH and MH group, mild hypothermia management is as safe as others when used appropriately.

Intraoperative care for aortic surgery using circulatory arrest

The total circulatory arrest (CA) is necessary to achieve optimal surgical conditions in certain aortic pathologies, especially in those affecting the ascending aorta and aortic arch. During this procedure it is necessary to protect all the organs of ischemia, especially those of the central nervous system and for this purpose several strategies have been developed. The first and most important protective method is systemic hypothermia. The degree of hypothermia and the route of application have been evolving and currently tend to use moderate hypothermia (MH) (20.1-28 °C) associated with unilateral or bilateral selective cerebral perfusion methods. In this way the neurological results are better, the interval of security is greater and the times of extracorporeal circulation are smaller. Even so, it is necessary to take into account that there is the possibility of ischemia in the lower part of the body, especially of the abdominal viscera and the spinal cord, therefore the time of circulatory stop should be limited and not to exceed 80 minutes. Evidence of possible neurological drug protection is very weak and only mannitol, magnesium, and statins can produce some benefit. Inhalational anesthetics and some intravenous seem to have advantages, but more studies would be needed to test their long-term benefit. Other important parameters to be monitored during these procedures are blood glucose, anemia and coagulation disorders and acid-base balance. The recommended monitoring is common in complex cardiovascular procedures and it is of special importance the neurological monitoring that can be performed with several techniques, although currently the most used are Bispectral Index (BIS) and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). It is also essential to monitor the temperature routinely at the nasopharyngeal and bladder level and it is important to control coagulation with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

Selenium Pretreatment for Mitigation of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Cardiovascular Surgery: Influence on Acute Organ Damage and Inflammatory Response

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) contributes to morbidity and mortality after cardiovascular surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Multi-organ damage is associated with substantial decreases of blood selenium (Se) levels in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. We compared the influence of a dietary surplus of Se and pretreatment with ebselen, a mimic of the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase, on IRI-induced tissue damage and inflammation. Male Wistar rats were fed either a Se-adequate diet containing 0.3 ppm Se or supplemented with 1 ppm Se (as sodium selenite) for 5 weeks. Two other groups of Se-adequate rats received intraperitoneal injection of ebselen (30 mg/kg) or DMSO (solvent control) before surgery. The animals were connected to a heart-lung-machine and underwent 45 min of global ischemia during circulatory arrest at 16 °C, followed by re-warming and reperfusion. Selenite and ebselen suppressed IRI-induced leukocytosis and the increase in plasma levels of tissue damage markers (AST, ALT, LDH, troponin) during surgery but did not prevent the induction of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Both Se compounds affected phosphorylation and expression of proteins related to stress response and inflammation: Ebselen increased phosphorylation of STAT3 transcription factor in the heart and decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAP kinases in the lungs. Selenite decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and HSP-70 expression in the heart. Pretreatment with selenite or ebselen protected against acute IRI-induced tissue damage during CPB and DHCA. Potential implications of their different actions with regard to molecular stress markers on the recovery after surgery represent promising targets for further investigation.

Temperature Variation After Rewarming from Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Is Associated with Survival and Neurologic Outcome

Therapeutic hypothermia is recommended by international guidelines after cardio-circulatory arrest. However, the effects of different temperatures during the first 24 hours after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) for aortic arch surgery on survival and neurologic outcome are undefined. We hypothesize that temperature variation after aortic arch surgery is associated with survival and neurologic outcome. In the period 2010-2014, a total of 210 consecutive patients undergoing aortic arch surgery with DHCA were included. They were retrospectively divided into three groups by median nasopharyngeal temperature within 24 hours after rewarming: hypothermia (<36°C; n = 65), normothermia (36-37°C; n = 110), and hyperthermia (>37°C; n = 35). Multivariate stepwise logistic and linear regressions were performed to determine whether different temperature independently predicted 30-day mortality, stroke incidence, and neurologic outcome assessed by cerebral performance category (CPC) at hospital discharge. Compared with normothermia, hyperthermia was independently associated with a higher risk of 30-day mortality (28.6% vs. 10.9%; odds ratio [OR] 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-8.6; p = 0.005), stroke incidence (64.3% vs. 9.1%; OR 9.1; 95% CI, 2.7-23.0; p = 0.001), and poor neurologic outcome (CPC 3-5) (68.8% vs. 39.6%; OR 4.8; 95% CI, 1.4-8.7; p = 0.01). No significant differences were demonstrated between hypothermia and normothermia. Postoperative hypothermia is not associated with a better outcome after aortic arch surgery with DHCA. However, postoperative hyperthermia (>37°C) is associated with high stroke incidence, poor neurologic outcome, and increased 30-day mortality. Target temperature management in the first 24 hours after surgery should be evaluated in prospective randomized trials.

The impact of temperature in aortic arch surgery patients receiving antegrade cerebral perfusion for >30 minutes: How relevant is it really?

OBJECTIVE

We examined the early outcomes and the long-term survival associated with different degrees of hypothermia in patients who received antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) for >30 minutes.

METHODS

During a 10-year period, 544 consecutive patients underwent proximal and total aortic arch surgery and received ACP for >30 minutes and 1 of 3 levels of hypothermia: deep (14.1°C-20°C; n = 116 [21.3%]), low-moderate (20.1°C-23.9°C; n = 262 [48.2%]), and high-moderate (24°C-28°C; n = 166 [30.5%]). A variable called "predicted temperature" was used in propensity-score analysis. Multivariate analysis was done to evaluate the effect of actual temperature on outcomes.

RESULTS

The operative mortality rate was 12.5% (n = 68) overall and was 15.5%, 11.8%, and 11.5% in the deep, low-moderate, and high-moderate hypothermia patients, respectively (P = .54). The persistent stroke rate was 6.6% overall and 12.2%, 4.6%, and 6.0% in these 3 groups, respectively (P = .024 on univariate analysis). On multivariate analysis, actual temperature was not associated with mortality, but lower temperatures predicted persistent stroke and reoperation for bleeding. In the propensity-matched subgroups, the patients with predicted deep hypothermia had (nonsignificantly) greater rates of persistent stroke (12.2% vs 4.9%; relative risk, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.87-1.15) and reoperation for bleeding (14.6% vs 2.4%; relative risk, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.87-1.15) than the patients with predicted moderate hypothermia. On long-term follow-up (mean duration, 5.12 years), 4- and 8-year survival rates were 62.3% and 55.7% in the deep hypothermia group and 75.4% and 74.2% in the moderate hypothermia group (P = .0015).

CONCLUSIONS

In proximal and arch operations involving ACP for >30 minutes, greater actual temperatures were associated with less stroke and reoperation for bleeding. There were no significant differences among the predicted hypothermia levels, although a trend toward a higher rate of adverse events was noticed in the deep hypothermia group. Long-term survival was better in the moderate hypothermia group.

Temperature Management for Aortic Arch Surgery

Surgical treatment of aortic arch disease is a technically challenging procedure that requires complex circulation management strategies involving the use of hypothermic circulatory arrest. The definition of hypothermia has evolved with comfort and surgical adjuncts. This review describes the various circulation and temperature management strategies used during hemiarch and total arch replacement.

Neurophysiological Intraoperative Monitoring During Aortic Arch Surgery

Circulatory management during replacement of the aortic arch is complex and involves a period of circulatory arrest to provide a bloodless field during arch vessel anastomosis. To guard against ischemic brain injury, tissue metabolic demand is reduced by systemically cooling the patient prior to circulatory arrest. Neurophysiological intraoperative monitoring (NIOM) is often used during the course of these procedures to provide contemporaneous assessment of brain status to help direct circulatory management decisions and detect brain ischemia. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of electrocerebral activity through the process of cooling, circulatory arrest, and rewarming as depicted through commonly used NIOM modalities, including electroencephalography and peripheral nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials. Attention is directed toward the role NIOM has traditionally played during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, where it is used to define the point of electrocerebral inactivity or maximal cerebral metabolic suppression prior to initiating circulatory arrest while also discussing the evolving utility of NIOM when systemic circulatory arrest is initiated at more moderate degrees of hypothermia in conjunction with regional brain perfusion. The use of cerebral tissue oximetry by near-infrared spectroscopy as an alternative NIOM modality during surgery of the aortic arch is addressed as well. Finally, special considerations for NIOM and the detection of spinal cord ischemia during hybrid aortic arch repair and emerging operative techniques are also discussed.

Mast cell activation and arterial hypotension during proximal aortic repair requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest

OBJECTIVE

Aortic surgeries requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest evoke systemic inflammatory responses that often manifest as vasoplegia and hypotension. Because mast cells can rapidly release vasoactive and proinflammatory effectors, we investigated their role in intraoperative hypotension.

METHODS

We studied 31 patients undergoing proximal aortic repair with hypothermic circulatory arrest between June 2013 and April 2015 at Duke University Medical Center. Plasma samples were obtained at different intraoperative time points to quantify chymase, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and white blood cell CD11b expression. Hypotension was defined as the area (minutes × millimeters mercury) below a mean arterial pressure of 55 mm Hg. Biomarker responses and their association with intraoperative hypotension were analyzed by 2-sample t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between clinical variables and elevated chymase levels.

RESULTS

Mast cell-specific chymase increased from a median 0.97 pg/mg (interquartile range [IQR], 0.01-1.84 pg/mg) plasma protein at baseline to 5.74 pg/mg (IQR, 2.91-9.48 pg/mg) plasma protein after instituting cardiopulmonary bypass, 6.16 pg/mg (IQR, 3.60-9.41 pg/mg) plasma protein after completing circulatory arrest, and 7.64 pg/mg (IQR, 4.63-12.71 pg/mg) plasma protein after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (each P value < .0001 vs baseline). Chymase was the only biomarker associated with hypotension during (P = .0255) and after (P = .0221) cardiopulmonary bypass. Increased temperatures at circulatory arrest and low presurgical hemoglobin levels were independent predictors of increased chymase responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Mast cell activation occurs in cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest and is associated with intraoperative hypotension.

Does moderate hypothermia really carry less bleeding risk than deep hypothermia for circulatory arrest? A propensity-matched comparison in hemiarch replacement

BACKGROUND

Moderate (MHCA) versus deep (DHCA) hypothermia for circulatory arrest in aortic arch surgery has been purported to reduce coagulopathy and bleeding complications, although there are limited data supporting this claim. This study aimed to compare bleeding-related events after aortic hemiarch replacement with MHCA versus DHCA.

METHODS

Patients who underwent hemiarch replacement at a single institution from July 2005 to August 2014 were stratified into DHCA and MHCA groups (minimum systemic temperature ≤20°C and >20°C, respectively) and compared. Then, 1:1 propensity matching was performed to adjust for baseline differences.

RESULTS

During the study period, 571 patients underwent hemiarch replacement: 401 (70.2%) with DHCA and 170 (29.8%) with MHCA. After propensity matching, 155 patients remained in each group. There were no significant differences between matched groups with regard to the proportion transfused with red blood cells, plasma, platelet concentrates, or cryoprecipitate on the operative day, the rate of reoperation for bleeding, or postoperative hematologic laboratory values. Among patients who received plasma, the median transfusion volume was statistically greater in the DHCA group (6 vs 5 units, P = .01). MHCA also resulted in a slight reduction in median volume of blood returned via cell saver (500 vs 472 mL, P < .01) and 12-hour postoperative chest tube output (440 vs 350, P < .01). Thirty-day mortality and morbidity did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MHCA compared with DHCA during hermiarch replacement may slightly reduce perioperative blood-loss and plasma transfusion requirement, although these differences do not translate into reduced reoperation for bleeding or postoperative mortality and morbidity.