Retrograde replacement of the thoracic aorta under circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion

Raymond Cartier, MD;* Yves Leclerc, MD;* Norman Searle, MD;^ Chantal Lachapelle, MSc;^^ Andreanne Dumas, PhD;(secs) Gilles Hudon, MD(para)

Single-stage replacement of the ascending, transverse and descending thoracic aorta remains a noteworthy surgical intervention associated with significant morbidity. Aside from the surgical aspects, brain preservation during the circulatory arrest period, which is generally needed to perform the procedure, is a constant preoccupation for the surgeon. A 43-year-old man had an extensive thoracic aneurysm 4 years after an initial type A aortic dissection involving the entire thoracic aorta. The Cooley technique of retrograde replacement of the …