Retrograde cerebral perfusion for aortic operations through left thoractomy.

Abstract

Retrograde cerebral perfusion during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is a technique used largely during operations on the ascending aorta, aortic arch, or both through a median sternotomy. This method is not frequently used for operations performed through a left thoracotomy because of problematic access to the right side of the heart. We propose a technique allowing retrograde cerebral perfusion through a left thoracotomy in a quick, simple, and efficient manner.