Straight deep hypothermic circulatory arrest for aortic arch surgery: Going the way of the dinosaurs?

In this issue of the Journal, Damberg and colleagues1 report their experience with straight deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) as the sole means of brain protection during operations on the aortic arch in 613 consecutive patients, focusing on late outcomes.1 The independent variables associated with increased 1-year mortality were acute type A aortic dissection, reoperative status, and the presence of descending thoracic aortic pathology. The independent variables associated with increased mortality beyond 1  year were increased age, postoperative complications (stroke, dialysis, pulmonary complications), and postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: Editorial commentary Source Type: research