An approach to spinal cord protection during descending or thoracoabdominal aortic repairs

Background: During the past few years, after much research, progress has been made in reducing the risk of spinal cord injury after descending or thoracoabdominal aortic repairs. Methods: Based on that research I describe a method to reduce the risk of spinal cord injury. Results: Our data show that with this technique, less than 5% of our patients had a permanent injury whereby they are unable to walk. Conclusion: The use of intrathecal papaverine, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, hypothermia, and reimplantation of intercostal arteries from below T6 to and including L1 are recommended. (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.