Prolonged Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion via Right Axillary Artery (≥60 min) Does Not Affect Early Outcomes in a Repair of Type A Acute Aortic Dissection

Purpose: We aim to investigate whether the duration of antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) via right axillary artery with an 8-mm prosthetic graft affects early outcomes in a repair of type A acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: Over the 24 months from April 2010, a repair of AAD under ACP via the right axillary artery and mild hypothermic circulatory arrest (rectum temperature, 28-30 degrees C) was performed in 34 patients. Mean age was 64.5 +/- 13.7 years of age. Preoperative shock status was in three due to cardiac tamponade. Organ malperfusion occurred in 11 patients preoperatively. Mean follow-up period was 9.6 +/- 8.4 months and follow-up rate was 100%. Results: Hospital mortality rate was 8.8%. No newly required hemodialysis and new onset of temporary or permanent neurologic deficits were present in survivors. There were no statistically significant differences of mortality rate, new onset of permanent or temporary neurologic deficits and distal organ dysfunction between ACP duration <60 min and >= 60 min. The 12-month survival was 84.4% +/- 6.4%. And, freedom from aorta-related events at 12 and 18 months were 100% +/- 0.0% and 88.9% +/- 10.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The duration of ACP via right axillary artery does not affect early outcomes following a repair of AAD.