Surgical techniques of total arch replacement using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion

This detailed illustrated article describes our preferred surgical technique of total arch replacement using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP). Our current approach includes: (I) meticulous selection of arterial cannulation site and type of arterial cannula; (II) SACP for neuro-protection; (III) whole body hypothermia with minimal tympanic temperatures between 20 and 23 °C and minimal rectal temperatures below 30 °C; (IV) early re-warming after distal anastomosis with SACP flow adjustment while monitoring brain oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS); and (V) after 2006, maintaining strict fluid balance below 1 L by the extracorporeal ultrafiltration method (ECUM) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), with the expectation of more rapid pulmonary functional recovery.