ABSTRACT
Since January, 1981 to December, 1990, eight patients (one male, 7 female) of Stanford A type aortic dissection underwent surgical treatments with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The average was age 59.6 years (range 50 to 72 years). All of them were diagnosed with UCG and/or CT before operation. Two cases had already been in shock state due to cardiac tamponade. Three cases had aortic insufficiency and one had neurological deficit. After median sternotomy, right atrial-femoral artery bypass was established. Right atrium was incised and coronary sinus was cannulated. Then retrograde coronary infusion of cardioplegic solution was employed at a continuous flow rate of 20ml/kg/hr. The mean rectal temperature was 19.6°C and the mean circulatory arrest time was 35.5min (22-58min). Two of eight cases died, because of DIC followed by necrotizing enteritis at 28th postoperative day, and prolonged shock state before operation. The rest were all survived without any neurological deficits. There were no severe complications related to deep hypothermia. We concluded that deep hypothermic arrest is safe and simple method, allows good inspection of operative field and makes it easier to repair the dissected aorta.