A simple circuit for cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch.

INTRODUCTION: A circuit was developed to allow for rapid reaction to the needs of perfusion during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) in surgery of the aortic arch and ascending aorta. METHOD: From January 2008 through January 2010, a home-designed circuit was used on 30 patients with aortic dissection who underwent surgery to replace the ascending aorta and the aortic arch and, in some cases, the aortic valve and re-implant of the coronary arteries using Bentall's technique.