Axillary cerebral perfusion for arch surgery in acute type A dissection under moderate hypothermia

Aortic arch surgery is still associated with increased mortality and morbidity especially in acute type A aortic dissection. Adequate brain protection is essential and commonly performed by either antegrade selective perfusion of the brachiocephalic arteries or an interval of profound hypothermic circulatory arrest. We present our experience for open aortic arch repair with continuous antegrade brain perfusion by means of direct cannulation of the right axillary artery, under moderate hypothermia in patients with acute type A aortic dissection