Application of modified perfusion technique on one stage repair of interrupted aortic arch in infants: a case series and literature review

Abstract

One stage repair of interrupted aortic arch (IAA) associated with cardiac anomalies in neonates and infants is challenging for the entire surgical team. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) prolongs myocardial and cerebral ischemia and may induce heart, brain, and major organ dysfunction. From May 2004 to May 2006, 13 infants with IAA underwent one stage repair by median sternotomy under DHCA with continuous regional cerebral perfusion (RCP) in Fuwai Children's Heart Center. Median age at operation was 10.4 +/- 6.7 months, and mean body weight was 6.58 +/- 2.15 kg. Temperature of nasopharynx was decreased to 18 degrees C-20 degrees C; rectal temperature was controlled at 19 degrees C-22 degrees C. Flow rate of RCP was maintained with 20-25 ml x kg x min under DHCA combined with RCP. Mean artery pressure (MAP) measuring from right radial artery was 32.5 +/- 5.8 mm Hg, and MAP from femoral artery was 11.2 +/- 3.5 mm Hg. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 141.6 +/- 21.7 min, and mean aortic clamp time was 52.3 +/- 10.9 min. Mean duration of RCP was 31.5 +/- 12.4 min. Mean intubation time in intensive care unit (ICU) was 54.7 +/- 12.6 hours, and mean ICU stay was 67.9 +/- 28.4 hours. This report describes our CPB protocol under DHCA using continuous RCP in low weight pediatric patients to minimize neurological complications during one stage IAA repair and summarizes the various CPB managements in recent literature as well.