Methods of cerebral protection in surgery of the thoracic aorta.
During the last decade, a considerable increase in the number of operations on the thoracic aorta has been observed. Although patient's outcomes have improved considerably, this surgery is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to neurological complications. Various methods have been proposed and widely used as means to protect the brain from ischemic damage. This review summarizes the principal methods of cerebral protection, describes the advantages and disadvantages of each method and their impact on patient outcomes, and discusses the different surgical techniques proposed to minimize the risk of cerebral injuries.
Pacini
Davide
D
Unità Operativa di Cardiochirurgia, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Policlinico S.Orsola, Via Massarenti, 940138 Bologna, Italy. dpacini@hotmail.com
Di Marco
Luca
L
Di Bartolomeo
Roberto
R
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass / Q000379:methods; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000379:methods