Brain protection by using innominate artery cannulation during aortic arch surgery.

The innominate artery cannulation (IAC) through the same sternotomy incision was used for 68 patients with aneurysm, involving the ascending aorta or the aorta arch. The IAC can get adequate flows during cooling and re-warming of cardiopulmonary bypass. It can also provide sufficient antegrade perfusion for brain during hypothermia circulation arrest. There is no relative complication noted for the technique, and we believe it is a simple and effective alternative.