Compression of the true lumen by retrograde perfusion during repair of aortic dissection.

The anatomic situation is described in which during repair of DeBakey Type I dissecting aneurysms blood flow may be directed into the false lumen by a large intimal flap at the distal reentry site in spite of seemingly properly placed femoral arterial perfusion cannula. An illustrative clinical case is presented and measures are recommended by which this serious complication may be recognized in time and be properly corrected before irreversible changes occur.