Retrograde vital organ perfusion during aortic arch repair.

A technique is described for cerebral and other vital organ preservation during aortic arch repair using retrograde venous perfusion at 20 degrees C. This technique retains the excellent operating conditions of deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest. Potential benefits include shortening of the cooling and rewarming time, reduction of coagulopathy, prevention of emboli, and extension of the safe period of antegrade circulatory arrest.