Case Report

The Use of Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion in a Patient with Acute Ascending Aortic Dissection Following Elective Coronary Bypass Surgery :A Case Report.

Northridge Heart Institute, Northridge Medical Center, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

^* Address correspondence to: Dale L. Ruby, BS, CCP Baxter Perfusion Services 16818 Via Del Campo Court San Diego, CA 92127

Abstract

A 74 year old male patient presented with congestive heart failure and significant multivessel coronary artery disease. Following successful coronary artery bypass surgery, the patient developed an acute dissection of the ascending aorta. The patient was placed back on cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was instituted while the ascending aortic dissection was repaired. In an attempt to preserve brain tissue and decrease cerebral edema during hypothermic arrest, a modified form of retrograde cerebral perfusion was used. The patient tolerated the procedure and was weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass with the help of an intraaortic balloon pump. On the second postoperative day, the patient woke up and responded appropriately to verbal commands.