Low-flow lower body perfusion for spinal protection in a frozen elephant trunk simulation model.

Objectives: The frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure using isolated selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) at moderate hypothermia is associated with an increased risk for spinal cord ischaemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of a combined selective cerebral and low-flow lower body perfusion (CLBP) in a porcine model.

Methods: Twenty pigs (46 ± 5 kg) were cooled on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to 28°C.

Spinal cord ischemia after selective cerebral perfusion in a porcine "frozen elephant trunk" simulation model.

Background: The "frozen elephant trunk" procedure (FET) represents the therapy of choice for extended aortic diseases. The aim of our study was to analyze whether 90 minutes of selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) at 28 °C followed by permanent occlusion of the thoracic segmental arteries (TSA) would cause spinal cord ischemia in a porcine model.

Methods: 14 pigs (41 ± 3 kg) were cooled on CPB to 28 °C.