A randomized clinical trial of regional cerebral perfusion versus deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: outcomes for infants with functional single ventricle.

Objective: Regional cerebral perfusion has been adopted as a means to improve neuroprotection during aortic arch reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a strategy of regional cerebral perfusion rather than one of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during aortic arch reconstruction would improve neurodevelopment without increasing morbidity or mortality for patients undergoing the Norwood operation.

Methods: A randomized trial was performed in infants with single ventricle anatomy undergoing the Norwood operation.