Extended resection of sarcomas involving the mediastinum: a 15-year experience†.

Objectives: Sarcomas involving the mediastinum are rare and aggressive tumours with a poor prognosis. We reviewed our experience to evaluate outcomes and survival for patients who undergo surgical resection.

Methods: A retrospective review of 35 patients who underwent resection of sarcomas that involved the mediastinum at a single institution over a 15-year period was conducted.

Safety and efficacy of retrograde cerebral perfusion as an adjunct for cerebral protection during surgery on the aortic arch.

Objective: The best adjunct for cerebral protection during aortic arch reconstruction remains controversial. Retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) as an adjunct to profound hypothermic circulatory arrest (PHCA) extends the tolerable period of brain ischemia by flushing emboli and air from the cerebral circulation while maintaining hypothermia. We examined our experience with RCP to determine its efficacy in patients undergoing complex arch reconstruction.