OBJECTIVETo assess impact of different brain protection techniques upon postoperative temporary neurological dysfunction in aortic surgery with the aid of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

METHODSFrom January 2003 to December 2005, 78 patients who met the inclusion criteria entered the present cohort, 43 of whom were under the aid of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest plus retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP group) and the other 35 under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest plus selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SCP group). The present and grades of postoperative temporary neurological dysfunction were assessed by independent observers with the same criterion. The impact of duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest upon the postoperative temporary neurological dysfunction was also evaluated.

RESULTSThe incidence of postoperative temporary neurological dysfunction was significantly higher in the RCP group than in the SCP group (15, 34.9% vs. 4, 11.4%, P<0.05). And long duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (more than 50 min) has a negative impact on the postoperative temporary neurological dysfunction rate.

CONCLUSIONSApplying selective antegrade cerebral perfusion as the brain protection technique and shortening the duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest can reduce the incidence of temporary neurological dysfunction and preserve cerebral function more effectively.