Prolonged, Simple Aortic Occlusion During Hypothermic Perfusion

Abstract

With hypothermic extracorporeal circulation, it is possible to occlude the aorta for prolonged periods and thus prevent air embolism and obtain an empty heart during open heart surgery.

The aorta may be clamped for from 15 to 25 minutes with the patient's intraesophageal temperature at between 20 and 30° C. Normal cardiac rhythm is restored at around 34.5° C.

Studies of 16 patients showed that the clinical response of the heart to this procedure was excellent.