Long-term results of the operation for the aortic arch aneurysm

Between October, 1991, and October, 2001, 60 patients underwent aortic arch replacement with or without an aortic arch branched graft for atherosclerotic arch aneurysms. Their mean age was 70.1 +/- 8.6 years. Eight (13.3%) patients were operated on an emergency basis because of rupture or impending rupture of aneurysms. All operations were performed with hypothermic extracorporeal circulation. Selective cerebral perfusion for cerebral protection during aortic arch repair and systemic circulatory arrest during distal graft anastomosis was used in 56 patients. Mean selective cerebral perfusion time was 86.1 +/- 12.1 minutes. A total of 14 concomitant procedures were done. Overall in-hospital mortality was 3.3%. Postoperative temporary and permanent neurologic dysfunction were 1.6% and 1.6%. Long-term follow-up was 100% complete. There were 6 late deaths with the cumulative survival rate was 74.6 +/- 8.8%. A subsequent aortic operation was necessary for the treatment of an aortic abnormality distal to the arch in 6 patients. Reoperation free rate was 85.2 +/- 5.8%. In conclusion, cerebral protective effect of antegrade selective cerebral perfusion and total arch replacement with an aortic arch branched graft could substantially reduce in-hospital mortality and postoperative neurologic dysfunction and a satisfactory long-term results could be obtain in patients with atherosclerotic arch aneurysms.