[Correction of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Central cannulation technique].

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the viability of the use of extracorporeal circulation established between the left atrium and ascending aorta to induce deep hypothermia for correcting thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS From January 1994 to July 2001, 38 patients (mean age, 54.6 +/- 12.7 years) were operated on as follows: 12 (31.6%) patients underwent repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, and 26 patients underwent repair of descending thoracic aneurysms. Deep hypothermia was induced by use of extracorporeal circulation, with pharyngeal temperature ranging from 15 to 25 degrees C (20.6 +/- 3.2 degrees C). RESULTS Of the neurological complications, paraplegia occurred in 2 (5.3%) patients. One patient developed paraparesis, and another evolved with convulsion. Twelve (31.6%) patients had respiratory complications, and 2 (16.7%) patients died. Two other patients were operated on on an emergency basis and ended up dying. Total mortality was 18.4% (7 patients). CONCLUSION Repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with deep hypothermia by use of extracorporeal circulation established between the left atrium and ascending aorta proved to be a viable method for correcting those aneurysms.