Abstract

endarterectomy for chro hy a, C a, ery, H acic C illaro nover form nece 200 class III or IV) were randomly assigned to increasing (1 8C) levels of moderate (28—328C) hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), each study group including six patients. Primary study endpoint was adverse neurological outcome. Overall preoperative total pulmonary vascular resistance European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Suwas 1110 192 dyne s cm5. Results: Mean CPB and cross-clamp times, and core temperature at the time of circulatory arrests were 129 39 min and 92 24 min, and 30.1 1.5 8C, respectively. Circulatory arrest was induced 2 0.7 times and its mean total duration was 10.3 5.2 min (range, 2—19 min). Postoperatively, three patients (10%) belonging to the 31 8C (n = 1) and 32 8C (n = 2) groups suffered from temporary neurological dysfunction. Postoperative mechanical ventilatory support and ICU stay were 26.3 18.9 h and 6.6 8.5 days, respectively, and uninfluenced by degree of hypothermia. There were no lung reperfusion injuries or any other major complications. All patients had a significant hemodynamic improvement. Conclusion: Results suggest that pulmonary endarterectomy can be safely performedwith moderate hypothermia and short periods of circulatory arrests without the need of profound hypothermia.