Objective: Aortic dissection is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Effective methods to treat aortic disection are now available although these lesions still challenge the cardiovascular surgeon.
Methods: From January 1994 to January 2000. 131 patients with DeBakey I, II type aortic dissection underwent surgical treatment. Operations were performed under cardiopulmonary bypass in 59 patients. Hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in 15 patients. Hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion was used in 57 patients. A graft replacement of ascending aorta and partial aortic arch was performed in 25 patients, ascending aorta and total aortic arch in 10. 83 patients underwent the Bentall procedure. The Bentall procedure and total aortic arch replacement were performed in 3 patients, the Wheats operation in 4. 4 patients underwent the elephant trunk techniques and 2 patients with the elephant trunk techniques and the Bentall procedures.
Results: There were 4 deaths within 30 days after surgery with an operative mortality of 3.05%, and 3 neurological dysfunction undergone hypothermic circulatory arrest. They were recovered within 1 week.
Conclusion: The operative technique is difficult. Selective cerebral perfusion can provide available protection during surgery of aortic dissection. It prolongs the time allowed to performed the aortic repair.