Low-flow lower body perfusion for spinal protection in a frozen elephant trunk simulation model

Abstract

The prolonged SCP provides an insufficient lumbar spinal cord protection during the FET procedure at 28°C. The use of a low-flow LBP in addition to SCP may reduce functional and structural spinal damage.

Commentary: Postconditioning of the injured spinal cord: Can we do more?

“…These measures include sufficient cooling of the core body temperature, avoidance of prolonged duration of lower body circulatory arrest, blood pressure management, cortisone application, selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, and continuous cerebrospinal fluid drainage. [6][7][8] Furthermore, surgical strategies mainly have the target of preserving collateral blood supply to the spinal cord. Avoidance of extended stent coverage of aortic segments or the left subclavian artery, reinsertion of the segmental artery in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and achievement of an optimal distal landing zone (higher than T7 to T10) during the FET procedure have all been linked to a decrease in the incidence of SCI.…”