• Hazim J Safi, Charles C Miller, Tam T T Huynh, Anthony L Estrera, Eyal E Porat, Anders N Winnerkvist, Bradley S Allen, Heitham T Hassoun, and Frederick A Moore.
• Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School, 6410 Fannin Street, Suite 450, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Hazim.J.Safi@uth.tmc.edu
• Ann. Surg. 2003 Sep 1; 238 (3): 372381372-80; discussion 380-1.

ObjectiveTo report the long-term results of our experience using cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion in descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair.Summary Background DataRepair of thoracoabdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm by the traditional clamp-and-go technique results in a massive ischemic insult to several major organ systems. Ten years ago, we began to use distal aortic perfusion and cerebrospinal fluid drainage (adjunct) to reduce end-organ ischemia.MethodsBetween January 1991 and February 2003, we performed 1004 thoracoabdominal or descending thoracic repairs. Adjunct was used in 741 (74%) of 1004. Multivariable data were analyzed by Cox regression. Number needed to treat was calculated as the reciprocal of the risk difference.ResultsImmediate neurologic deficit was 18 (2.4%) of 741 with adjunct and 18 (6.8%) of 263 without (P < 0.0009). In high-risk extent II aneurysms, the numbers were 11 (6.6%) of 167 with adjunct, and 11 (29%) of 38 without. Long-term survival was improved with adjunct (P < 0.002). The long-term survival results persisted after adjustment for age, extent II aneurysm, and preoperative renal function.ConclusionUse of adjunct over a long period of time has produced favorable results; approximately 1 neurologic deficit saved for every 20 uses of adjunct overall. In extent II aneurysms, where the effect is greatest, this increases to 1 saved per 5 uses. Adjunct is also associated with long-term survival, which is consistent with mitigation of ischemic end-organ injury. These long-term results indicate that cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion are safe and effective adjunct for reducing morbidity and mortality following thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair.

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