Retrograde cerebral perfusion as a method of neuroprotection during thoracic aortic surgery

Retrograde cerebral perfusion is commonly used as an adjunct to hypothermic circulatory arrest to enhance cerebral protection during thoracic aortic s urgery. This review summarizes a large number of studies that demonstrate a spectrum of beneficial, neutral, and detrimental effects of retrograde cer ebral perfusion in humans and experimental animal models. It remains unclea r whether retrograde cerebral perfusion provides effective cerebral perfusi on, metabolic support, washout of embolic material, and improved neurologic al and neuropsychological outcome. (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surg eons.