Pulmonary endarterectomy: with use of moderate hypothermia and antegrade cerebral perfusion without circulatory arrest

Pulmonary endarterectomy is the treatment of choice in suitable patients who have chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The most common surgical technique involves the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Herein, we describe a modified aortic clamping technique with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, performed with moderate hypothermia but without circulatory arrest. This technique avoids the adverse effects of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and also establishes a bloodless surgical field. We achieved good surgical results and acceptable long-term outcomes in 3 patients with use of this technique, which we recommend as a feasible alternative to the standard operative practice.