Neurologic complications of open thoracic aortic surgery are devastating problems in patients with severely diseased aortas. This study aimed to clarify whether directing the aortic cannula tip toward the aortic root affects the postoperative cardiac function in patients undergoing open thoracic aortic surgery.

A total of 16 patients who underwent total or partial arch replacement between January 2014 and April 2019 were enrolled and divided into two groups. Ascending aorta perfusion was performed by placing the cannula tip toward the aortic root (reversed direction group, seven patients) or toward the aortic arch (standard direction group, nine patients). Intraoperative and perioperative data, including mortality, morbidity, and postoperative cardiac function, were compared between the groups.

There were no hospital deaths or stroke events in either group. The aortic cross-clamping time was 102.4 ± 20.3 minutes in the reversed direction group and 87.1 ± 9.9 minutes in the standard direction group (p = 0.049). Furthermore, the intubation time was 28.4 ± 12.9 hours in the reversed direction group and 12.4 ± 6.8 hours in the standard direction group (p = 0.022). Both times were significantly longer in the reverse direction group. Postoperative serum creatine kinase-MB levels were significantly lower in the reversed direction group (6.2 ± 3.3 U/L vs 13.3 ± 4.8 U/L, respectively, p = 0.006). The cardiac output and cardiac index did not significantly differ.

Directing the aortic cannula tip toward the aortic root does not adversely affect the postoperative cardiac function after aortic arch surgery.