Objective

To describe postoperative outcomes with the use of partial CPB for thoracoabdominal aortic repair.

Methods

We included all the patients who underwent programmed thoracoabdominal aortic procedures in which partial cardiopulmonary bypass was used at a single institution. Long term follow-up was collected by review of health records, national databases and via telephone.

Results

The study involved 134 patients. Hypertension was present in 78% of patients. The primary surgical indication was an aortic aneurysm (67%), though aortic dissection was also common (33%). Extensive repairs and postoperative complications, such as acute kidney injury and RRT requirement, were significantly associated with increased mortality (p < 0.05). Patients with aortic dissection had worse outcomes, including higher rates of hypertension, stroke, and other complications (p < 0.05). Early mortality was notably higher in extent and II and IV repairs.

Conclusions

Thoracoabdominal aorta repair can be safely performed with the use of partial CPB in a low-volume setting when undertaken by a dedicated, experienced Aorta team.