Deep Hypothermic Arrest

Surgeons use deep hypothermic arrest during open heart surgery

Deep hypothermic arrest refers to a medical procedure during surgery which cools the body, lowers blood pressure and slows blood circulation to a stop. Surgeons use this procedure for cardiothoracic operations and neurosurgery.

History

In the late 1950s, concern about the toxic effect of external pump oxygenators used on heart-lung machines convinced Dr. Charles Drew of Westminster Hospital in London to develop a different technique using hypothermia to stop blood circulation for the duration of open heart surgery. His technique produced a state of suspended animation in the patient and few post-operative respiratory problems. Since then, surgeons have refined it and manufacturers have improved equipment for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Uses

Heart surgeons use this technique when they need to operate directly on the heart or root of the aorta artery. Neurosurgeons adopted this technique to treat brain aneurysms.

Risks

All surgeries carry operative as well as post-operative risks. The primary, and rare, risk for this time-dependent technique is brain damage caused by lack of oxygen.

References

• The Free Dictionary Medical Dictionary: Hypothermic circulatory arrest
• Deep Hypothermia and Circulatory Arrest in Cerebrovascular Surgery: Abstract
• The Annals of Thoracic Surgery: "Charles Drew and the Origins of Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest," Anthony R.C. Dobell, MD, John S. Bailey, FRCS