Deep Hypothermic Arrest: A Surgical Technique Explained

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.