主动脉弓置换加"象鼻"支架手术治疗Stanford A型主动脉夹层

目的 探讨采用升主动脉及全弓置换加“象鼻”支架手术治疗StanfordA型主动脉夹层的临床意义。方法2010年5月至2011年10月,应用升主动脉及全弓置换加“象鼻”支架手术治疗StanfordA型主动脉夹层患者16例,男性12例,女性4例,平均年龄47（30-67）岁;其中急性主动脉夹层12例、慢性夹层4例,均在深低温停循环、低流量选择性脑灌注下手术。结果急诊手术12例,择期手术4例。行主动脉弓置换及“象鼻”支架术2例,升主动脉及全主动脉弓置换1例,升主动脉及全主动脉弓置换加“象鼻”支架手术13例,其中同期行Bentall术2例、主动脉根部成形术8例。心肌阻断时间59-137（104-31）min,选择性脑灌注时间17-57（29-11）min。术后肾功能衰竭2例,1例经血液透析治疗后肾功能恢复,另1例因多器官功能衰竭死亡。15例患者出院,随访1个月至1．5年,1例患者于术后约1个月双下肢肌肉坏死,在外院施行了截肢手术,8例患者不同程度恢复工作,无晚期死亡或再次手术病例。结论升主动脉及全弓置换加“象鼻”支架手术是治疗StanfordA型主动脉夹层安全、有效的方法。     

Outcome of aortic arch surgery in patients aged 70 years or older: axillary artery cannulation and selective cerebral perfusion supports

OBJECTIVES: Axillary artery cannulation, selective cerebral perfusion and replacement of the ascending and arch aorta with an elephant trunk were evaluated to reduce cerebral complications in aortic arch surgery in patients with aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection involving the aortic arch. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 45 patients(18 with acute A type aortic dissection and 27 with chronic aortic aneurysm involving the aortic arch) aged 70-92 (mean age 74) years underwent total aortic arch replacement from March 1996 to May 2002. There were three operative deaths in patients with acute A type aortic dissection caused by massive cerebral infarction, bleeding and myocardial infarction, and one hospital death of sepsis. Overall in-hospital mortality was 8.9%(16.7% in A type dissection and 3.7% in chronic aneurysm). Operative complications included mediastinitis in four patients(9%), left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in eight(18%), and cerebral infarction in four(9%). Three of the patients with cerebral infarction had associated dissection-related cerebral ischemia before surgery. One patient died, and two needed a walking stick. Twelve of 18 patients(67%) with acute A type aortic dissection and 26 of 27 (96%) with chronic aortic aneurysm were discharged on foot. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary artery cannulation, selective cerebral perfusion and replacement of the ascending and arch aorta with an elephant trunk provided satisfactory operative results in elderly patients aged 70 years or older, especially in patients with chronic aortic aneurysm involving the aortic arch.     

Direct versus side-graft cannulation of the right axillary artery for antegrade cerebral perfusion

Antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through the right axillary artery has proved to be a safe and effective method for cerebral protection in aortic surgery. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the techniques of direct right axillary artery cannulation (Group 1) and right axillary artery side-graft cannulation (Group 2), investigated cannulation-related complications, and determined the hemodynamic advantages and disadvantages of both cannulation techniques. Sixty-eight patients underwent surgery from April 2001 through August 2004 with the diagnoses of ascending and aortic arch aneurysms (10 patients), type A aortic dissection (56 patients), and aortic pseudoaneurysm (2 patients). There were 22 patients in Group 1 (33.4%) and 46 patients in Group 2 (67.6%). The antegrade selective cerebral perfusion flow was 500 to 700 mL/min in Group 1, whereas in Group 2 the flow was adjusted in accordance with the mean right radial arterial pressure, which was 50 mmHg. There was no significant difference between the groups in antegrade selective cerebral perfusion times, but the transient neurologic dysfunction rate (4 of 22 patients in Group 1 vs 1 of 42 in Group 2) was significantly lower in Group 2 (P =0.035). In Group 1, axillary artery dissection occurred in 2 patients (9%), and postoperative arm ischemia occurred in 1 patient (4.5%). These complications were not seen in Group 2 (P =0.031). The side-graft cannulation technique may be more acceptable because of its lower local-complication rate and because it provides pressure-controlled cerebral perfusion.     

Axillary artery cannulation with a Dacron graft for surgery of the aortic arch and ascending aorta

Cannulation of the axillary artery is one possible means of establishing cardiopulmonary bypass during surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Use of a Dacron graft for cannulation has a number of advantages. In this article, we report our experience with this technique in seven consecutive patients in whom we performed an ascending aorta replacement. The associated procedures involved were aortic root reconstruction using David's procedure in two patients, the Bentall procedure in one, the hemi-arch technique in two, the complete arch and elephant trunk technique in one, aortic valve repair in one, and Valsalva sinus reconstruction in one. Circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion was carried out in three cases. There was no in-hospital mortality, and there were no vascular or infectious complications related to axillary access. One patient presented with transient paresthesia of the brachial plexus. In all cases, cardiopulmonary bypass flow was adequate.     

Assessment of perfusion toward the aortic valve using the new dispersion aortic cannula during coronary artery bypass surgery

When there is an echocardiographic diagnosis of severe mobile atherosclerotic plaque in the aortic arch or descending aorta, perfusion toward the aortic arch during cardiopulmonary bypass may create a high risk of embolic neurologic injury. Other perfusion methods, such as cannulation of the femoral or axillary arteries, are not always possible, due to atherosclerosis. The ascending aorta may be an alternative site for perfusion, since it is less frequently diseased. We assessed a new technique of perfusion toward the aortic valve using a new cannula designed for this purpose (Dispersion aortic cannula). Our study included 100 consecutive patients, 72 men and 28 women, with an average age of 68 +/- 1.0 years (range, 39-89 years). There were no complications related to insertion of the cannula or perfusion. The ascending aorta could be cross-clamped and side-clamped without perfusion problems. Three deaths occurred; none was related to the cannulation technique. No intra-operative stroke occurred. Two patients suffered neurologic events, one on day 1 and the other on day 6; both had been fully alert after surgery. Perfusion toward the aortic valve appears to be safe and hemodynamically effective. This cannulation technique appears to be an acceptable alternative to present methods. Comparative studies will be needed to determine whether this alternative technique is effective in patients with severe aortic arch disease.     

Right axillary artery cannulation for surgical management of the hostile ascending aorta

Extensive aortic disease, such as atherosclerosis with aneurysms or dissections that involve the ascending aorta, can complicate the choice of a cannulation site for cardiopulmonary bypass. To date, the standard peripheral arterial cannulation site has been the common femoral artery; however, this approach carries the risk of atheroembolism due to retrograde aortic perfusion, or it is undesirable because of severe iliofemoral disease. Arterial perfusion through the axillary artery provides sufficient antegrade aortic flow, is more likely to perfuse the true lumen in the event of dissection, and is associated with fewer atheroembolic complications. From September 2000 through March 2004, 27 patients underwent right axillary artery cannulation for acute ascending aortic dissection (n = 16), ascending aortic aneurysm (n = 9), or coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 2). Direct artery cannulation was performed in the first 4 patients, and the last 23 patients were cannulated through a longitudinal arteriotomy via an 8-mm woven Dacron graft. Seventeen patients underwent hypothermic circulatory arrest and antegrade cerebral perfusion. Two patients died intraoperatively: one due to low cardiac output and one due to diffuse bleeding. One patient suffered mild right-arm paresthesia postoperatively, but recovered completely. Axillary artery cannulation was successful in all patients; it provided sufficient arterial flow, and there were no intraoperative problems with perfusion. In the presence of extensive aortic or iliofemoral disease, arterial perfusion through the axillary artery is a safe and effective means of providing sufficient arterial inflow during cardiopulmonary bypass. In this regard, it is an excellent alternative to standard femoral artery cannulation.     

Body perfusion in surgery of the aortic arch

We propose a new cannulation and perfusion technique for aortic arch surgery, in order to achieve continuous antegrade total-body perfusion under moderate hypothermia.The heart and the aortic arch are exposed through a median sternotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass is established from the right atrium to the right axillary artery. At 26 degrees C of body temperature, the supra-aortic vessels are clamped, the ascending aorta and the aortic arch are incised, and a cuffed endotracheal cannula, connected to an arterial line geared by a separate roller pump, is inserted into the descending thoracic aorta. Perfusion is started in the distal body, while the brain is perfused through the right axillary artery. Once the aortic arch has been replaced with a Dacron graft and the supra-aortic vessels have been reimplanted on the graft, the arterial line in the descending thoracic aorta is clamped and removed. The supra-aortic vessel clamps are removed, the proximal part of the Dacron graft is clamped, and systemic cardiopulmonary bypass is resumed via the right axillary artery.From January 2002 through December 2005, this technique was used in 12 consecutive patients on an emergency basis, due to acute aortic dissection that required total arch replacement. Within the first 30 postoperative days, 1 patient (8.3%) died, and no patient had permanent neurologic deficits.This simple technique ensures a full-flow antegrade total-body perfusion during all phases of the surgical procedure, thereby eliminating ischemia-reperfusion syndrome and yielding excellent clinical results.     

Painless aortic dissection presenting as paraplegia

Acute dissection of the aorta can be life-threatening. As a presenting manifestation of aortic dissection, neurologic complications such as paraplegia are rare. Herein, we report the case of a 51-year-old man who presented with sudden-onset paraplegia and ischemia of the legs, with no chest or back pain. His medical history included coronary artery bypass grafting. Physical examination revealed pulseless lower extremities, and computed tomography showed aortic dissection from the ascending aorta to the common iliac arteries bilaterally. A lumbar catheter was inserted for cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and axillary arterial cannulation was established. With the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, the aortic dissection was corrected, and the previous coronary artery grafts were reattached. The surgery restored spinal and lower-extremity perfusion, and the patient walked unaided from the hospital upon his discharge 5 days later. Although acute aortic dissection presenting as paraplegia is rare, it should be considered in patients who have pulseless femoral arteries bilaterally and sudden-onset paraplegia, despite no pain in the chest or back. Prompt diagnosis and intervention can prevent morbidity and death.     

Aortic arch surgery using moderate systemic hypothermia and antegrade cerebral perfusion via the right subclavian artery

BACKGROUND: Surgery of the aortic arch avoiding profound systemic hypothermia and using antegrade or retrograde cerebral perfusion has recently been popularized. This usually renders the CPB and surgical field set-up more complex. We propose a simple method achieving a similar effect. METHODS: During a 6-month period, 7 patients (median age 72 years) underwent surgery involving the aortic arch with cannulation of the right subclavian artery for arterial return. There were 6 acute type A dissections and one ascending aorta and arch aneurysm. After commencing CPB, the ascending aorta was clamped and reconstruction of aortic valve and root were initiated. Patients were cooled to a tympanic temperature of 25 - 27 degrees C. CPB was then stopped, and the arch was opened and inspected from inside. While resuming arterial perfusion via the right subclavian artery, the arch branches were clamped sequentially from right to left under observation for back flow. Bilateral radial artery pressure and temporal transcutaneous oxygen saturation were always monitored. RESULTS: In all cases, the aortic valve was spared using remodeling and resuspension techniques. 2 complete arch, 2 partial arch and 3 proximal arch replacements were performed. Mean times were 183 (113 - 321) minutes for CPB and 120 (67 - 213) minutes for aortic cross-clamping. Maximal systemic circulatory arrest time was 82 min. One patient died in the hospital due to MRSA sepsis with a normal CCT scan. All others were discharged in good condition. CONCLUSION: The initial experience with this simple technique of antegrade cerebral perfusion avoiding profound systemic hypothermia and the possible disadvantages of femoral artery cannulation appears promising.     

升主动脉瘤累及右半弓的外科治疗及体外循环探讨

目的:总结升主动脉及右半弓置换术的外科治疗经验,探讨不同体外循环(CPB)方式在术中的应用。方法:28例升主动脉瘤伴右半弓受累的患者行升主动脉及右半弓置换术,其中8例单纯经股动脉与右心房插管建立CPB,在深低温停循环(DHCA)下开放吻合主动脉弓和人工血管远端;15例经右腋动脉或无名动脉及股动脉与右心房插管建立CPB,在中深低温选择性脑灌注(ACP)加全身停循环下开放吻合主动脉弓和人工血管远端;5例经股动脉右心房插管的同时,经腋动脉或无名动脉插管浅低温全流量下行ACP加下半身股动脉逆行灌注,在无名动脉和左颈总动脉之间阻断主动脉弓后吻合主动脉弓和人工血管远端。结果:术后突发大面积心肌梗死造成心源性休克死亡1例。术后偏瘫经CT确诊为脑梗死2例。呼吸功能不全需2次气管插管1例,机械通气辅助24h病情改善后脱离呼吸机。术后出现严重高钠血症需进行血滤1例。2次开胸止血1例。结论:在主动脉右半弓置换术CPB方法的选择上,外科医生和灌注师需根据患者病情、手术熟练程度正确掌握DHCA和ACP技术,选择最佳的灌注方式。     

Cannulation in the diseased aorta: a safe approach using the Seldinger technique

The Seldinger technique is a method of femoral cannulation that has been used to establish cardiopulmonary bypass. Reports of cannulation of the ascending aorta for antegrade perfusion using the Seldinger method are anecdotal. To the best of our knowledge, the approach described herein for direct cannulation of the ascending aorta with use of the Seldinger technique for antegrade perfusion has not been previously described in the English-language medical literature. This method is helpful when the surgeon is treating a patient who has a calcified ascending aorta, complicated aortic dissection, calcified femoral vessels, or a diseased thoracoabdominal aorta. In such cases, retrograde perfusion has been associated with severe complications as a result of atheromatous embolization from the descending thoracic aorta. Herein, we describe our approach to cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass, which entails insertion of an aortic cannula into the ascending aorta by means of the Seldinger technique. A soft-tip guidewire is inserted through an arterial entry catheter that has been used to puncture a hole in the wall of the vessel. Then the aortic cannula is introduced into the vessel, sliding along the guidewire. Guided by transesophageal echocardiography, the tip of the cannula is positioned carefully and is then advanced into the descending aorta. This positioning of the cannula decreases the chance of arterial embolization, thereby improving cerebral protection. If cannulation of the ascending aorta is not feasible, the transverse aortic arch or proximal descending aorta can be used.     

Surgical treatment of multiple mycotic aneurysms: in the ascending aorta,aortic arch,and descending aorta

We report a clinical case of multiple mycotic aneurysms, in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta. The patient underwent surgery to replace the ascending aorta and aortic arch by means of a highly modified "elephant trunk" technique and with the aid of arterial cannulation from the right subclavian artery, which provided antegrade cerebral perfusion. Samples of purulent material taken from the aneurysmal wall yielded cultures positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was treated with antibiotics for 6 weeks and then underwent a 2nd procedure for the aneurysmal resection of the descending thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta, through a thoracic laparo-phrenicectomy. We comment on the clinical and surgical aspects of the case.     

选择性脑灌注在主动脉手术中的应用

目的探讨中低温选择性脑灌注在主动脉手术应用的安全性及优越性。方法回顾性分析2006年1月～2009年6月在广东省人民医院行升主动脉和主动脉弓手术的108例患者[根据脑保护方法的不同分为深低温停循环组(32例)、深低温选择性脑灌注组(35例)、中低温选择性脑灌注组(41例)]的临床资料、体外循环方法和时间、病死率及并发症发生率等,并进行统计学分析。结果中低温选择性脑灌注组体外循环时间低于深低温停循环组和深低温选择性脑灌注组,差异有统计学意义[(184.56±24.01)min vs.(216.94±25.22)min vs.(200.09±23.80)min,P<0.05];再次开胸率也低于其他两组,差异有统计学意义[4.9%(2/41) vs.14.3%(5/35) vs.25.0%(8/32),P<0.05]。术后呼吸功能不全、肾功能衰竭、感染、腹部并发症和截瘫的发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。3组住院病死率、一过性和永久性神经系统并发症的发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论中低温选择性脑灌注是一种安全有效的脑保护方法,缩短了体外循环时间,降低了术后再次开胸率。     

Selective cerebral perfusion via right axillary artery direct cannulation for aortic arch surgery

BACKGROUND: The risk of neurological complications is still a life-threatening event for patients undergoing proximal aortic arch or total aortic arch surgery. To prevent these complications, axillary artery cannulation and antegrade selective cerebral perfusion were utilized. We compared the effects of using hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) alone or with selective cerebral perfusion (SCP/AX) via right side axillary artery direct cannulation. METHODS: 120 patients, mean age 61 +/- 12 years (range 26 - 80), underwent proximal aortic or total aortic arch replacement between 1999 and 2004; 46 were female. We retrospectively compared the results of the two patient groups comparable for preoperative risk factors: 71 pts were operated using HCA beginning in 1999 and 49 pts using HCA/SCP via axillary artery direct cannulation since 2002. The indication for surgery was an aortic aneurysm in 80 (67 %) patients and aortic dissection in 36 (30 %) patients. The groups were well matched with regard to median age (60 vs. 62 yrs), urgency (emergent/urgent 36 vs. 44 %; elective 64 vs. 65 %), and several other known risk factors ( p = ns). RESULTS: Overall in-hospital mortality was 13 %: 10 % with HCA vs. 6 % with SCP/AX. Permanent neurological dysfunction occurred in 10 % with HCA vs. 6 % with SCP/AX. Transient neurological dysfunction (TND) in patients surviving without stroke was lower with SCP/AX (10 %) than with HCA (17 %) ( p = ns). Mean duration of HCA was 28 +/- 12 min when isolated HCA was used, and significantly shorter with 21 +/- 6 min when the combination of SCP/AX ( p = 0.03) was used. Mean duration of CPB was 202 +/- 55 min with HCA vs. 192 +/- 50 min with SCP/AX ( p = ns). Comparison of the groups who had comparable preoperative risk factors showed a trend towards lower in-hospital mortality, stroke and TND rates, a significant reduction in cardiac ( p = 0.034), infectious ( p = 0.025) and bleeding complications ( p = 0.04) in SCP/AX compared with HCA, as well as a significantly shorter duration of hospitalization ( p = 0.046) and shorter ICU stay ( p = ns). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that HCA/SCP is superior to HCA alone for preventing cerebral injury during operations on the aortic arch. By reducing embolic risk, as well as the duration of HCA, SCP with axillary artery direct cannulation may be the optimal technique for averting cerebral events, reducing complications, and shortening hospital stays following aortic arch repair.     

Aortic reoperations: experience with 23 patients using axillary artery cannulation

The increase in the number of cardiac operations has brought about an increase in aortic pathology that requires reoperation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate axillary artery cannulation in aortic reoperations. We operated on 23 patients diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection (13 patients), chronic type A aortic dissection (7 patients), aortic pseudoaneursym (2 patients), and arcus aorta aneurysm (1 patient). The right axillary artery was cannulated directly or through a side graft which was anastomosed to the artery. Antegrade cerebral perfusion with moderate degree hypothermia was used for cerebral protection. Four patients were lost after the operation (17.4%) and no cerebral complications were encountered. Axillary artery cannulation provides safe reentry to the chest and provides good cerebral protection in aortic reoperations.     

One-stage repair of cardiac and arch anomalies without circulatory arrest

Between 1999 and 2002, 23 patients underwent single-stage complete repair of cardiac anomalies and aortic arch obstruction, without circulatory arrest. Median age was 1.2 years. Intracardiac defects included ventricular septal defect in 9, double-outlet right ventricle in 6, d-transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect in 2, subaortic obstruction in 3, and atrial septal defect in 3. Fourteen patients had coarctation of the aorta, 6 had coarctation with hypoplastic aortic arch, and 3 had interrupted aortic arch. Simple techniques were employed such as cannulation of the ascending aorta near the innominate artery and maintaining cerebral and myocardial perfusion. After correction of arch obstruction, intracardiac repair was undertaken. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 169 min, aortic crossclamp time was 51 min, and arch repair took 16 min. There was no operative mortality or neurological deficit. In follow-up of 1-43 months, no patient had residual coarctation. This simplified technique avoids additional procedures, reduces ischemic time, and prevents problems related to circulatory arrest.     

Cannulation of the axillary artery: the decision between direct cannulation and cannulation via side graft

BACKGROUND: The axillary artery has emerged as promising alternative cannulation site when the ascending aorta is unsuitable for cannulation. However, in order to minimize vascular injury, the decision to cannulate the artery directly or via graft has to be considered carefully. METHODS: Seventy patients underwent axillary artery cannulation during a two-year period. Indications for operation were acute aortic dissection type A in 25(36 %), ascending aortic or arch aneurysm in 32 (46 %), redo surgery in 6 (9 %), and severely atherosclerotic aorta in 3 (4.3 %) patients. Depending on the diameter of the vessel and the rigidity of the wall, the artery was either cannulated directly or via an 8-mm prosthetic Dacron graft. RESULTS: Direct cannulation was performed in 46 patients (66 %) and cannulation via graft in the remaining 24 patients (34 %). The complication rate associated with axillary artery cannulation was 3.8 %. These two patients developed retrograde type A dissection and further dissection into the descending aorta caused by forceful insertion of a 20-French cannula in a very elastic and small artery. CONCLUSIONS: Cannulation of the axillary artery is an attractive approach with a wide indication spectrum. However, the decision to cannulate directly or via graft should be based on the diameter and elasticity of the vessel, to minimize the complications of vascular injury and subsequent dissection.     

Surgical strategies for severely atherosclerotic (porcelain) aorta during coronary artery bypass grafting

Porcelain aorta (PA) is an asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease, characterized by circumferential calcification throughout the whole perimeter of the aorta. It is seen in 2% to 9.3% of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and makes manipulation of the ascending aorta impossible. It has been clearly shown that most emboli seen and detected during the CABG procedure occur during aortic cross-clamping and aortic side-clamping. Manipulation of porcelain or a severely atherosclerotic aorta increases the risk of perioperative stroke. The incidence of stroke after CABG is between 0.48% and 2.9%, and the risk is correlated with the extent and severity of the atherosclerotic disease. A conventional CABG procedure involves successive steps that include cannulation of the ascending aorta, application of a cross-clamp to the aorta, and partial clamping of the aorta to create the proximal anastomosis. Therefore in procedures that involve cannulation, clamping, or proximal anastomosis, and where aortic manipulation is inevitable, preassessment of the atherosclerotic aortic plaques is crucial. Although many surgeons still rely on intraoperative manual aortic palpation, this approach has very low sensitivity and underestimates the severity of the atherosclerotic illness. Imaging methods including preoperative computed tomography or intraoperative epiaortic ultrasonography enable modification of the surgical technique according to the severity of atherosclerosis. Various surgical techniques have been described to reduce the risk of atheroembolism that may lead to cerebrovascular events in patients with severely atherosclerotic ascending aorta. Anaortic or “no-touch” techniques that do not utilize aortic manipulation may significantly decrease the development of neurological complications by avoiding aortic maneuvers known to cause emboli. In cases where severe atherosclerotic disease or other factors preclude safe use of the ascending aorta, modifications in the surgical techniques, such as switching to different cannulation sites including the axillary/subclavian, femoral and innominate arteries, or using hypothermic ventricular fibrillation and in-situ pedicled arterial grafts, or performing proximal anastomoses at alternative anatomical locations will enable CABG operations to be performed safely with low morbidity and mortality rates in patients with porcelain aortas.     

Innominate artery cannulation for aortic surgery

When disease involving the ascending aorta or aortic arch precludes ascending aortic cannulation, axillary artery cannulation is used for cardiopulmonary bypass. An additional incision and the relatively small caliber of the axillary artery are the drawbacks of this approach. Innominate artery cannulation using the same sternotomy wound is a simple and effective alternative.     

Recannulation of the right axillary artery for complex aortic surgeries

Owing to the increased use of the axillary artery for arterial inflow during cardiopulmonary bypass, patients with previous cannulation at this site who require reoperation will be encountered more and more frequently. We describe the cases of 2 patients who required recannulation of the axillary artery for complex reoperations of the thoracic aorta. The technique and pitfalls are described. The decision was made to reuse the previous cannulation site at the right axillary artery due to the presence of large pseudoaneurysms in proximity to the sternum. The old 8-mm Dacron stump was found and excised, and a new 8-mm Dacron graft was sutured to the right axillary artery for arterial inflow. In the 1st patient, the Dacron side-graft enabled insertion and subsequent inflation of an EndoClamp within the Dacron graft of the ascending aorta, which obviated profound hypothermia. In the 2nd patient, recannulation of the right axillary artery enabled us to open the sternum at low flow using moderate hypothermia, given that antegrade cerebral perfusion was easily accessible in the event of a more prolonged arrest time. Both patients recovered fully, without neurovascular complications secondary to the recannulation of the right axillary. Recannulation of the right axillary artery is safe during complex reoperation of the thoracic aorta. It avoids retrograde perfusion in the often-diseased descending thoracic aorta. Furthermore, sternal reentry may be performed under moderate hypothermia, because antegrade cerebral perfusion can be initiated with ease.