Abstract
Between November 1987 and July 1991, 12 cases of descending thoracic or tioraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm were operated with the aid of temporary left heart bypass. Left heart bypass was performed using a centrifugal pump with minimal heparinization. There were 2 hospital deaths (17%) due to renal failure and multiple organ failure in the cases of rupture of aneurysm. Since cerebral embolism occurred in a case of distal arch aneurysm during aortic cross-clamping between the left carotid and left subclavian artery, left heart bypass seems to have a limitation for graft replacement of distal arch aneurysm. When optimal bypass flow was maintained during aortic cross-clamping, serum ketone body ratio and serum bilirubin showed normal values after operation. Postoperative renal function was influenced by clamping of renal artery during operation. Although it was difficult to save a case of aneurysmal rupture, centrifugal pump was useful for graft replacement of the descending thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aneurysm.
