Hypothermic circulatory arrest for the surgical treatment of complicated adult coarctation of the aorta

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the surgical treatment of recurrent coarctation by a new technique. Background Recurrent coarctation either from aneurysm or recurrent constriction is a difficult problem in the adult because of the possible interruption of important collateral circulation. Methods We reviewed four patients who underwent recurrent coarctation surgery with the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). Results All four patients survived. Deep HCA facilitated precise surgical resection and there was no postoperative paraplegia, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Conclusions Deep HCA and resection and grafting of the coarctation is indicated for complicated adult coarctations, particularly when the collateral circulation is in doubt.