Unraveling the Mysteries of Cerebral Malperfusion in Type A Aortic Dissection

The optimum management strategy of cerebral malperfusion (CM) in type A aortic dissection (TAAD) has been undefined and controversial despite numerous advances in the past decades. Many surgeons avoid such patients for fear of cerebral bleeding secondary to hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and out of the concern that the neurologic deficit would persist postoperatively, leading to mortality and debilitating complications. In this regard, the study by Fukuhara and colleagues 1 Fukuhara S. Norton E.L. Chaudhary N. et al. Type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion: new insights. Ann Thorac Surg. 2021; 112: 501-510 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar in this issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery represents an important step toward unraveling the mysteries of CM in TAAD and improving our knowledge about this special subset of patients. Type A Aortic Dissection With Cerebral Malperfusion: New InsightsThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 112Issue 2PreviewManagement of type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion poses a significant challenge. Although involvement of craniocervical vessels is undoubtedly critical, it is not well investigated in the surgical literature. Full-Text PDF