Is Maintenance of Cerebral Hypothermia the Principal Mechanism by which Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion Provides Better Brain Protection than Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest?. A Study in a Porcine Model

Abstract

In an acute pig model, maintenance of cerebral hypothermia does not appear to be the principal mechanism by which RCP provides better brain protection than HCA alone. Retrograde cerebral perfusion provides nutrient flow/oxygen to brain tissue, leading to better brain protection than HCA alone.

Retrograde perfusion through superior vena cava reaches the brain during circulatory arrest

“…Several animal models used different approaches and methodologies to investigate the subject. The results were again mixed with some experiments supporting the efficacy of RCP and others denying it (20)(21)(22)(23).…”