Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42191665›Full record

ArticleInterdisciplinary cardiovascular and thoracic surgery2026

A Comprehensive Total Body Perfusion Strategy vs Conventional Techniques in Elective Aortic Arch Surgery: A Comparative Analysis.

Annesimone Lotfalla, Samuel Heuts, Rick Schreurs, Jos G Maessen, Leon Schurgers, Erik Körver, Sander Verheule, Roberto Lorusso, Michael Jacobs, Elham Bidar

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in Interdisciplinary cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Annesimone LotfallaDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht 6229 HX, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0003-4005-5850
Samuel HeutsDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht 6229 HX, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0003-3531-9997
Rick SchreursDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht 6229 HX, The Netherlands.
Jos G MaessenDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht 6229 HX, The Netherlands.
Leon SchurgersCardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0001-7867-6957
Erik KörverDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht 6229 HX, The Netherlands.
Sander VerheuleCardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0001-5196-5425
Roberto LorussoDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht 6229 HX, The Netherlands.
Michael JacobsDepartment of Vascular Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, 6629 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Elham BidarDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht 6229 HX, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0002-9569-4900

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesAortic arch surgery traditionally relies on hypothermic circulatory and cardioplegic arrest, exposing myocardium and visceral organs to ischaemia-reperfusion injury. We developed a total body perfusion (TBP) strategy providing continuous cerebral, myocardial, and visceral perfusion during arch reconstruction. This study compares outcomes between conventionally and TBP-treated patients.

methodsAnalysis included 121 consecutive elective aortic arch replacements (2014-2025). From June 2022, patients (n = 38) were intended for TBP; earlier cases (n = 83) underwent conventional techniques. TBP comprised continuous warm myocardial, selective cerebral, and retrograde visceral perfusion. Outcomes included intraoperative characteristics, biochemical markers, and clinical outcomes.

resultsBaseline demographics were similar (male 65.8% vs 53.0%, P = .188; median age 63.9 [IQR 60.5-72.4] vs 66.1 [IQR 58.7-70.6] years, P = .915). TBP-patients presented with greater surgical complexity (more concomitant procedures: 65.8% vs 45.8%, P = .041; chronic dissection: 18.4% vs 0.0%, P < .001; active infection at time of surgery: 15.8% vs 3.6%, P = .027). TBP reduced myocardial ischaemia time (median 65.0 [IQR 39.0-98.5] vs 122.0 [IQR 93.0-170.0] min, P < .001) and circulatory arrest use (18.4% vs 86.7%, P < .001), and demonstrated lower peak lactate levels (median 2.2 [IQR 1.5-4.6] vs 3.9 [IQR 2.9-5.2] mmol/L, P < .001), shorter ICU stay (median 2.0 [IQR 1.0-7.0] vs 4.0 [IQR 3.0-8.0] days, P = .006), and improved one-year survival (92.1% vs 72.3%, P = .025). Multivariable analysis confirmed TBP's independent survival benefit (HR = 0.187, 95% CI 0.044-0.807, P = .025). Sensitivity analyses were directionally consistent.

conclusionsTBP appeared as a feasible and safe approach in elective aortic arch surgery, associated with improved clinical outcomes and offering comprehensive organ protection. TBP may expand surgical candidacy in high-risk patients.

Indexed as

Aorta, ThoracicBlood Vessel Prosthesis ImplantationPerfusionAgedElective Surgical ProceduresFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPostoperative ComplicationsRetrospective StudiesTreatment Outcomeaortic arch surgerybeating heartmyocardial protectionorgan protection

Identifiers

PMID42191665
PMCPMC13310033

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.