Topic: Neurocognitive Decline, Organs Dysfunction, and Long Term Outcome after Arch Surgery

Arch surgery has long been recognized as a procedure of considerable technical complexity, with issues concerning cerebral protection representing a crucial facet of the operation. The transition from straight deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with/out antegrade or retrograde cerebral perfusion to moderate or mild hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion marks a notable technical advancement over the last two decades. However, the majority of existing reports have primarily focused on short-term results such as temporary or permanent neurologic dysfunction, and diverse cerebral protection strategies. Conversely, certain other dimensions, including neurocognitive decline or organ dysfunction subsequent to arch surgery, have received comparatively less investigation. Furthermore, long-term results have been infrequently documented. Given the widespread adoption of this procedure, there is now a pressing need to comprehensively assess these aspects of arch surgery, extending beyond the confines of short-term outcomes alone. This Special Issue is dedicated to exploring these topics, with the aspiration that it will contribute to enhancing our understanding of the results associated with this intricate procedure.

20 Feb 2024