Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion (RCP)

Retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) is a neuroprotective technique originally described in the early 1990s to deliver cold, oxygenated blood via the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit to the cerebral vasculature by way of the superior vena cava (SVC) during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) typically utilized for aortic surgery involving the distal ascending aorta and/or aortic arch.

Most commonly, RCP is achieved with either a dedicated SVC cannula or as part of bicaval venous cannulation. Once the patient has been cooled (nasopharyngeal temperature anywhere from 18 – 24°C), cold blood is directed to the cerebral venous system by snaring the SVC and flowing ~250-500 cc/min (20-40 mmHg). Blood enters the cerebral dural venous sinuses via the internal jugular veins.

Ultimately, this blood is returned to the CPB circuit via cardiotomy suction placed in the open thoracic aorta. In a sense, RCP helps “flush out” embolic material from the cerebral vessels while also providing nutrients and maintaining cerebral hypothermia. With hypothermia, RCP provides neuroprotection similar to selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) with post-op stroke/mortality being similar between the two techniques. RCP is also a faster technique than ACP; however, valves located within the venous system may impede blood flow. I’ll transduce pressure within the SVC cannula and use monitors like cerebral oximetry to gauge the efficacy of the RCP.

Drop me a comment with your experience regarding neuroprotection during aortic surgery!

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Try EchoTools - my free, iOS ultrasonography reference application!

Latest Articles