The cervical branch-first technique in complex resternotomy

Background: Branch-first total aortic arch repair is a paradigm shift in the technical approach for uninterrupted neuroprotection during open aortic surgery. This technique is further modified to instigate hazardous sternal reentry in patients with hos-tile mediastinal anatomy at risk of aortic injury.Methods: Intraoperative preparation and the illustrated operative technique of the cervical branch-first technique are described. The accompanying case series narrates the experiences and outcomes of 4 patients who underwent successful com-plex reoperative aortic surgery utilizing this technique.Results: The indications for resternotomy included a sixth reoperation for recur-rent mycotic aortic pseudoaneurysm, a third reoperation for extensive infective endocarditis, a reoperation for complete Bentall graft dehiscence with contained aortic rupture, and a third reoperation for residual type A dissection. All patients survived their proposed surgery. Two patients were operated on in an emergency setting. Two patients separated from cardiopulmonary bypass with extracorporeal support. None experienced permanent neurological sequelae, gut ischemia, periph-eral arterial complications, or in-hospital mortality. One mortality due to decompensated heart failure was reported at 6 months postoperatively.Conclusions: The cervical branch-first technique offers unparalleled advantage in neuroprotection from an early stage of complex reoperative aortic surgery. It pro-vides an independent circuit for complete antegrade cerebral perfusion, irrespec-tive of suspension to circulatory flows to the rest of the body during complex reentry into hostile chests. Our experience to date has demonstrated promising outcomes and further refinements will guide patient selection best suited for this technique. (JTCVS Techniques 2023;22:132-41)