circulatory arrest
Also written as: DHCA — Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest
Complete cessation of blood circulation during cardiac surgery, typically achieved through cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia.
Full Definition
Circulatory arrest is a controlled surgical technique where blood circulation is completely stopped to provide a bloodless operative field for complex cardiac or aortic procedures. This is typically achieved through deep hypothermia (usually 18-20°C) combined with cardiopulmonary bypass. The technique allows surgeons to operate on the aortic arch, perform complex reconstructions, or address cerebral vascular anomalies. Safe circulatory arrest times are generally limited to 30-45 minutes to prevent neurological complications, though this can be extended with selective cerebral perfusion techniques.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as DHCA; distinguish from pathological cardiac arrest.
In Context
- "Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was employed for 28 minutes during the aortic arch reconstruction." — operative report
- "The complexity of the lesion required circulatory arrest to achieve adequate visualization and repair." — surgical case discussion