hypothermic circulatory arrest
Complete cessation of circulation while maintaining deep hypothermia to protect organs during complex surgery.
Full Definition
Hypothermic circulatory arrest is a technique used during complex cardiac and aortic surgery where circulation is completely stopped while the patient's body temperature is reduced to 18-22°C. This profound hypothermia dramatically reduces cellular metabolic demands, providing a bloodless surgical field and organ protection during procedures that would otherwise be impossible. HCA is commonly used for aortic arch repairs, complex congenital heart defects, and certain adult cardiac procedures requiring extensive reconstruction. The duration of safe arrest is generally limited to 30-45 minutes.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as HCA. May be modified with 'deep' (DHCA) for emphasis on temperature.
In Context
- "The aortic arch reconstruction required 28 minutes of hypothermic circulatory arrest." — Operative report
- "Cerebral protection during hypothermic circulatory arrest was provided by selective antegrade perfusion." — Perfusion strategy