Consensus on hypothermia in aortic arch surgery

Considered a standard part of aortic arch surgery, hypothermia can sufficiently reduce cerebral metabolic demand to permit reasonable periods of circulatory arrest. Yet despite its ubiquitous application and critical importance, temperature classification in hypothermic circulatory arrest is still without clear definition. The following Consensus from experts in high-volume aortic institutions defines ‘profound’, ‘deep’, ‘moderate’, and ‘mild’ hypothermia and recommends standardized monitoring sites, so as to facilitate more consistent reporting and robust analysis.