To valuate cerebral protection by retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) via superior vena cava,the study results for the last ten years have been reviewed.RCP is regarded as an assistant method in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest(DHCA) in that it provides partial brain blood flow,maintains a low brain temperature,optimizes cerebral metabolic function during DHCA by supplying oxygen and some nutrient and removal of catabolic products;it also reduces the incidence of cerebral embolization by flushing out air...
