Transpharyngeal Doppler Sonography for Cerebral Perfusion Monitoring

Evaluation of Transpharyngeal Doppler Sonography as a Cerebral Monitoring Tool in Cardiac Surgery

This prospective interventional study investigates transpharyngeal sonography (TPS) as an additional neuromonitoring strategy to assess cerebral perfusion during cardiovascular surgery. In the first part of the study the investigators will investigate the feasibility of TPS for visualization of aortic arch branches including the innominate and the carotid arteries in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. In the second part the investigators plan to adopt the investigators previous experiences on TPS to a selected population of patients undergoing ascending aortic and/or arch repair in hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Age > 18 yrs
• Informed Consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication for TPS
• Carotid artery stenosis