Abstract Number ‐ 54: First Fully Automated Robotic Transcranial Doppler Optimization of Cerebral Blood Flow During Cardiac Revascularization Surgery
Authors: Devlin Christian T , Morrison Richard , Devlin Thomas G 
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Current technologies including EEG and near infrared pulse oximetry for non‐invasive monitoring of cerebral blood flow during cardiac surgery have proven inadequate for perioperative stroke risk mitigation. Cerebral arterial flow velocity is an excellent indicator of cerebral blood flow making transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) an excellent alternative technology for operating room continuous cerebral monitoring. To date, TCD utilization in the operating room has been limited due to frequent movement‐related loss of signal requiring nearly continuous manual probe readjustment. The recent development of fully autonomous robotic TCD (aTCD) has overcome these technical limitations, opening the door for real‐time continuous noninvasive cerebral blood flow monitoring with simultaneous emboli detection.

Methods

A 47‐year‐old female patient was found to have preoperative complete occlusion of the proximal brachiocephalic artery producing a double cerebral steal phenomenon with retrograde flow in the right internal carotid and vertebral arteries into the subclavian. A preoperative aTCD study disclosed baseline markedly diminished blood flow in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) fed exclusively by small‐diameter collaterals via the circle of Willis.Intraoperatively, robotic aTCD was used to continuously monitor blood flow in the bilateral MCAs and perform emboli detection. In response to movement‐related signal loss, the robotic aTCD autonomously adjusted the probe position to maintain continuous MCA insonation.

Results

Shortly after intubation, a small drop in mean arterial pressure led to a near‐total loss of cerebral perfusion to the entire right hemisphere. This perfusion decrease was detected by aTCD, triggering the anesthesiologist to rapidly correct blood pressure to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion as confirmed by the robotic system. The patient was then placed on bypass pump with deployment of a temporary Y‐graft from the pump to the subclavian artery distal to the vertebral branch point and to the aorta to temporarily reverse the double cerebral steal. Coronary bypass was then performed, throughout which cerebral flow velocities were monitored continuously with aTCD and maintained in the safe cerebral perfusion range by adjusting pump pressures. Following a three‐vessel coronary bypass graft, permanent brachiocephalic artery bypass grafts were placed from the proximal aorta to the right subclavian and the proximal common carotid artery.Postoperative aTCD disclosed correction of the previously diminished blood flow detected in the right MCA preoperatively. Brain MRI postoperatively confirmed the absence of acute stroke.

Conclusions

This case represents the first use of robotic aTCD for real time continuous cerebral blood flow monitoring and optimization during complex cardiac surgery. Our experience suggests that aTCD may improve patient outcomes, particularly during high‐risk cardiac surgical and interventional procedures. Further studies of this promising technology are now needed.