ObjectiveTo compare the cerebral protective effect of unilateral and bilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion during total aortic arch replacement, particularly with respect to neuropsychological outcome.MethodsFrom June 2003 to March 2004, 16 patients who underwent total aortic arch replacement were randomly allocated to one of two methods of brain protection: unilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (unilateral group, n =8) or bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (bilateral group, n =8). Preoperative and postoperative neurological examination, brain computed tomography(CT) scan, and cognitive function tests were performed.ResultsAll patients survived the operations and were discharged from hospital. No new brain infarction occurred. Transient neurologic dysfunction occurred in 1 patient of each group. There were no intergroup differences in the scores of preoperative and post operative cognitive function ( P gt;0.05).ConclusionBoth methods of brain protection for patients undergoing total aortic arch replacement result in favorable and similar effect of brain protection in term of cognitive function provided the circle of Willis is patent and collateral flow is adequate.