OBJECTIVE To explore the anesthetic management experiences of patients with Stanford A aortic dissection undergoing surgical treatment through moderate or deep hypothermia circulatory arrest (DHCA). METHODS From June 2008 to December 2011, a total of 77 patients undergoing surgical treatment of Stanford A aortic dissection was recruited. RESULTS Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established under general anesthesia in all patients. The procedures included moderate hypothermia (n = 51) and DHCA (n = 26). The total surgical duration was 152 - 600 (292 ± 91) min, CPB time 38 - 310 (128 ± 43) min and aortic cross-clamp time 31 - 169 (87 ± 26) min. The time of circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia was 20 - 113 (41 ± 19) min in 26 patients. Among 77 patients, there were 5 intraoperative and 7 postoperative fatalities. The remained 65 patients were discharged postoperatively and received a regular outpatient follow-up. None of them died or required reoperation. CONCLUSIONS Surgical treatment is appropriate and efficient for the patients with Stanford A aortic dissection. During surgery, the keys of preventing neurological complications are blood volume monitoring and blood protection.