Current strategies for cerebral protection during planned cerebral ischemia include hypothermia, colloidal volume expansion, induced hypertension, and barbiturate coma. Hypothermia between 34-35°C is an effective cerebral protector. Colloidal volume expanders are preferable to crystalloids. Induced hypertension can be achieved short-term with phenylephrine or long-term with dopamine. Barbiturate coma decreases cerebral metabolism and intracranial pressure, but carries risks of hemodynamic and respiratory depression that require intensive monitoring. The goal is to maintain intracranial pressure below 20mmHg and cerebral perfusion pressure above 70mmHg.