An Aortic Tampon for Emergency Control of Ruptured Abdominal Aneurysm

Ruptured abdominal aneurysm has now become a common surgical emergency, frequently amenable to successful resection and cure. The final result is often marred, however, by the effects of renal, coronary or cerebral ischemia resulting from dangerous hypotension during transportation of the patient to a vascular centre.An aortic catheter has been developed which is passed by way of a brachial artery cut-down so that it rests in the abdominal aorta. The balloon at its tip is then filled with sodium diatrizoate (Hypaque) so that it completely obstructs the aortic lumen just above the level of the aneurysm. Accurate positioning of the balloon to carefully preserve renal blood flow is facilitated by fluoroscopic control. The use of this procedure in three patients has been very satisfactory, with a dramatic return of consciousness and of normal blood pressure, without the need for further blood replacement. Subsequent surgery with dissection of the aneurysm was aided by the presence of the palpable inflated balloon.