Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: remote aortic occlusion for the general surgeon.

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair has completely transformed the treatment of elective aneurysmal disease, but endovascular surgeons have been slow to adopt these techniques for ruptured aneurysms. There are endovascular skills and management techniques that are valuable to both vascular and general surgeons in the emergent setting. An endovascular approach to this disease process does not preclude open repair, and remote aortic occlusion can serve as an integral adjunct for general surgeons approaching a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.