Balloon occlusion of the ascending aorta without hypothermic circulatory arrest in valve surgery for patients with a porcelain aorta.

Severe calcification of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch complicates cardiac surgery. The optimal approach in such patients is unknown. Four valve surgeries were performed with balloon occlusion without hypothermic circulatory arrest. All patients had femoral arterial cannulation, and all 3 patients who required an aortotomy had right axillary artery cannulation as well. A balloon catheter was inserted just proximal to the brachiocephalic artery via a purse-string stitch. Good cardiac arrest was obtained in all cases, and a good bloodless field was obtained in all 3 aortic valve cases. There were no balloon-related complications. The patients all showed good postoperative courses. Balloon occlusion of the ascending aorta without circulatory arrest is effective for performing a rapid and less invasive surgery that is not significantly different from the usual valve surgery.