Use of a temporary shunt for renal transplant protection during aortic aneurysm repair.

Broader indications for renal transplantation and improved allograft survival suggest that aortic aneurysms will be encountered more commonly in kidney transplant recipients. This report describes the use of a temporary heparin-bonded shunt placed from the proximal abdominal aorta to the femoral artery for perfusion of a renal allograft during simultaneous repair of an aortic aneurysm and correction of transplant renal artery stenosis. Renal function was satisfactorily maintained intraoperatively and has continued to be excellent during 2 1/2 years of follow-up. Methods of renal transplant protection during aortic reconstruction are reviewed, and principles of temporary shunting for allograft protection are proposed.