Transaortic cannulation for balloon pumping in a "crowded aorta".

A technique for cannulating the ascending aorta or aortic arch to introduce a balloon catheter for intraortic balloon pumping is described. It is performed without the use of a partial occlusion clamp. This technique is useful when multiple anastomoses in the ascending aorta leave no room for the application of a vascular clamp. Three patients in whom this technique was used are reported.