Temporary extraanatomic subclavian-to-femoral bypass. An auxiliary method in the treatment of aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta.

A new technique to perfuse the lower half of the body during clamping of the thoracic aorta is described. Viability of the visceral organs and the spinal cord is maintained using an extraanatomical 10 mm graft inserted between the right subclavian and the left common femoral arteries. The results in 21 cases are analysed. No hypoxic organ damage was encountered. This simple technique probably adds to the safety of the patient undergoing surgery on the descending aorta.