Transdiaphragmatic approach to the descending thoracic aorta for proximal control during surgery on the abdominal aorta.

A technic of mobilizing and clamping the lower descending thoracic aorta from the abdomen through the incision in the diaphragm is described. This technic is simple and may be useful when it is difficult to obtain proximal control of the abdominal aorta during surgery. In addition, certain surgical procedures on the upper abdominal aorta may be facilitated by the use of this technic.