Heparinless femoral venoarterial bypass without an oxygenator for surgery on the descending thoracic aorta.

Heparinless femoral venoarterial bypass without an oxygenator has been used for surgery in 11 patients with aortic lesions requiring cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta. Mixed venous blood circulates in the lower half of the body and proximal hypertension is controlled. Surgical time is not rushed, and the bleeding of heparinization is avoided. All patients are well.