A New Method for Renal Protection During Renal Artery Revascularization

An original method for renal protection during renal artery revasculariza tion is described. Temporary reperfusion of the renal artery (three to five min utes) after critical periods of cross-clamping (thirty minutes), using a balloon T-shunt, permits prolongation of the total time of renal ischemia. A more care ful operative technique is permitted; if necessary, technical errors can be cor rected during the surgical procedure. Accordingly, this method is useful for providing renal protection during resection of thoracoabdominal aneurysms. On the basis of their experimental and clinical results, the authors conclude that this method is safe and suitable for clinical application.