Difficult aortic stump closure

W. E. Strodel and F. E. Eckhauser

A technique is described for closure of the distal part of the aorta during aortofemoral reconstruction. With this technique, the inferior mesenteric artery may be revascularized locally in many situations, eliminating the need for reimplantation. The closure of the difficult aortic stump may be facilitated. Direct removal of calcified atheromatous plaque under direct vision obviates the need for heavy needles or for special vascular punches. In turn, this may reduce the potential risk of distal embolism and facilitates hemostatic closure of the excluded aortic segment.