Intravascular balloon to minimize blood loss during total hip replacement in a Jehovah's Witness.

Intermittent intravascular occlusive balloons are commonly used to minimize bleeding in cases where massive blood loss is anticipated. However, the efficiency and safety of balloon occlusion remains unclear for elective procedures, and several cases of distal thrombosis have been reported. A case of intra-arterial occlusive balloon that was selectively placed preoperatively to minimize bleeding in a patient during total hip replacement is presented. Use of an external tourniquet was not feasible for this patient. The balloon was inflated to a minimum volume to achieve intravascular occlusion and was periodically deflated to minimize the risk of postoperative complications. A surgical field with minimal blood loss was created.