The double balloon cannula in the treatment of ruptured abdominal aneurysms.

Two cases of ruptured abdominal aneurysm were successfully treated, using the double balloon cannula, which was devised in our surgical department. After cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta and both common iliac arteries, a small incision was made in the aneurysm and the cannula was inserted through this incision into the lumen of the abdominal aorta and positioned at the proximal end of the aneurysm. Then the double balloon was inflated, blocking the blood flow just above the aneurysm. The aneurysm was incised, and grafting was performed, in the usual manner, in a bloodless surgical field. The double balloon cannula was beneficial not only in preventing massive blood loss during surgery, but also in maintaining the blood supply to various abdominal organs.