An inflatable occluder for clinical use.

An arterial balloon occluder has been developed for use in surgical practice. Clinical and experimental assessment have confirmed it functions satisfactorily and is less traumatic than conventional clamps. It is less likely to crack atherosclerotic plaques as it occludes in the line of least resistance rather than crushing the artery from side to side. It also has other advantages. It gives precision control of arterial flow rather than the "on" or "off" effect of conventional clamps. The control is remote from the operating field and there are no clamp handles in the wound to catch on sutures. Occlusion around a catheter or cannula is easily achieved. Examples of its use in clinical practice are given which illustrate these points. We have found this to be a valuable additional vascular instrument.