Endoaortic balloon occlusion for cardiac surgery
Summary
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on endoaortic balloon occlusion for cardiac surgery.
Description
During major heart surgery, the flow of blood through the heart needs to be stopped temporarily. In endoaortic balloon occlusion, a flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon attached to its tip is inserted into an artery in the groin (femoral artery) and threaded up to the heart. When the catheter is in the correct position in the heart, the balloon is filled with saline. As the balloon expands it blocks the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. With the aorta blocked, the heart surgery can be performed. After heart surgery, the balloon and catheter are removed and the blood flow is restored.
OPCS4.6 Code(s):
Details
Surgical procedures
- Society for Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland
- British Cardiovascular Intervention Society
- Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland
- Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthetists
Contact details:
Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA
Links:
This page was last updated: 06 May 2011
