Transplant kidney protection during aortic aneurysm surgery

Renal allografts are sensitive to ischemic insult. During aortic cross clamping prevention of ischemic damage to a kidney below an aneurysm is vital. Many maneuvers have been reported. We describe a simple technique of protecting the transplant kidney from ischemic damage during aortic surgery.

During vascular cross clamping a sterile ice slush was placed around the kidney for surface cooling, obviating the need for some of the complicated procedures previously reported.

After removal of the ice slush and clamps, urine production resumed and creatinine levels remained unchanged.

External cooling with ice slush provides adequate renal protection during aortic cross clamping and requires no special expertise or equipment.