Catheter occlusion technique to facilitate distal anastomoses using vein grafts

Several different modes of achieving a bloodless operating field by proximal and distal occlusion of blood vessels have been described. Vascular clamps, vessel loops, intraluminal occluding devices, and tourniquets have been used to control the tibial and pedal vessels but may cause injury or fail to control heavily calcified arteries. We describe an alternative way to control proximal and distal small arteries by using small, umbilical vein, feeding catheters. The catheters are introduced in the proximal and distal arterial lumen and in the vein graft lumen, achieving hemostasis, technically facilitating the suturing, and providing a means for the administration of vasodilator or thrombolytic agents as well as for a completion angiography.