Aortic valve replacement in porcelain aorta-a novel technique for endoaortic occlusion

Aortic valve surgery invariably becomes a high-risk, challenging procedure when there is extensive calcification of the ascending aorta which precludes safe cross-clamping. Very few case reports of performing aortic valve surgery in this condition with a non-cross-clamping technique of using endoaortic occlusion have been reported. We describe and recommend a non-cross-clamping technique of using a semi-compliant polyurethane balloon catheter (CODA balloon, Cook Incorporated, Bloomington, IN) and report its successful outcome in a patient, with porcelain aorta, who underwent aortic valve replacement.