Temporary extracorporeal perfusion of the splanchnic circulation dependent on the Riolan anastomosis

A thorough investigation of a hypertensive 25 year old male was undertaken due to the finding of an absent right radial pulse. This work-up revealed widespread, largely asymptomatic arterial disease characterised by a combination of multiple sites of stenosis and occlusion, aneurysmal dilatation and extensive vessel wall calcification. The findings included a right renal artery stenosis, an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a splanchnic vasculature completely supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery. Consequently it was thought that a prolonged clamping time during the aortic repair would possibly result in ischemic injury. Therefore, the splanchnic organs were perfused by a paediatric oxygenator and pump during the aortic cross-clamping. This case report discusses the etiology of the disease and the technical aspects of splanchnic perfusion.