Proximal aortic cross clamping during non-aortic surgery

Temporary control of the aorta at the level of the diaphragm above the origins of the major visceral arteries is of proven value in the management of complex aortic disease including ruptured aneurysm, 're-do' aortic surgery and for aortic trauma. The value of the technique in elective non-aortic surgery is less well known. Two patients, one with a massive leiomyosarcoma of the stomach and the other with blood loss complicating a distal splenorenal shunt, are described in which proximal aortic control was of use.