A new triple-balloon, four-channel vascular catheter for use in renal transplantation

While current surgical techniques of renal transplantation afford excellent results, some steps of the operation are associated with potential morbidity. Application of vascular clamps on an atherosclerotic recipient artery can cause plaque fracture or atheroembolism. atheroembolism. Prolonged revascularization time may aggravate ischemic allograft damage. Based on the premise that arterial occlusion by an intraluminal balloon is less damaging to the vascular endothelium than an external vascular clamp, a new three-balloon, four-channel vascular catheter has been developed for use in renal transplantation. Catheters are inserted by the Seldinger technique, one catheter being positioned in each recipient external iliac artery and external iliac vein. Vascular control of the recipient vessels is obtained by inflation of the balloons. A pilot study in four dogs has confirmed the technical feasibility of using this catheter during renal transplantation. A description of the catheter, technique of surgical placement, advantages and potential uses is presented.