Transplant kidney protection during aortic aneurysm surgery

Purpose: Renal allografts are sensitive to ischemic insult. During aortic c ross clamping prevention of ischemic damage to a kidney below an aneurysm i s vital. Many maneuvers have been reported. We describe a simple technique of protecting the transplant kidney from ischemic damage during aortic surg ery. Materials and Methods: During vascular cross clamping a sterile ice slush w as placed around the kidney for surface cooling, obviating the need for som e of the complicated procedures previously reported. Results: After removal of the ice slush and clamps, urine production resume d and creatinine levels remained unchanged. Conclusions: External cooling with ice slush provides adequate renal protec tion during aortic cross clamping and requires no special expertise or equi pment.