Purpose: Renal allografts are sensitive to ischemic insult. During aortic cross clamping prevention of ischemic damage to a kidney below an aneurysm is vital. Many maneuvers have been reported. We describe a simple technique of protecting the transplant kidney from ischemic damage during aortic surgery.
Materials and methods: During vascular cross clamping a sterile ice slush was placed around the kidney for surface cooling, obviating the need for some of the complicated procedures previously reported.
Results: After removal of the ice slush and clamps, urine production resumed and creatinine levels remained unchanged.
Conclusions: External cooling with ice slush provides adequate renal protection during aortic cross clamping and requires no special expertise or equipment.