A balloon catheter has been described which can be inserted into the aorta from one of the brachiocephalic arteries. In the aorta it travels with the blood stream to any desired position distal to the site of entry. Guidance of the catheter is accomplished by the incompletely distended balloon which acts as a streamer. Total or partial occlusion of the aorta is afforded by complete or incomplete distention of the balloon. Our experience with the balloon streamer in 19 dogs has been described with particular regard to blood pressure changes induced by the instrument in (1) animals with normal blood and volume and (2) animals with decreased blood pressure secondary to blood letting. Pertinent EKG changes are also mentioned. There are potentially three major fields of application of this balloon catheter: uncontrollable bleeding from the aorta or its branches distal to the aortic arch; selective perfusion of the aorta above or below the occlusion; acute uncontrollable hypotension. © 1968, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.
