Short segment aortic endarterectomy--a technique to aid cannulation in donors with severe aorto-iliac disease.

Cannulation of the abdominal aorta in older donors with advanced atherosclerotic disease is challenging and may lead to dissection or plaque embolization. We describe a different technique, short segment aortic endarterectomy, which can be a useful alternative during organ procurement. It permits safer cannulation and securing of atherosclerotic infrarenal aortas, thereby allowing us to flush and safely use organs that otherwise would have been discarded.