Partial Occlusion of the Descending Aorta Increases Cerebral Blood Flow in a Nonstroke Porcine Model

BACKGROUND: We studied the effect of partial aortic occlusion on cerebral perfusion and cardiac performance using the intra-aortic NeuroFlo catheter. METHODS: Adult pigs were instrumented to determine cardiac parameters; unique isotope-labeled microspheres were used to determine cerebral blood flow (CBF) before, during and after sequential partial aortic occlusion. RESULTS: Six pigs were studied; there was no relevant change in cardiac output, and the desired pressure drop of 10-15 mm Hg across the balloons was achieved. CBF increased significantly with inflation of the suprarenal balloon and remained elevated 90 min after deflation. CONCLUSIONS: Partial aortic occlusion with the NeuroFlo catheter significantly increased cerebral perfusion without adversely affecting cardiac performance.