Left Ventricular Preparation with an Extrathoracically Adjustable Balloon Occluder

Abstract We developed a hydraulic occluder that could be adjusted percutaneously through a subcutaneous reservoir. Because of the potentially high pressures that may occur in preparing patients with transposition of the great vessels for an atrial switch procedure, the band on that hydrauler was modified to withstand arterial pressure and was subjected to studies involving banding of the aorta. Data indicate the suitability of this hydraulic occluder to withstand and maintain pressure in the systemic circulation.