Use of intra-aortic and intracardiac transfusions in cardiac arrest.

When cardiac arrest or sudden shock occurs in the operating room, the problem of rapid transfusion of whole blood is often of paramount urgency. Much has been written about the efficacy of intra-arterial transfusions in selected cases. The intra-aortic and intra-cardiac routes, however, have not received adequate attention. It is the purpose of this report to consider these routes. INTRA-AORTIC TRANSFUSION A recent case illustrates the use of the intra-aortic transfusion route. Case 1. —The patient, a 36-year-old Negro man, was admitted with massive hematemesis and melana of several hours' duration. There was a history of proved duodenal ulcer that had been demonstrated rontgenographically and for which the patient had been under conservative therapy. Despite repeated transfusions and insertion of a Sengstaken tube, bleeding continued, and a subtotal gastrectomy was thought advisable. At operation, 36 hours after the patient's admission, exploration of the abdomen revealed a large, penetrating, posterior ulcer