Multiple Small Foley Balloons for Large Cardiac or Vascular Lacerations

Abstract

Foley balloons have been used to secure emergency hemostasis for cardiac or vascular injuries since the 1960s. However, using a single large balloon may have drawbacks, such as insufficient hemostasis and blood flow impairment. We have encountered 3 major intraoperative laceration cases since 2011. The laceration sites (lengths) were at the inferior vena cava (2.5 cm), main pulmonary artery (2 cm), and right ventricle (5 cm). We successfully managed these patients by using multiple small (10F-14F, half-inflated) Foley balloons. Using small Foley balloons may overcome the drawbacks of using 1 large balloon and effectively manage large lacerations.