The surgical approach to aneurysms involving the transverse aortic arch usually requires either techniques for perfusion or hypothermic circulatory arrest. A simplified approach may be warranted when the aneurysmal process begins in the distal aortic arch and spares the innominate artery. Between November, 1975, and January, 1984, 32 patients (22 men, 10 women; median age 61 years) underwent repair of aneurysms of the distal aortic arch by simple cross-clamping of the diseased aortic segment. In each, the aneurysm arose distal to the innominate artery and involved the arch at the origin of the left subclavian or left common carotid artery. Proximal control was achieved by cross-clamping the aortic arch between the innominate and left carotid arteries. No shunts or extracorporeal bypass circuits were employed. Proximal hypertension was controlled by sodium nitroprusside infusion. All patients were heparinized. A mean aortic cross-clamp time of 27 +/- 10 minutes was required for Dacron graft replacement in 28 patients and Dacron patch repair in three patients. Surgical repair was accomplished successfully in 32 patients. The 30 day mortality was 3% with an in-hospital mortality of 6%. There were no complications as a result of myocardial infarction or stroke. Paraplegia (three patients) was related to cross-clamp time (less than 30 minutes, 0/18; greater than 30 minutes, 3/13 [p less than 0.001]) and distal extent of the aneurysm (localized, 0/22; extensive, 3/9 [p less than 0.001]). Transient renal failure (two patients) was related to cross-clamp time (less than 30 minutes, 0/18; greater than 30 minutes, 2/13 [p less than 0.001]). This experience supports the use of simple aortic cross-clamping for aneurysms of the distal aortic arch, especially if an expeditious repair can be accomplished.