To assess the effects clamping of the proximal thoracic aorta and of subsequent decompression with a temporary shunt on cardiac function during resection of aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta, mean arterial (MAP), central venous (CVP), mean pulmonary arterial (MPAP), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP), as well as cardiac index (CI), were measured in eight patients at baseline, 2 minutes after clamping the aorta beyond the left carotid or left subclavian artery, and 2 minutes after opening the shunt. Following clamping, MAP, CVP, and PCWP increased significantly (P less than 0.05), while CI decreased significantly, an average of 29%, and heart rate remained unchanged. After opening the shunt, all pressures returned to baseline levels. CI increased, but remained below the baseline level in seven of the eight patients (P less than 0.05). Our data indicate that significant deterioration of left ventricular performance results from clamping and that the deleterious effects can be reversed by use of a temporary shunt. They support the recommendation of proximal aortic decompression during thoracic aneurysmectomy.