Atherosclerotic morbidity of the ascending aorta is associated with an increased risk of perioperative cerebral damage during cardiac surgery. To minimize the risk, we developed a refined method for occluding the diseased ascending aorta. From April 2005 to December 2007, 18 patients underwent cardiac surgery. Just before aortic cross-clamping, the aorta was opened during brief circulatory arrest in order to flush out any possible remaining atheromatous debris. The specially designed intra-aortic occluder was applied to an extremely calcified aorta. There were no hospital mortalities or cerebrovascular accidents. In conclusion, our technique can greatly contribute to the prevention of embolic complications in patients with a severely diseased ascending aorta.