A catheter adapted for placement in the ascending aorta comprises a central catheter mechanism and a balloon structure or other occluding structure at its distal end. The catheter may be placed over the aortic arch such that the occluding structure is placed in the ascending aorta just above the Sinus of Valsalva and coronary ostia. Once in place, the occluding structure is inflated to control blood flow through the aorta during aortic valve ablation and replacement protocols.
