Venous Cannula Obstruction by Embolus during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract

During a routine mitral valve repair with coronary revascularization in a 65-year-old man, venous return was suddenly interrupted. The venous cannula was rapidly removed, revealing a large thrombus obstructing its lumen. Prompt recognition of the problem and replacement of the venous cannula resulted in uneventful recovery of the patient.