Most cardiac surgeons routinely perform bicaval venous cannulation for mitral valve operations. We describe the technique and advantage of a single-venous cannulation strategy.
Methods/Results
Single venous cannulation with a 29-French small-bore cannula (facilitated by vacuum-assisted venous drainage) yields reliable decompression of the right heart and affords outstanding exposure of the mitral valve.
Conclusions
We recommend and use this technique for all mitral valve operations not requiring opening the right atrium.
BalasundaramS., VegaJ.L., DuranC.M.Single venous cannulation through the right atrium for venous return in valve operations. Ann Thorac Surg.1991; 51: 506–507.
