Texas Heart Institute journal
The most recent articles from:
Tex Heart Inst J
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Editorial Biography Historical Article
Texas Heart Institute Medal and The Ray C. Fish Award for Scientific Achievement in Cardiovascular Diseases.
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Case Reports
Direct cannulation of the infrahepatic vena cava for emergent cardiopulmonary bypass support.
Cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass, although seemingly routine, can pose technical challenges. In patients undergoing repeat sternotomy, for example, peripherally established cardiopulmonary bypass may be necessary to ensure safe entry into the chest; however, establishing bypass in this way can sometimes be complicated by patients' body habitus. We describe a technique for direct cannulation of the infrahepatic abdominal vena cava that was required for emergent cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ The rest of the operation was uneventful. Our technique for direct cannulation of the infrahepatic abdominal vena cava may be used in exceptional circumstances. Necessary precautions and potential pitfalls are also presented.