[A new cardiovascular surgical instrument: cannula stabilizer]

A new instrument has been developed to safely keep the venous cannula out of the operative field during open heart surgery. This instrument is designed for holding the venous cannula in a curved state at a desired angle. It consists of four semicircular claws mounted on a bar. The size of the claws is tailored so that they comfortably accommodate the standard-size two-stage venous cannula. The bar is flexible enough to be bent manually to form the required curvature, and at the same time it is strong enough to resist the self-uncoiling force of the cannula. When in use, the bar is bent to form the desired curvature and then it is placed on the required portion of the venous cannula. The angle of its curvature and its location on the cannula can be adjusted easily as required during the course of the operative procedure. With this instrument the venous cannula can be easily held in a curved state without disturbing venous return so that the cannula does not come into the way of the surgeon's hands.