Cannulation of the right axillary artery for extracorporeal circulation in aortic surgery through a left thoracotomy:...

Extensive aortic disease, such as atherosclerosis with aneurysms or dissections that involve the ascending aorta, can complicate the choice of a cannulation site for cardiopulmonary bypass. Antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through the right axillary artery has proved to be a reliable and valuable method for cerebral protection in aortic surgery. In the supine position it is an artery straightforward to access, it is more complicated in the right thoracoabdominal position. We present an innovative method of axillary artery cannulation for patients requiring surgery through a left thoracotomy.