Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

An Image Guided Transapical Mitral Valve Leaflet Puncture Model of Controlled Volume Overload from Mitral Regurgitation in the Rat
Published on: May 19, 2020
Single venous return for mitral valve operations
James S Gammie1, Thomas J Vander Salm
1From the *Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD; †North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA.
Objective:
: 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.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Return
What is Venous Return?
Venous return refers to the rate at which blood flows back to the heart from the body's peripheral veins. It's an integral part of the circulatory system as it...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

