A newly designed arterial monitoring/perfusion cannula for cardiac operations

A newly designed arterial monitoring and perfusion cannula for cardiopulmonary bypass eliminates the need for cannulation of a peripheral artery for pressure monitoring. The double-lumen cannula is designed as follows: the large central lumen (12 to 26f) acts as the arterial inflow conduit from the pump oxygenator, while a second, smaller lumen (18 gauge)constructed in the wall of the first cannula acts as the pressure-monitoring port and the source for blood sampling and drug infusion. This monitoring/perfusion cannula has been used succesfully in more than 250 clinical patients in a variety of settings--total cardiopulmonary bypass, left heart bypass, and when multiple arterial inflow lines were necessary (as in aortic arch replacement). Use of this cannula is advantageous in the infant and pediatric patient or in the emergency setting, when insertion of a peripheral arterial line can be difficult. Used in conjunction with a Doppler system, the cannula provides accurate, dependable blood pressure monitoring.