Transapical aortic perfusion with a double-barreled cannula

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Devices
• Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Background:

• Cardiopulmonary bypass is essential for open-heart surgery.
• Existing methods may have limitations, especially in pediatric patients.
• Development of novel perfusion techniques is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the transapical aortic perfusion method.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of a novel double-barreled cannula for aortic infusion and ventricular decompression.
• To determine the applicability and outcomes of this technique in various open-heart surgeries, with a focus on infants and children.

Main Methods:

• The transapical aortic perfusion technique involves placing an infusion cannula in the ascending aorta via the left ventricular apex.
• A double-barreled forked cannula facilitates both aortic infusion and left ventricular decompression.
• Cannulation is expedited using a Bakelite obturator.

Main Results:

• The method was successfully applied in 156 open-heart operations.
• Perioperative mortality was 17 deaths, with 1 late death.
• 138 surviving patients demonstrated positive outcomes up to four years post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Transapical aortic perfusion is an effective and efficient method for cardiopulmonary bypass, especially in pediatric cardiac surgery.
• The double-barreled cannula simplifies cannulation and provides dual functionality.
• The technique shows a favorable survival and long-term outcome profile.