Trocar cannulation of the ascending aorta: a new technique

An improved technique for cannulating the ascending aorta has been developed and used in 229 consecutive open-heart procedures without complication. Advantages of the method include speed and ease of cannula insertion, elimination of the need for partial-occlusion clamping of the aorta, minimization of the risk of introducing air, minimization of blood loss, and facilitation of distal cannulation in patients with short aortas.