Needle suction of the aorta for left heart decompression during aortic cross-clamping

Needle aspiration of the aorta is a simple, effective, and safe method of left heart decompression when the aorta is cross-clamped during coronary artery operations. This technique avoids cardiac incisions, and air embolism does not occur. We have used this technique in more than 300 patients without complications.