Alternative technique of right-sided outflow cannula insertion for right ventricular support

Right ventricular assist devices are an important part of the armamentarium of cardiac surgeons for the treatment of right-sided circulatory failure a fter cardiac transplantation or insertion of a left ventricular assist devi ce. However, right ventricular assist device insertion can be technically c hallenging in the setting of pulmonary hypertension because of a number of concomitant anatomic and physiologic phenomena. We present a technique for the insertion of the right ventricular assist device outflow cannula that i s easier and faster to insert, and safer to explant, especially if cardiopu lmonary bypass is to be avoided. (C) 1998 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeo ns.