We investigated whether percutaneous cannulation of the coronary sinus coul
d be accomplished without fluoroscopy using transesophageal echocardiograph
y in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac operations. The coronar
y sinus was cannulated without significant complications using transesophag
eal echocardiography in 10 of 11 patients (mean, 10.5 minutes). Percutaneou
s cannulation of the coronary sinus can be accomplished in a safe and effic
ient manner using transesophageal echocardiography without the need for flu
oroscopy. (C) 1998 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.