Cava endoluminal balloon occlusion as an adjunct technique to perform lessinvasive cardiopulmonary bypass procedures

Objectives: A cardiopulmonary bypass technique was developed with the aim o f achieving a less invasive approach to right-sided lesions of the heart or to avoid extensive dissection in reoperations. Methods: Cavae endoluminal balloon occlusion (CEBO) was achieved with balloon catheters, introduced th rough cannulas inserted in the right jugular and one of the femoral veins. This procedure can be used in association with a standard femoral cardiopul monary bypass or with the port-access technique. Results: Twenty-two patien ts were operated, through a right thoracotomy, for atrial septal defect (19 ) and tricuspid valve regurgitation associated with mitral valve pathology (3). There were two intra-operative complications, partially related with t he development of this technique and lack of appropriate designed material. There was no mortality and a shorter and easier postoperative care was ach ieved in almost all patients. Conclusions: The CEBO technique is an useful and safe adjunct to pel form miniinvasive or complex reoperations on the ri ght side of the heart (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.