Easy aortic cannulation: A transxyphoid approach

An easy aortic cannulation technique in minimally invasive pediatric cardia c surgery is described. We have developed a dilator which fits an aortic pe rfusion cannula. The aortic cannula over the dilator with a hole for passag e of a guide wire is inserted into the ascending aorta by the Seldinger tec hnique. Using this technique, the cannula never slips off, even at a slant angle to the aorta owing to the guidance of the guide wire. We recommend th is safe and reliable technique for insertion of an aortic cannula into the ascending aorta in minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery.