Extrathoracic cannulation for urgent cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac tamponade. Use of the internal jugular vein.
Two patients with intra-thoracic cardiovascular catastrophies and cardiac tamponade precluding safe thoracotomy were approached using cannulation of the left internal jugular and femoral veins. Cardiopulmonary bypass could then be established with effective venous drainage before direct approach to the heart and great vessels was attempted. This method produced a satisfactory outcome in both patients.
Westaby
S
S
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital Headington, Oxford, U.K.
D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000601:surgery*; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods*; D004630:Emergencies; D005268:Femoral Vein; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged