The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 57, 1349-1350, Copyright © 1994 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
New technique for coronary sinus cannulation using a fiberoptic stylet
E Esper, R Devineni and J Kolff
Department of Surgery, Temple University, Pennsylvania.
Fluoroscopy, echocardiography, blind digital approach, and direct visual
insertion have been used for retrograde cannulation of the coronary sinus.
We cannulate the coronary sinus by transillumination using a standard
flexible retroplegia cannula with a reusable fiberoptic stylet designed by
our open heart program. An attachable light source illuminates the tip,
which is guided into the coronary sinus ostium. We have used the technique
in 16 patients who could not be cannulated with the blind digital method.