Single Catheter Technique for Cardioplegia and Venting during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Two areas of current controversy concerning coronary artery bypass operations involve the use of cardioplegia and the need for left ventricular venting. We wish to describe a very simple, safe, and effective method of accomplishing both cardioplegic arrest and venting using a single 14-gauge catheter inserted into the aortic root.