Transapical Aortic Perfusion with a Double-Barreled Cannula

The transapical aortic perfusion method is a new approach to cardiopulmonary bypass and is performed with an infusion cannula placed in the ascending aorta through the left ventricular apex. The technique is applicable to almost all varieties of open-heart surgery, and is the most efficient method in infants and small children. A double-barreled forked cannula performs the two functions of aortic infusion and left ventricular decompression. With a Bakelite obturator, its cannulation to the aorta is very quick and easy.The transapical aortic perfusion method with a double-barreled cannula has been utilized in 156 open-heart operations with 17 perioperative fatalities and 1 late death. The 138 surviving patients have done well for periods up to four years.The perfusion method was developed from the left heart bypass and assisted circulation technique independently invented by Chardack's group and by us in 1966 and 1969, respectively.