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Ann Thorac Surg 2003;76:1126-1130
© 2003 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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Original article: cardiovascular

Expanded use of suction and stabilization devices in cardiothoracic surgery

^a The National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, England, United Kingdom
^b Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital London, London, England, United Kingdom

Accepted for publication April 8, 2003.

^* Address reprint requests to Dr Athanasiou, 70 St. Olaf's Rd, Fulham, London SW6 7DN, England, United Kingdom.
e-mail: tathan5253{at}aol.com

BACKGROUND: Recent developments in beating heart instrumentation have allowed surgeons to perform multivessel off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery by overcoming the factors that impair surgical performance (limited visualization, continuous movement of the target area, and hemodynamic instability during exposure of the inferior and posterior parts of the heart). We have explored the possibility of further expanding apical and epicardial suction devices beyond their ordinary use in coronary artery surgery.

METHODS: A retrospective review of our cardiac surgery database was undertaken to identify the incidences in which these devices have been used in a somewhat novel manner in the field of cardiac surgery.

RESULTS: During this time period we identified 20 instances in which either apical or epicardial suction devices were used alone or together. The nature of the procedures included dividing pericardial adhesions (pericardiectomy, n = 2; dividing adhesions in redo-coronary surgery, n = 4), securing epicardial hemostases (penetrating cardiac trauma, n = 2; securing hemostasis during reexploration after cardiac surgery, n = 10), and facilitating epicardial microwave ablation (n = 2). On all 20 occasions the intended procedures were undertaken uneventfully. Furthermore, the use of apical and epicardial devices greatly facilitated the operative procedures and avoided the use of cardiopulmonary bypass on all occasions.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we would like to highlight the expanding role for apical and epicardial suction devices to an area beyond coronary artery surgery in which we have found their use invaluable.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Fukumoto, M. Yamagishi, K. Doi, M. Ogawa, T. Inoue, and H. Yaku Off-pump Pericardiectomy Using an Ultrasonic Scalpel and a Heart Positioner Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann, December 1, 2007; 15(6): e69 - e71. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. Motallebzadeh and R. R. Kanagasabay Additional Uses of Stabilization Devices in Cardiac Surgery Ann. Thorac. Surg., December 1, 2004; 78(6): 2212 - 2212. [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. Athanasiou, O. Aziz, R. Casula, and B. Glenville Reply Ann. Thorac. Surg., December 1, 2004; 78(6): 2212 - 2213. [Full Text] [PDF]