Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:1856-1857
© 2004 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
How to do it
Systematic Traction Techniques in Minimal-Access Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Hiroshi Oiwa, MDa,*,
Ryoichi Ishida, MDa,
Kenichi Sudo, MDa
a Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
Accepted for publication August 28, 2003.
* Address reprint requests to Dr Oiwa, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2, Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
hiroshioiwa{at}hotmail.com
Minimal-access pediatric cardiac surgery is now common in the treatment of simple congenital heart defects. However, methods of securing a good, unobstructed view for surgery and the difficulties of working in a deep, narrow field jeopardize safety in surgical procedures, especially for less experienced surgeons have been described. Our systematic, step-by-step traction techniques on the skin, the pericardium, the right atrial appendage, the aortic root, both venae cavae, and the free wall of the right ventricular outflow, using a mechanical retractor and traction sutures, facilitate surgical field exposure and the achievement of safety. As described below, our procedures are simple, allow direct inspection, and assist those working toward technical mastery.
Copyright © 2004 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
