A method for perfusion of the leg during cardiopulmonary bypass via femoral cannulation

Minimally invasive approaches for cardiac operations currently are gaining increasing attention. Some of these approaches require cannulation of the femoral vessels for cardiopulmonary bypass. A potential complication of femoral cannulation is ischemic injury to the lower extremity in some cases that require long bypass times. To minimize this risk we have begun cannulating the common femoral artery distally, as well as proximally. This technique perfuses the leg for the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, and it can be accomplished with minimal increases in cost and operative time. (C) 1998 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.