New cannulation technique for the severely calcified ascending aorta.

Severe calcific atherosclerosis involving the femoral arteries, ascending aorta, right subclavian artery, and aortic arch precluded standard cannulation techniques for a patient requiring emergency revascularization. A cannula was passed from the apex of the left ventricle across the aortic valve to lie in the proximal ascending aorta, and successful cardiopulmonary bypass was achieved to allow revascularization.