Experimental videothoracoscopic cannulation of the left atrial appendix. A feasible rapid approach for initiating left heart bypass?

Rapid implementation of left ventricular assistance without thoracotomy for temporary support of patients with severe, life-threatening, acute cardiac power failure potentially expands applications of such support devices. A thoracoscopic technique for direct cannulation of the left atrium is described. In healthy closed-chest pigs, it proved a feasible method for effective volume unloading of the left ventricle.