Aortic cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass.

The surgical technique and complications of aortic cannulation for arterial return in total body perfusion utilizing oxygenator were presented based on our experience of 400 patients. Major complications encountered were laceration and bleeding (1 case), hematoma formation and bleeding (2 cases), and malpositioning of the catheter resulting in mild brain damage (1 case). All underwent re-operation with 4 survivals. Aortic cannulation is simple to perform, easy to maintian stability in cardiopulmonary bypass and with much less risk of retrograde dissection in all ages.