Original Article

Left Atrial Vent Device

Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242

^* Reprint Requests to Donald B. Doty, M.D.

Abstract

A right angle sump catheter device for use in venting the left side of the heart through the left atrium during operations using cardiopulmonary bypass has been described. Design features were based upon aspiration of the most dependent portion of the left atrium. It has proven useful in rendering a dry operating field.

Aspiration of blood returning to the left side of the heart during cardiopulmonary bypass from bronchial or aorto-pulmonary collateral circulation is necessary in many open intracardiac operations. Traditionally, this blood has been removed through a catheter inserted through the apex of the left ventricle. This method has generally been satisfactory, but problems associated with catheter position in trabeculae of the left ventricle, control of suction, damage to the ventricular myocardium, and risk of hemorrhage have led to use of the left atrium as the venting site of choice in most instances. A vent catheter inserted into the left atrium offers major safety and convenience factors, as well as placing the aspiration catheter at the most dependent point in the heart. A right angle sump device has been designed and used in over 500 open intracardiac procedures. It has proven to be very effective and essentially problem free in removing blood from the left atrium.