What are the indications for smart cannulation?
We distinguish six main groups of indications for smart cannulation: a) small access surgery with remote cannulation. This is the original indication for which the smart canula ® has been developed. As a matter of fact, it is very difficult to achieve full flow with traditional percutaneous cannulae despite augmentation of venous return with centrifugal pumps or vacuum whereas gravity drainage is sufficient after smart cannulation. b) remote smart cannulation for (redo-) procedures with increased risk of cardiac injury allows for achieving full flow and decompression of the heart before entering the chest. c) remote smart cannulation for aortic surgery allows for superior flow which in turn results in faster cooling respectively rewarming of the patient. d) remote cannulation for open intra-caval procedures without snare. e) central smart cannulation of the right atrium/inferior vena cava for patients with small or crowded right atrium (smaller access) or assisted beating heart procedu
