Figure 2.

Arterial cannulation is performed using a 22-F wire reinforced flexible femoral artery cannula and venous cannulation using a right-angled 28-F cannula. With the tip protected by a glove, the cannula is advanced through the subxiphoid skin incision and inserted perpendicular to the right atrial free wall to ensure unimpeded venous drainage. A left atrial vent line is inserted via the right superior pulmonary vein. A transverse (near) circumferential aortotomy is performed to improve exposure of the aortic root.