Central Aortic Cannula Disruption Following Left Atrial Myxoma Excision

Abstract

Background Central aortic cannulation is used to give oxygenated blood to the patient through a heart-lung machine. Major surgical intraoperative bleeding during cardiac surgery is a dreaded complication, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Central Aortic cannula disruption during Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a rare complication which needs prompt management. Case Presentation We are reporting a case of central aortic cannula disruption during LA myxoma excision in which the Metal tip part of the cannula detached from its body, resulting in massive blood loss. Intraoperative blood salvage technique was used to maintain hemodynamics during surgery.Conclusion Aortic cannula disruption is a rare complication and can be lethal to the patient, if not managed timely. Before cannulation, proper visual inspection of all cannulae by team members is very important to eliminate this type of complication.