An alternative method for cardioplegia delivery during totally endoscopic robotic surgery.

The optimal technique for myocardial protection and cardioplegia delivery during totally endoscopic robotic surgery is still under evolution. Cardioplegia delivery with endovascular clamping of the aorta is a common method used for this purpose but has several disadvantages and may lead to serious complications. Here we describe an alternative cardioplegia delivery method during totally endoscopic atrial septal defect closure and mitral valve repair. The method using a transthoracic aortic clamp and an antegrade cardioplegia cannula without any thoracotomy seems to be a safe and reproducible technique, which may enhance myocardial protection and prevent some of the complications of the endoclamp technique during robotically assisted cardiac surgery.