Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Intracardiac beating-heart procedures require the introduction and exchange of complex instruments and devices. To prevent potential complications such as air embolism and bleeding, a universal cardioport was designed and tested. METHODS: The design consists of a port body and a series of interchangeable sleeves. The port uses a fluid purging system to remove air from the instrument before insertion into the heart, and a valve system minimizes blood loss during instrument changes. RESULTS: The cardioport was tested ex vivo and in vivo in pigs (n = 5). Beating-heart procedures, such as septal defect closure and mitral valve repair, were modeled. Ex vivo trials (n = 150) were performed, and no air emboli were introduced using the port. In comparison, air emboli were detected in 40% to 85% of the cases without the use of the port-based purging system. Port operation revealed excellent ergonomics and minimal blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: A novel cardioport system designed to prevent air entry and blood loss from transcardiac instrument introduction was shown to be an enabling platform for intracardiac beating-heart surgery. The port system improves safety and facilitates further development of complex instruments and devices for transcardiac beating-heart surgery.