Pulmonary Vein Clamping During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Enhancement of Operative Field Visualization and Myocardial Hypothermia

In certain diagnostic entities temporary occlusion of the pulmonary veins during cardiopulmonary bypass essentially eliminates the left ventricular return of blood. This, in turn, improves visualization of the operative field and enhances myocardial hypothermia by preventing rewarming of the left ventricle to the perfusate temperature. Two methods of easily accomplishing pulmonary vein clamping are described.