Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction by transatrial left ventricular cannulation

Transatrial cannulation of the left ventricle was introduced as a safe and easy cannulation method for antegrade arterial return in type A aortic dissection. However, because of the paucity of clinical reports, little is known about the complications or shortcomings of this technique. Herein, we report a case of pulmonary haemorrhage resulting from left ventricular outflow obstruction, necessitating the exchange of the arterial cannulation site. Monitoring the jet of the arterial cannula with transoesophageal echocardiography and pulmonary artery pressure is mandatory for early detection of complications.