Clinical experience with coronary sinus catheterization in minimally invasive aortic valve surgery under transesophageal echocardiography guidance

We aimed to show conventional coronary sinus (CS) catheter could be used with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance through the limited surgical field in aortic valve surgery with 'J' sternotomy. This method was performed in 14 patients and completed successfully in 12. We believe that in minimally invasive aortic valve surgery the insertion of the conventional retrograde cardioplegia catheter to the CS with routine way may not be possible but application of TEE guidance is cost-effective and easily applicable method without significant complications.