Patient tilt improves efficacy of CO(2) field-flooding in minimally invasive cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE: Space limitations during minimally invasive cardiac surgery impede consistent use of CO(2) field-flooding. We compared different gas delivery methods, flow rates and the effect of patient inclination. METHODS: A gastight model of MICS surgery with internal organs and right thoracotomy wound was created from a mannequin and equipped with a CO(2) concentration sensor in the left ventricle. Maximum achievable CO(2) concentration was compared for gas delivery via three commercial CO(2) diffusors (CarbonMini, Temed, Andocor) and also via a trocar with side port. Gas flow rates of 1, 3, 5 and 8 L per minute were tested. The model was placed either in supine position or with 20° oblique tilt. A simplified transparent model was also created and placed in an optical test bench to evaluate the gas cloud motions via real-time visualization. RESULTS: The trocar consistently achieved higher CO(2) concentrations inside the left ventricle. At 1 l/min, approximately 2.5 min were needed to fill the supine model to its maximum CO(2) concentration, which was limited to a range of 48–82% in the left ventricle. At higher flow rates, filling time and concentration were significantly improved. In a tilted model, all devices and all flow rates generated on average 99% CO(2) in the ventricle. Imaging revealed constant gas exchange via the main incision, with CO(2) outflow via bottom and air inflow via the top of the incision. CONCLUSIONS: CO(2) field flooding in minimally invasive cardiac surgery is highly effective if the patient is tilted. Else a flow rate of 5 l/min is recommended to achieve the same protection. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-022-01916-5.