CardiacAssist Inc. announced that it has introduced a Transseptal Cannula Set-Enhanced Flow 72 (THTC-EF 72) to cardiologists and cardiac surgeons for use with TandemHeart cardiac-assist device. Approved by US, the extracorporeal circulatory support TandemHeart System is used for critically ill patients and can be placed rapidly in a cath lab or an operating room. The TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-Enhanced Flow 72 (THTC-EF 72) ensures extended length to enable cannulation in individuals with a longer torso. It also accommodates the increased distance to the left atrium when cannulation is necessary from the left femoral vein. The new THTC-EF 72 is 10 cm longer than the standard TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula-EF and also has a sealed pouch with two adjustable suture rings. The standard or extended-size cannula is advanced through the femoral vein into the left atrium, following standard transseptal puncture and hole dilation using a two-stage dilator. The distal end of the cannula body is curved which facilitates optimal placement of the tip in the left atrium. To record the location of the cannula at placement, centimeter markings at the proximal end of the cannula are used. It also serves as a visual aid for monitoring any change in location which could occur when the patient is moved. For adequate blood flow and drainage of the left atrium, distal tip and side holes are configured. Radiopaque disks are located in the tip of either the standard or extended cannula to allow visualization under fluoroscopy.