202: the simple cases
After bicaval cannulation with umbilical tapes, the right atrium is opened 1/3 of the way longitudinally. Retraction is provided and a right angle demonstrates the PFO (green arrow). A 5-0 prolene is secured and run in 2 layers to close the opening. The right atrium is then closed with 4-0 prolene in 2 layers.
We choose to perform the PFO closure after distal anastomoses are performed in a CABG-PFO closure.