Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of femoral or iliac cannulation?

In the context of femoral or iliac cannulation, it is essential to understand the characteristics and limitations associated with this access site.

One of the notable characteristics of femoral or iliac cannulation is that it can be performed even in patients with an ascending aortic aneurysm, provided that proper techniques are utilized. This flexibility allows for effective access when the ascending aorta may not be the best option due to the presence of an aneurysm.

Limited cannula size is an important consideration, as the diameter of the femoral or iliac vessels may restrict the size of the cannula that can be used for optimal flow rates. This limitation can affect the ability to deliver adequate perfusion, particularly in cases requiring higher flow.

Accessibility can be more challenging with femoral or iliac cannulation compared to direct access to the thoracic aorta. This difficulty arises from the anatomical positioning and the potential for obstructive structures in the access route.

Retrograde perfusion direction is another significant aspect. When cannulating the femoral or iliac arteries, the perfusion often involves blood flow directed retrograde to the normal direction. This directionality can affect perfusion dynamics and is particularly relevant in cases where systemic circulation needs to be maintained.

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