Convenient training method for aortic cannulation: glove- and-peel method.

Aortic cannulation is a difficult technique for young cardiovascular surgeons. A convenient training method for this procedure is introduced in this paper. After two gloves are worn on a hand, they are removed together, then a piece of mandarin-orange peel is inserted between the gloves. The inner glove is filled with water and the mouth of the inflated gloves is securely tied with a strong ligature. Then this "glove balloon" is set inside a container to stabilize it. Purse-string stitches are placed on the orange peel. After the center of the purse string is incised with a number 11 blade, a cannula is introduced. This "glove-and-peel method" will help young cardiovascular surgeons to become accustomed to aortic cannulation.