Background:
Retrograde cardioplegia is very useful in cardiac surgery. However, it remains a risky technique and some coronary sinus injuries are reported, sometimes difficult to repair. We describe a simple, reproducible and rapid to perform technique to treat theses injuries, with the use of a new hemostatic sponge (Tachosyl° Nycomed).

Material and Methods:
On 5 swines (mean weight: 30 kg), cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted between both vena cava and ascending aorta, after medial sternotomy. A left ventricular venting was positioned in the left ventricle via right superior pulmonary vein. After cross clamping and crystalloid cardioplegia (Custodiol°, Eusapharma), an injury of 5mm long was performed with a lancet on the coronary sinus. Then, hemostatic sponge (Tachosyl° Nycomed) of 2 cm sides was positioned on the injury, taking care of having less blood as possible on the application field. After 3 minutes of application with a tepid compress, the hemostasis obtained was evaluated with an objective scale (duration before hemostasis, quality).

Result:
The procedure was possible for each swine. The quality of hemostasis obtained was qualified as very satisfactory, with no residual bleeding. The duration for obtain hemostasis was between 3 and 5 minutes. However, quality of application on a dry field, and the 3 minutes duration of application of the tepid compress were mandatory to obtain theses satisfactory results.

Conclusion:
It is possible to treat with efficacy a peroperative severe injury of the coronary sinus with correct application of a hemostatic sponge. However, long term results must be evaluated by further experimental study.