Vancouver-based Total Flow Medical’s TFA cannula received clearance for extracorporeal circulation during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures for up to six hours.

Femoral arterial cannulation, a commonly used technique for establishing extracorporeal circulation, circulates blood outside the body during cardiac surgery. However, the company says maintaining blood flow to the cannulated limb remains an important consideration.

Total Flow Medical designed the TFA cannula with this challenge in mind. The device incorporates a balloon at its distal tip to allow blood flow to the cannulated limb. According to the company, it provides clinicians with an option that can integrate into existing surgical workflows as well.