system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
During cardiac surgery of a 45-year-old male the cardiac surgeon can place her fingers in the transverse pericardial sinus, if necessary. This allows the surgeon to easily place a vascular clamp upon which of the following vessels?
assistant
The correct answer is  A finger passing through the transverse pericardial sinus passes directly behind the great arteries exiting the heart, allowing the surgeon to rather easily place a vascular clamp upon the pulmonary trunk and ascending aorta. The other vessels listed are not readily accessible by way of the transverse sinus.