Surgical repair of an aortic coarctation in a patient after treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving treatment for neonates who have severe respiratory failure that does not respond to maximal conventional therapy. A consequence of venoarterial ECMO is the sacrifice of the right common carotid artery. Evaluation of the impact of a single carotid artery in babies treated with ECMO concerns mostly long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. The authors encountered a peculiar problem caused by a single carotid artery in a post-ECMO patient during the surgical correction of aortic coarctation with hypoplastic distal aortic arch. For patients with a confirmed cardiac malformation that necessitates future surgical repair and for whom ECMO support is required, reconstruction of the right common carotid artery should be considered. Veno-venous ECMO is an alternative solution if this approach is not contraindicated because of the patient's clinical condition. Patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia have a higher incidence of cardiac malformations; therefore, careful cardiological attention is required. Anomalies masked by pulmonary hypertension also must be considered.

• Authors: M Schöller, F vd Staak, K D Liem, J M Draaisma, L K Lacquet, C Festen
• Journal: Journal of pediatric surgery (J Pediatr Surg) Vol. 29 Issue 12 Pg. 1532-3 (Dec 1994) ISSN: 0022-3468 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7877018 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aortic Coarctation (etiology, surgery)
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (adverse effects)
• Hernia, Diaphragmatic (therapy)
• Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Male