Noninvasive cerebral oximeter as a surrogate for mixed venous saturation in children.

We evaluated the relationship between regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) cerebral oximeter with superior vena cava (SVC), inferior vena cava (IVC), right atrium (RA), and pulmonary artery (PA) saturation measured on room air and 100% inspired oxygen administered via a non-rebreather mask (NRB) in children. Twenty nine pediatric post-orthotopic heart transplant patients undergoing an annual myocardial biopsy were studied. We found a statistically significant correlation between rSO(2) and SVC saturations at room air and 100% inspired oxygen concentration via NRB (r = 0.

Ductus arteriosus aneurysm with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and spontaneous rupture: a potentially fatal quandary.

We present the case of a 6-month-old previously healthy girl who presented with high fever, labored breathing, and an enlarged cardiac silhouette on her chest radiograph. Comprehensive evaluation discovered a ductus arteriosus aneurysm and pericardial effusion with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Despite pericardiocentesis and appropriate intravenous antibiotics, there was rapid enlargement of the aneurysm and accumulation of echogenic material within the ductus arteriosus aneurysm.

Cardiopulmonary bypass for adults with congenital heart disease: pitfalls for perfusionists.

The fixed incidence of congenital heart defects and improved survival have resulted in increasing numbers of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) who have undergone complex repairs and/or palliations. Eventually, there will be more adults with CHD than children. They will require cardiac surgical interventions associated with progression of their CHD or for age-related disease, such as coronary revascularization.

The first successful DeBakey VAD child implantation as a bridge to transplant.

A 14-year-old boy with repaired transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect presented with atrial flutter and severe congestive heart failure. Despite successful cardioversion and optimal medical therapy, the patient deteriorated and was supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Two days after initiating ECMO support, we implanted the DeBakey VAD Child ventricular assist device (MicroMed Technology, Inc.