Cerebral vascular effects of aortovenous cannulations for pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Background . The effects of aortovenous cannulations for pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and electroencephalography (EEG) were evaluated. Methods . CBFV and EEG were continuously recorded before (baseline), during, and after cannulations until initiation of cooling (mean ± 95% confidence interval). Vasopressors and/or volume replacement were administered if mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased below 35 mm Hg. Cannulation-related EEG slowing was used as a criterion for electrocortical alteration. Results . We studied 124 children (3 days to 17 years of age). Aortic and venous cannulations decreased mean CBFV by 10 ± 3% and 13 ± 4%, respectively, from baseline ( p p p p = 0.04). Patients requiring intervention were younger ( p p Conclusions . Cerebral effects of cannulations are greater in young infants. This was found to be associated with low MAP during heart manipulation or consequence of cannula malpositions.