Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Infant Cardiac Surgery With Circulatory Arrest and Intermittent Perfusion

Neuroprotection strategies during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) in infants undergoing cardiac surgery are varied. This single institution retrospective study compared uninterrupted DHCA (24 pts) to DHCA with intermittent perfusion (16 pts).  Total DHCA duration did not predict neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 mos of age.  Intermittent perfusion was associated with similar outcomes to uninterrupted DHCA despite the longer exposure to DHCA in this group.  Outcomes were related to important comorbidites, length of stay and ICU stay, and multiple procedures requiring DHCA.