Miniature circuit for perfusion management of 1.7 kg baby for Arterial Switch Operation (ASO)

The ultimate test of skill of a perfusionist lies in conducting cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for a neonatal patient. Management of CPB for the neonates weighing below two kilograms is a challenge for the perfusionist. A 19-days old child weighing 1.7 kilograms presented with transposition of great arteries (TGA) for which arterial switch operation was performed. CPB circuit consisted of Baby RX 0.5 membrane oxygenator using 3/16 inch tubes for both arterial and venous lines, with ¼ inch boot line. Blood cardioplegia was delivered through modified Calafiore technique using 150 cms. extension line after the cardioplegia pump. The circuit was primed with 260 ml of haemic prime.