Abstract
Cannulating a pediatric patient with an interrupted aortic arch presents many challenges. Two cannulas are necessary to allow for proper blood flow to the head and to the extremities. This case was made more difficult by the weight of the child and the small size of the ascending aorta. The available pediatric cannulas were too large. The perfusionist adapted two 14-gauge intravenous (i.v.) catheters as arterial cannulas which were incorporated into the 1/4-inch arterial line.
The 14-gauge i.v. catheters worked successfully. While on cardiopulmonary bypass, the patient was both metabolically and hemodynamically stable. The patient survived the procedure and was eventually discharged from hospital.
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