Extended use of cardiopulmonary bypass in a multidisciplinary hospital

Objective: To share our experience highlighting the additional use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cases other than the conventional ischemic, congenital and valvular heart diseases. Methodology: All patients undergoing non-traditional cardiac surgery utilizing the cardiopulmonary bypass during a period from 1999 to 2009 reviewed. Their preoperative presentation, operative strategy and immediate postoperative status were assessed. Results: A total of six such cases were identified including three female and three male patients. Two patients presented with road traffic accident having aortic transection along with other injuries. They underwent repair utilizing partial cardiopulmonary bypass. One patient presented with large PDA aneurysm and symptoms related to its pressure effect on respiratory system. He underwent repair under hypothermic circulatory arrest. These three patients were done via left thoracotomy. Three patients underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, one for removal of thrombus from right atrium after complicated liver abscess, one patient required vascular graft interposition in left internal carotid artery for aneurysm extending into cranium and the third one underwent resection of vascular tumor of posterior cranial fossa. One patient required exploration for bleeding. One patient died after prolonged hospitalization. Rest of the patient had unremarkable postoperative course and were discharged home. Conclusion: Our short experience highlights the extended use of cardiopulmonary bypass in a multidisciplinary hospital, facilitating to perform complex, technically challenging non cardiac procedures which otherwise may not be possible.