Topical Review: Cerebral Hemodynamics and Metabolism During Infant Cardiac Surgery. Mechanisms of Injury and Strategies for Protection

Abstract

There is an established link between congenital heart disease and acquired brain injury, which relates to the dependence of the nervous system on a consistent and responsive supply of oxygen and glucose. The advances in the field of infant cardiac surgery have presented new and different challenges to the arena of child neurology This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of neurologic injury and cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism during cardiac surgery. This review discusses current and future strategies for the management of children with congenital heart disease. (J Child Neurol 1997;12:285-300).