Original Article

Cardiopulmonary Bypass During Pregnancy: A Case Report

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

^* Direct communications to: Robin G. Sutton, 1173 Island View Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.

Abstract

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol 20(2):67-71, 39 references) Reported cases of the pregnant patient during cardiopulmonary bypass are rare but not unique. This case report of the pregnant patient during cardiopulmonary bypass is unique for two reasons. First, the patient was also a Jehovah’s Witness and refused blood products. Secondly, this case report provides a literature review and specific cardiopulmonary bypass considerations pertinent to the perfusionist.

Recent literature reports that heart surgery is relatively safe during pregnancy. It is important to monitor fetal heart rate during the procedure not only to determine fetal distress but also to further knowledge in the area by documenting effects. The perfusion circuit must be prepared for the increased blood volume of the patient and still maintain minimal priming volumes.

Uterine blood flow is not autoregulated so it is important to maintain adequate cardiac output or blood flow and perfusion pressure during the operation. A cardiac index of 3 liters per minute per meter squared and mean blood pressure of 60 mmHg during our case gave us no signs of fetal distress. The pregnant patient should be maintained at normothermia and bypass times should be kept to a minimum.