Pulmonary artery banding

Pulmonary artery banding is a surgical procedure used to treat congenital heart defects. This procedure involves placing a band around the pulmonary artery to reduce the amount of blood flow, thereby reducing the pressure on the heart and allowing it to pump more efficiently.

Procedure

The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart and the pulmonary artery. A band is then placed around the pulmonary artery, which is tightened to restrict the amount of blood that can flow through it. This reduces the pressure on the heart and allows it to pump blood more efficiently. The band is usually left in place until the child is old enough to undergo a more definitive repair procedure.

Indications

Pulmonary artery banding is typically used in children with congenital heart defects that result in too much blood being pumped to the lungs. These conditions include ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular canal defect, and truncus arteriosus. The procedure is also used in children who are too young or too sick to undergo a more definitive repair procedure.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with pulmonary artery banding. These include infection, bleeding, arrhythmia, and damage to the heart or lungs. There is also a risk that the band may need to be adjusted or removed if it is too tight or too loose.

Aftercare

After the procedure, the child will need regular follow-up appointments with a cardiologist to monitor their heart function and ensure that the band is working properly. They may also need medications to help their heart function more efficiently.

See also

• Congenital heart defect
• Heart surgery
• Pulmonary artery

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