Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a low-weight infant after cardiac surgery

A neonate was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect and aortic coarctation. Bilateral pulmonary artery banding was performed at 9 days of age (weight 1472 g). Because of ductal shock, emergency extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated after surgery. Fine adjustment of the bilateral pulmonary artery banding sites using hemoclips was carried out to facilitate weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and staged delayed sternal closure was achieved. Arch repair, ventricular septal defect closure, and tricuspid annuloplasty were undertaken when the patient was 4-months old (weight 1.8 kg). She was discharged at 11 months of age (3.0 kg).