Cardiopulmonary bypass in tracheal surgery in infants and small children

Five resections of the distal trachea with cardiopulmonary bypass were carried out in four children aged 6 weeks to 24 months. Only technical aspects are discussed, and the operative method is described in detail. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass and heparinization of the patients did not cause any problems. Cardiopulmonary bypass allows an easy and unhurried procedure. Although other authors do not regard cardiopulmonary bypass as necessary in similar circumstances, we believe that it is the safest way of providing optimal operative conditions and results in surgery of distal tracheal stenoses.