Cardiac surgery during pregnancy: pulsatile or nonpulsatile perfusion?

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during pregnancy is associated with a high fetal and maternal mortality. Contributing factors are timing of the operation, emergency situations, and placental vasoconstriction. Experimental evidence suggests that pulsatile perfusion might prevent placental vasoconstriction. We report on 4 patients who underwent cardiac surgery during pregnancy with pulsatile perfusion and detailed fetal monitoring.