Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cerebral oximetry in a stage 1 norwood repair for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and its indications in stage I Norwood palliation are controversial. The decision to initiate ECMO and its timing remains difficult with no definitive cut-off points or evidence-based guidelines. It varies on a case-to-case basis. We report a case where the use of ECMO was beneficial after stage I Norwood palliation with severe ventricular dysfunction. The systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt was kept open to balance the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Cerebral oximetry can be useful as an additional monitoring modality to guide management, monitor cerebral perfusion, and help detect cerebral steal.