Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to surgery in a neonate with total anomalous pulmonary venous return

Abstract

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgical correction. The diagnosis of TAPVR can be challenging, especially in non-tertiary centers lacking pediatric cardiology support. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in some patients as a bridge to cardiac surgery or for postoperative support. We describe a term neonate with severe pulmonary hypertension who was placed on ECMO, which facilitated the diagnosis and subsequent surgical correction of obstructive TAPVR with excellent outcomes.