Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery teams provide surgical care for infants and children with congenital heart defects as well as congenital and acquired thoracic problems such as chest deformities, lung malformations and tumors. They also provide surgical care for children with vascular malformations, trauma, and those requiring reconstructive surgery.

During open-heart surgery the heart and lungs are not able to function without assistance and a heart-lung machine maintains blood pressure and oxygenation. Perfusion refers to the delivery and distribution of oxygenated blood to the tissue capillary bed. The blood is routed around the heart and lungs through the equipment and it is referred to as a cardiopulmonary bypass. This enables the surgical team to complete the cardiac repair without compromising the patient’s organ function. 

You can learn more about the Cardiovascular Surgery Program and Cardiovascular perfusion at the BC Children’s Hospital - Children’s Heart Centre here.