Project 465401

Children with very severe cardiopulmonary failure in Canada are supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation called ECMO. Surgeons connect them to an artificial pump and a lung using large cannulas in vessels (artery and vein). Historically, at the time of separation, these vessels were tied off. Over the last decade, vessels are repaired. We do not know if later in life, adolescents and young adults are better off with or without repaired vessels. We believe that there may be consequences associated with each approach (e.g., stroke, headaches, learning disability). We propose a study to evaluate and compare outcomes in the children who had vessels repaired and vessels tied off. We will ask them or their parents questions using standard questionnaires and ask them permission to access to their old medical records related to ECMO. This study will generate novel information for Canadians as this has not been studies before. The results will help guide future practice.