Cardiopulmonary bypass and arterial ischemic stroke in infants and children

Children are now surviving from previously fatal congenital heart disease due to advancements in surgical technique and medical therapy. However, as a result of this success, other serious consequences are being diagnosed, including arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). There are few studies in children that have investigated the epidemiology, and underlying etiology of stroke in this high risk population. As a result, proper studies to determine the best diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AIS are unable to proceed. Given these advancements in medical and surgical therapies for the child with congenital heart disease, it is urgent that we begin to aggressively study the epidemiology, underlying etiology, and outcomes of children undergoing cardiac surgery who develop AIS.