The second stage operation towards single ventricle palliation is 'bidirectional cavopulmonary connection' (BCPC). The superior vena cava is connected to the pulmonary artery, diverting 'blue' blood from the upper body (including the brain) to the lungs. A successful BCPC requires sufficient and easy blood flow through the lungs. Alprostadil is the synthetic form of prostaglandin (hormone that causes dilation of blood vessels) and has been shown to increase blood flow in the brain hence increasing blood flow to the lungs after BCPC, potentially useful in managing children post BCPC with low flow to the lungs and thus poor oxygenation. This study propose to investigate acute effects of Alprostadil on different blood vessels after BCPC.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
During the MRI, Alprostadil infusion will be started and titrated to the target dose, ensuring there is a less than 20% drop in blood pressure from baseline. Repeat pressure and MRI flow measurements once Alprostadil reaches 0.1mcg/kg/min.
Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cerebral blood flow
Cerebral blood flow
Time frame: will be measured 30 minutes to 40 minutes after infusion of alprostadil
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