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Pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band

A bilateral pulmonary band is a temporary procedure used to correct some congenital heart defects. If a newborn baby has too much blood flowing to their lungs, this procedure can help limit the blood flow so that the heart can send more blood to the rest of the body.

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What is a pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band?

Bilateral pulmonary artery bands are usually inserted with conditions that cause a baby to have a single pumping chamber (ventricle) instead of two. Surgeons place the little bands around the pulmonary arteries leading to each lung, which reduces the blood flow.

This procedure is often used when a child is going to have a heart transplant or a Norwood procedure to treat a heart with a single ventricle. This procedure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body, helping stabilize babies while they are waiting for their next surgery.

What are the benefits of a pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band?

Because the procedure helps the heart work more efficiently, it helps babies get stronger so that they can be ready for surgery a few months later.

What are the risks of a pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band?

Any surgery can involve risks of bleeding and infection. This procedure does not involve additional risks. Over time a baby can outgrow the bands, so they might need to be enlarged – or the next operation might need to be scheduled sooner.

If the bands are left on for too long, the pulmonary arteries may not grow as well afterwards. If that happens, we can do an additional operation.

What to expect with a pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band

Preparation for the procedure to insert bilateral pulmonary bands is similar to that for other open heart operations.

What to expect before a pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band

Before the procedure, babies are typically in the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Then, we bring them to the operating room.

What to expect during a pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band

During the surgery, doctors will make an incision and place small bands around the arteries that lead to your child’s lungs. Family members will be in the waiting room. The surgeons usually give updates every hour or hour and a half during surgery. They also will come and speak with you after they complete the surgery.

What to expect after a pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band

Your baby will be on a breathing tube at first. They also will have other tubes and wires coming from the incision that will also be removed after a few days. The care team may decide to keep the chest open after surgery to give the heart more room, which reduces swelling. In that case, your baby’s chest will be covered by a piece of plastic for a few days until the care team closes the chest.

Children’s Health has the largest pediatric CICU in Texas, and your baby will receive care from experienced pediatric cardiac doctors and nurses. Before your baby leaves the hospital, you will receive training from the Safe at Home Program to help you care for your baby confidently at home before the next operation.

What questions should I ask my provider about a pediatric bilateral pulmonary artery band?

  • What additional surgeries will my child need?
  • When will they need another operation?
  • Will my child go home with special equipment?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will I have help taking care of my baby at home in between the operations?

    The Children’s Health Safe at Home program is the only program in North Texas designed to help families care for their baby with a single-ventricle heart in between surgeries. Through this program, we give you the equipment you need – usually a scale, oxygen and an oxygen saturation monitor. Just before your baby goes home, the nursing team will train you how to use the equipment and care for your baby. Our nursing team will monitor your baby’s progress day to day, and if you have questions or concerns, you can reach us 24/7.

  • How long will my baby be in the hospital?

    After the surgery, your baby probably will be in the ICU for a few weeks before moving to the inpatient floor.