Pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)

At The Heart Center at Children’s Health℠, we see a high volume of children with all types of congenital heart defects and have the expertise needed to treat these conditions. Our heart surgeons have the skill and experience to know when a main pulmonary artery band (PAB) will benefit a child.

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What is a pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)?

In some congenital heart diseases, a child’s heart pumps too much blood to their lungs and the rest of their body doesn’t receive as much blood as it needs. The main pulmonary artery band creates a narrowing of the main pulmonary artery to reduce blood flow to the lungs and decrease pulmonary artery pressure. This procedure helps protect the heart from working too hard and helps prevent pulmonary hypertension from developing over time.

The pediatric cardiac care team at Children’s Health can surgically place a small band around the main artery leading to the lungs to limit the amount of blood. Sometimes a pulmonary artery band is placed in a child whose heart has only one pumping chamber (single ventricle heart) to protect their lungs while the child waits for the next stage of relief for their symptoms. Other times a pulmonary artery band is placed in an infant born with a hole in their heart. This gives the infant a chance to grow until they are ready for the operation to address their complex heart defect.

What are the benefits of a pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)?

By reducing extra blood flow to the lungs, the main pulmonary artery band protects the heart from working too hard and protects the lungs from developing pulmonary hypertension. For some babies waiting for surgery, the main pulmonary artery band may make it possible for them to go home before the next operation.

What are the risks of a pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)?

The surgery to place the band is straightforward and relatively safe. However, it is only a temporary fix. Your baby will probably outgrow the main pulmonary artery band in 3 to 10 months. Then they will need surgery for the underlying heart condition.

What to expect with a pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)

Our dedicated team of specialists will give your child all the heart care they need. Our care team will ensure that you know what to expect on the day of surgery and afterward.

What to expect before a pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)

Your baby will be brought the operating room to have the procedure.

What to expect during a pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)

The procedure takes about 3 hours. The surgeons will open the sternum to insert the band around the main pulmonary artery. Your child will be taken to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) afterwards.

What to expect after a pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)

After surgery, your baby will have tubes in their chest to drain blood and fluid from the heart. Your surgeons may have to do follow-up surgery afterwards to adjust the size of the band.

What questions should I ask my provider about the pediatric main pulmonary artery band (PAB)?

Questions to ask the care team include:

How soon will I be able to see my child after the surgery?
Will my child be able to go home after getting a main pulmonary artery band?
Will my child go home with any special equipment after this procedure?
How long do you expect the band to be in place?
What surgery is planned next for my child?