Hemolytic anemia after placement of an intraluminal pulmonary artery band.

Abstract

A newborn with double outlet right ventricle, malposed great vessels, hypoplastic aortic arch, and coarctation of the aorta with no restriction to pulmonary blood flow underwent palliation with arch augmentation and placement of an intraluminal Dacron patch pulmonary artery band (PAB). She subsequently presented in shock because of profound hemolytic anemia. Her intraluminal PAB was taken down and replaced with a traditional extraluminal band with resolution of her hemolysis. It is possible that the use of Dacron for construction of the intraluminal PAB may have contributed significantly to this patient's hemolytic anemia.