Two unusual complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass for pediatric cardiac surgery detected by transesophageal echocardiography after decannulation.

We describe two rare cases of complications associated with cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass during pediatric cardiac surgery detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The first patient (a 20-month-old boy, 11 kg) was scheduled for complete repair of an atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. After decannulation of the superior vena cava, a mosaic jet was observed by means of TEE. The second patient (an 11-month-old boy, 6.4 kg), with a double outlet right ventricle, was scheduled for a hemi-Fontan procedure. After decannulation of the ascending aorta, high blood flow velocity of 4 m x s(-1) was detected by TEE. Intraoperative TEE was useful for early detection of complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation during pediatric cardiac surgery.