You should also consider possibly using pentothal for cerebral protection for the time being. Of course you should consult with anesthesia and surgeon.

dear sir

Have you tried using any kind of cerebral monitoring device while on pump and post surgery.  There are several out there these days.  We use one and we don't base all of decisions on its number but use it as a trending device.  The doctors are quit pleased with it and so are we the perfusionist.  As you go on pump you see a large drop in its readings but as temperature drops ,and pressure and flow increase the number trends upward. The best way to get a baseline number is to try to get the cerebral pad on before the baby is put to sleep.  Then use this number as a guide.  This will give you an idea of what kind of blood flow is going to the head.  Also if the svc cannul is placed wrong, you can see a drop in your cerebral sats.  Also it is great during antegrade or retro cerebral perfusion.  Try it out for a few cases. When you first get it you will be surprised at how much this will effect your case.  You can tell if you are flowing to low or the BP is to low.