Brain oxygenation changed at distinct points during surgery in all ages, reflecting fundamental cerebral responses to hypothermic CPB, ischemia, and reperfusion. However, the changes in SCO2 half-life with age reflect developmental differences in the rate of cerebral oxygen utilization during arrest, consistent with experimental work in animals. Certain intraoperative cerebral oxygenation patterns may be associated with postoperative cerebral dysfunction and require further study.