Con: Extubation in the operating room following pediatric cardiac surgery

Early Extubation in Children after Cardiac Surgery. Initial Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mexico City

Early extubation (EE) in pediatric cardiac surgery has demonstrated important benefits. However, ventilating them for 24 hours or more (delayed decannulation, DD) is an enduring practice. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical profiles of EE in our setting and analyze its impact and the factors that prolong mechanical ventilation. Children operated on for cardiac surgery from 2016 to 2017 were included. The information was obtained from an electronic database. Comparisons were performed with Pearson's chi-square test, Student's t-test, or Mann–Whitney U test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with DD. Of 649 cases, 530 were extubated on one occasion. EE was performed in 305 children (57.5%): 97 (31.8%) in the operating room and 208 (68.2%) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Reintubation (RI) occurred in 7.5% with EE and 16.9% with DD (p = 0.001). Fewer complications and ventilation time and decreased ICU and hospital length of stay resulted with EE. Age, presurgical ventilation, emergency surgery, pump time, attempts to weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, bleeding greater than usual, and CPR in surgery were associated with DD. EE in the National Institute of Cardiology (INC; Spanish acronym) is in the middle category and has shown benefits without compromising the patient; the fear of further complications, RI, or death is unfounded. Although not all children at the INC can be decannulated early, if there are no or minimal risk factors, it should be a priority.

Is Early Extubation Associated with Better Outcomes After Neonatal Congenital Heart Disease Surgery?

Early extubation (EE) of children after surgery (occurring within the operating room or ≤ 6 hours postadmission) for congenital heart disease (CHD) has been advocated to improve postoperative care. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of neonates undergoing EE following CHD surgical repair with those extubated more than 6 hours after surgery. Retrospective cohort study utilizes data from the Virtual Pediatric Systems database. Data from neonates undergoing surgical repair for six common CHD lesions and admitted to 57 pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2015, were analyzed. A total of 1,274 neonates were analyzed; 100 (7.8%) had EE, and 146 (11.5%) were extubated > 6 hours but ≤ 24 hours. Most patients (80.4%) were extubated > 24 hours. The EE group had higher (p < 0.001) failed extubation rate than patients extubated at any other time; a multivariate analysis of linear regression showed no advantage in length of stay (LOS) of EE compared with those subjects who were extubated in the first 24 hours (p-value: 0.178). Extubation failure was found to impact ICU LOS in this analysis. The ICU LOS was increased by 3.5 days for every failed extubation attempt (p-value: <0.001, 95% confidence interval: 1.6–5.5 days). EE after CHD surgery is possible. Though it appears as an attractive option to decrease potential mechanical ventilation complications, this study of neonates shows that EE might result in worse outcomes than when performing extubation between 6 and 24 hours postoperatively.

[Anaesthesia in on-pump cardiac surgery for congenital heart diseases at the Cuomo Pediatric Cardiology Center (Senegal)]

Les cardiopathies congénitales surviennent dans 0,5 - 1% des naissances. La prise en charge d´enfants souffrant de malformation cardiaque nécessite un centre adapté, un matériel médical adéquat et des connaissances particulières tant sur le plan anesthésique que chirurgical. L´objectif de ce travail était d´évaluer la prise en charge anesthésique de ces cardiopathies dans notre centre après une première année d´activité et de comparer les résultats obtenus aux données de la littérature. Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective, descriptive sur une année allant de janvier à décembre 2017. Ont été inclus tous les patients opérés au cours de cette période pour une cure de cardiopathie congénitale sous circulation extracorporelle. Nous avons colligé 80 dossiers de patients opérés pour une cardiopathie congénitale. Parmi ces 80 patients, 60 ont été opéré sous circulation extra corporelle (CEC) soit un taux de 75%. L´âge moyen de nos patients était de 7,41 ans avec un sex- ratio de 1,22. La durée de la CEC était en moyenne de 82,82 mn et la durée moyenne du clampage aortique était de 58,31 mn. Soixante-dix pourcent (70%) des patients ont eu des catécholamines en fin d´intervention. La complication la plus fréquente en post opératoire était la défaillance cardiaque droite (69%). La durée moyenne de séjour en réanimation était de 4,33 jours. Nous avons noté le décès d´un patient portant la mortalité à 1,6%. Les cardiopathies congénitales sont complexes et très variables. Avec l´amélioration des techniques de prise en charge, leur morbi-mortalité a fortement diminué.

Influence of Early Extubation Location on Outcomes Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Early extubation following pediatric cardiac surgery is common, but debate exists whether location affects outcome, with some centers performing routine early extubations in the operating room (odds ratio) and others in the cardiac ICU. We aimed to define early extubation practice variation across hospitals and assess impact of location on hospital length-of-stay and other outcomes.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium registry.

SETTING

Twenty-eight Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium hospitals.

PATIENTS

Patients undergoing Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery mortality category 1-3 operations between August 2014 and February 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We defined early extubation as extubation less than 6 hours after postoperative admission. Hospitals were categorized based on the proportion of their early extubation patients who underwent an odds ratio extubation. Categories included low- (< 50% of early extubation, n = 12), medium- (50%-90%, n = 8), or high- (> 90%, n = 8) frequency odds ratio early extubation centers. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative hospital length-of-stay. We analyzed 16,594 operations (9,143 early extubation, 55%). Rates of early extubation ranged from 16% to 100% across hospitals. Odds ratio early extubation rates varied from 16% to 99%. Patient characteristics were similar across hospital odds ratio early extubation categories. Early extubation rates paralleled the hospital odds ratio early extubation rates-77% patients underwent early extubation at high-frequency odds ratio extubation centers compared with 39% at low-frequency odds ratio extubation centers (p < 0.001). High- and low-frequency odds ratio early extubation hospitals had similar length-of-stay, cardiac arrest rates, and low mortality. However, high-frequency odds ratio early extubation hospitals used more noninvasive ventilation than low-frequency hospitals (15% vs. 9%; p < 0.01), but had fewer extubation failures (3.6% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable variability exists in early extubation practices after low- and moderate-complexity pediatric cardiac surgery. In this patient population, hospital length-of-stay did not differ significantly between centers with different early extubation strategies based on location or frequency.

An evolving anesthetic protocol fosters fast tracking in pediatric cardiac surgery: A comparison of two anesthetic techniques

Background:

The past two decades have seen rapid development of new surgical techniques for repair as well as palliation of complex congenital heart diseases. For a better patient outcome, minimal postoperative ventilation remains one of the most important endpoints of an effectual perioperative management.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this randomized open-label trial was to compare postoperative extubation time and intensive care unit (ICU) stay when two different anesthetic regimens, comprising of induction with ketamine and low-dose fentanyl versus high-dose fentanyl, are used, in pediatric patients undergoing corrective/palliative surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with congenital cardiac defects, under 14 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and epidural analgesia, were enrolled into two groups – Group K (ketamine with low-dose fentanyl) and Group F (high-dose fentanyl) – over a period of 10 months, starting from January 2018. The effect of both these drugs on postoperative extubation time and ICU stay was compared using Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results:

A total of 70 patients were assessed with equal distribution in both the groups. In Group K, 32 of 35 patients were extubated in the operation room, whereas extubation time in Group F was18.1 ± 11 h. Total ICU stay in Group K and Group F was 45.2 ± 30.1 and 60.1 ± 24.5 h, respectively (P = 0.02). Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in Group K.

Conclusion:

Ketamine along with low-dose fentanyl, when used for anesthetic induction, in comparison to high-dose fentanyl, reduces postoperative extubation time and ICU stay, in pediatric patients undergoing corrective/palliative surgery under CPB and epidural analgesia for congenital cardiac defects.

Changes in Anesthetic and Postoperative Sedation-Analgesia Practice Associated With Early Extubation Following Infant Cardiac Surgery: Experience From the Pediatric Heart Network Collaborative Learning Study

OBJECTIVES

The Pediatric Heart Network sponsored the multicenter Collaborative Learning Study that implemented a clinical practice guideline to facilitate early extubation in infants after repair of isolated coarctation of the aorta and tetralogy of Fallot. We sought to compare the anesthetic practice in the operating room and sedation-analgesia management in the ICU before and after the implementation of the guideline that resulted in early extubation.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of data from a multicenter study from January 2013 to April 2015. Predefined variables of anesthetic, sedative, and analgesia exposure were compared before and after guideline implementation. Propensity score weighted logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration on early extubation.

SETTING

Five children's hospitals.

PATIENTS

A total of 240 study subjects who underwent repair of coarctation of the aorta or tetralogy of Fallot (119 preguideline implementation and 121 postguideline implementation).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Clinical practice guideline implementation was accompanied by a decrease in the median total intraoperative dose of opioids (49.7 vs 24.0 µg/kg of fentanyl equivalents, p < 0.001) and benzodiazepines (1.0 vs 0.4 mg/kg of midazolam equivalents, p < 0.001), but no change in median volatile anesthetic agent exposure (1.3 vs 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration hr, p = 0.25). Intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration was associated with early extubation (odds ratio 2.5, 95% CI, 1.02-5.99, p = 0.04) when adjusted for other covariates. In the ICU, more patients received dexmedetomidine (43% vs 75%), but concomitant benzodiazepine exposure decreased in both the frequency (66% vs 57%, p < 0.001) and cumulative median dose (0.5 vs 0.3 mg/kg of ME, p = 0.003) postguideline implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an early extubation clinical practice guideline resulted in a reduction in the dose of opioids and benzodiazepines without a change in volatile anesthetic agent used in the operating room. Intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration was independently associated with early extubation. The total benzodiazepine exposure decreased in the early postoperative period.

A Case Report Examining Early Extubation Following Congenital Heart Surgery in a Low Resource Setting

This case report aims to critically analyse the evidence surrounding early extubation in the post-operative phase following complex congenital cardiac surgery. Child A was an 8 year old female who had undergone complex congenital cardiac surgery during an international surgical charity mission. On admission to the paediatric intensive care unit Child A appeared to be in good condition and no major complications had occurred intra-operatively. This was considered alongside the situational pressures of resource limitations and the mission's aim to offer surgery to as many children as possible during the available time frame. The decision was made by the team that Child A was a suitable candidate for 'early extubation.' Some members of the team were uncomfortable with this approach and felt it could lead to poorer outcomes for patients. Current evidence surrounding early extubation both within international surgical mission trips to low-income and middle-income countries and established cardiac centres within high-income countries is examined and discussed alongside the context of resource limitation. Although the process and implications of early extubation following cardiac surgery needs further research, on the basis of the evidence currently available clinicians could potentially encourage the use of early extubation within clinical practice (for appropriately selected patients) through the utilisation of a multidisciplinary approach, both within the UK and during international surgical charity missions to low-income and middle-income countries.

Extubation in the Operating Room After Fontan Procedure: Does It Make a Difference?

Early extubation appears to have beneficial effects on the Fontan circulation. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of extubation on the operating table in comparison with extubation during the first hours after Fontan operation (FO) on the early postoperative course. Between 2013 and 2016, 114 children with a single ventricle heart malformations (mean age, 3.8 ± 2.3 years) underwent FO: 60 patients were extubated in the operating room (ORE) and 54 in the intensive care unit (ICUE) in the median time of 195 min (range 30-515 min) after procedure. Pre-, peri-, and postoperative records were retrospectively analyzed. The hospital survival rate was 100%. One patient from the ORE group needed an immediate reintubation because of laryngospasm. The ORE group showed lower heart rate (106.5 vs. 120.3 bpm; p < 0.001) and lower central venous pressure (10.4 vs. 11.4 mmHg; p = 0.001) than patients in the ICUE group within the first 24 h after FO, as well as higher systolic blood pressure within 7 h after operation (88.6 ± 2.5 vs. 85.6 ± 2.6 mmHg; p = 0.036). The ORE children manifested significantly less pleural effusions during 48 h after FO (38.0 vs. 49.5 ml/kg; p = 0.004), received less intravenous fluid administration within 24 h after FO (54.1 vs. 73.8 ml/kg; p = 0.019), less inotropic support (9.8 vs. 12.8 h of dopamine; p = 0.033), and less antibiotics (4.7 vs. 5.8 days; p = 0.037). ICUE children manifested metabolic acidosis more frequently than the ORE group 3-4 h after FO (p < 0.05). Immediate extubation after FO in comparison with extubation in the ICU appears to be associated with improved hemodynamics and reduced application of therapeutic interventions in the postoperative course.

Fast track extubation in paediatric cardiothoracic surgery in developing countries

In recent years, low-dose, short-acting anesthetic agents, which replaced the former high-dose opioid regimens, offer a faster postoperative recovery and decrease the need for mechanical ventilatory support. In this study, the aim was to determine the success rate of fast-track approach in surgical procedures for congenital heart disease. There is some evidence, mostly from retrospective analyses, that fast tracking can be beneficial. Ninety-one cases with moderate complex cardiac malformations were operated with fast-track protocol during cardiothoracic charitable missions. The essential aspects of early extubation in our cohort included: selected patients with good preoperative status, good surgical result with hemodynamic stability in low dose of inotropic drugs at the end of bypass, no active bleeding. In this setting a carefull choice and dosing of anesthetic agents, alongside a good postoperative analgesia are mandatory. The authors found that an early extubation (< 4 hours) can be both effective and safe as it reduces intubation and ventilator times without increasing post-operative complications in pediatric congenital heart disease. This study supports a wider use of fast-track extubation protocols in paediatric patients submitted for congenital cardiac surgery in developing countries.

Factors associated with early extubation of patients after corrective tetralogy of Fallot

OBJECTIVE

To assess surgical management and postoperative results associated with early extubation in patients undergoing tetralogy of Fallot corrective surgery at a public hospital in Argentina.

METHODS

A retrospective review was made from clinical records from patients who underwent corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot. A total of 38 clinical records that met the inclusion criteria for the retrospective review were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

16% were extubated early. Milrinone was the only drug that showed differences in patients who were extubated early (p=0.01). Extracorporeal circulation time, aortic clamping time, transfusion with cryoprecipitates, saturation of oxygen pressure, and haematocrit at the end of the surgical procedure showed no differences (p>.05). In the postoperative period, the ICU stay was shorter for the patients who were extubated early (p=0.0007), but there were no differences in the total hospital stay (p=0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Early extubation in the institution, although found to be low frequency, has proved as a safe and effective alternative to shorten these patients' stay in ICU.

Learning From Experience: Improving Early Tracheal Extubation Success After Congenital Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

The many advantages of early tracheal extubation following congenital cardiac surgery in young infants and children are now widely recognized. Benefits include avoiding the morbidity associated with prolonged intubation and the consequences of sedation and positive pressure ventilation in the setting of altered cardiopulmonary physiology. Our practice of tracheal extubation of young infants in the operating room following cardiac surgery has evolved and new challenges in the arena of postoperative sedation and pain management have appeared.

DESIGN

Review our institutional outcomes associated with early tracheal extubation following congenital cardiac surgery.

PATIENTS

Inclusion criteria included all children less than 1 year old who underwent congenital cardiac surgery between October 1, 2010, and October 24, 2013.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 416 patients less than 1 year old were included. Of the 416 patients, 234 underwent tracheal extubation in the operating room (56%) with 25 requiring reintubation (10.7%), either immediately or following admission to the cardiothoracic ICU. Of the 25 patients extubated in the operating room who required reintubation, 22 failed within 24 hours of cardiothoracic ICU admission; 10 failures were directly related to narcotic doses that resulted in respiratory depression.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of this review, we have instituted changes in our cardiothoracic ICU postoperative care plans. We have developed a neonatal delirium score, and have adopted the "Kangaroo Care" approach that was first popularized in neonatal ICUs. This provision allows for the early parental holding of infants following admission to the cardiothoracic ICU and allows for appropriately selected parents to sleep in the same beds alongside their postoperative children.

Patient and procedural characteristics for successful and failed immediate tracheal extubation in the operating room following cardiac surgery in infancy

BACKGROUND

Immediate extubation in the operating room after congenital heart surgery is practiced with rising frequency at many cardiac institutions to decrease costs and complications. Infants less than one year of age are also increasingly selected for this 'fast track'. However, factors for patient selection, success, or failure of this practice have not been well defined in this population, yet are critical for patient safety.

OBJECTIVE

To identify selection criteria, patient and procedural characteristics for successful or failed very early endotracheal extubation in the operating room immediately following infant heart surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for 326 consecutive patients undergoing neonatal and infant heart surgery from 2009 to 2012. Extubation and reintubation data were taken from the institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons database and patients' charts. Patient characteristics were derived using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Very early extubation in the operating room was performed for 130 of 326 neonates and infants (40%). Weight >4 kg, lesser procedural complexity, and absence of trisomy 21 were identified as significant predictors for attempted very early extubation. Of these patients, 12% required reintubation within 48 h following surgery, predominantly due to respiratory failure or for mediastinal re-exploration. Greater procedural complexity was associated with failed extubations. Reintubation was associated with prolonged hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Extubation immediately after infant heart surgery in the operating room can be safely achieved. However, our data suggest that patients undergoing more complex procedures should be selected more conservatively for immediate early extubation.