Fast-Track Extubation Experience in the Operating Room After Congenital Heart Surgery in Infants

Abstract

Objectives: Early extubation applications after pediatric congenital heart surgery have increased in recent years because of the positive results of these studies. It remains controversial whether early extubation should be performed in the operating room or in the intensive care unit. In addition, there are differences between hospitals in early extubation practices after pediatric cardiac surgery. In this study, we aimed to contribute to the literature by presenting our first 12 cases of infants extubated in the operating room after congenital heart surgery. Materials and Methods: Between May 2022 and December 2022, this study included the first 12 infant patients aged ≤1 year who underwent congenital heart surgery and were early extubate in the operating room. Results: The cohort comprised 6 girls and 6 boys, with an 11-month-old male patient presenting with pulmonary hypertension. Seven patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass, with temperatures set at 32 °C for 4 patients and 34 °C for 3 patients. No respiratory problems occurred in the patients. None of the infants required non-invasive ventilation. There was no need for reintubation in the early or late period. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a significant proportion of infant patients can be safely extubate in the operating room following congenital heart surgery. Early extubation offers the potential to decrease the need for sedation and inotropes, thereby averting complications associated with mechanical ventilation.

Keywords

• congenital heart defect
• early extubation
• operating room
• infant