Normothermic bypass in pediatric surgery: technical aspect and clinical experience with 1400 cases

We analyzed our experience with warm perfusion and blood cardioplegia in pediatric surgery. Warm surgery was performed in 1400 patients. Prime and perfusate are kept at 37 degrees C before and during bypass and intermittent warm blood cardioplegia is used for myocardial protection. Analyzed parameters were: perioperative blood gas, hydric balance of cardioplegia, spontaneous resumption of rhythm after aortic unclamping, troponin I level, postoperative neurologic and renal function, duration of mechanical ventilation (five diagnostic groups), and duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Satisfactory gas exchange is the rule, and fluid addition is negligible during warm cardioplegia. Spontaneous resumption of sinus rhythm occurred in 99% of patients, Troponin I elevation was < 10 ng/ml in 46% of cases. Prevalence of neurologic complications (0.3%) and of renal insufficiency treated by peritoneal dialysis (0.35%) favorably compares with data reported in the literature. Average mechanical ventilation time was < 48 hours in each diagnostic group. Duration of ICU stay was < 48 hours in 86% of the 1400 patients. In our experience, normothermic surgery is an excellent alternative to hypothermia.