Very early extubation after open-heart surgery in children does not influence cardiac function

The objective of our study was to evaluate hemodynamic effects and the cardiac function after very early extubation within the first 6 hours after open-heart surgery in children. During a 12-month period, we performed a retrospective study of 50 children (ages 3 months to 7 years) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit immediately after minor cardiac surgery. All children were extubated within the first 6 hours after their arrival. Arterial blood and central venous pressure were monitored, and arterial blood gas analysis was performed. Cardiac index, stroke volume index, systemic vascular resistance index, and extravascular lung water index were measured by thermodilution. Early extubation of children after minor open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is safe and does not affect cardiac functions. A slight decrease of arterial oxygen tension not resulting in respiratory or metabolic acidosis or reintubation was noted. Very early extubation in children after open-heart surgery does not promote cardiodepressive effects. It is a safe procedure that helps to reduce the unnecessary and prolonged mechanical ventilation of children after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.