Outcomes of emergent cardiac catheterization following pediatric cardiac surgery

Although there is agreement of the importance of cardiac catheterization, especially interventional procedures, cardiac catheterization in postoperative critical care unit (CCU) period is often debated. The focus of this study was to explore the indications for and determinants of outcome after cardiac catheterization in this setting.

Between March 2004 and October 2006, 49 children (2.8% of cardiac surgeries) underwent 62 catheterizations before discharge from the CCU. Morphological, surgical, and catheterization data were accrued and analyzed using parametric competing risks models and multivariable risk-hazard analysis.

Median age at surgery was 167 days (0-13.5 years) and time to catheterization was 8.5 (0-84) days following surgery. Catheterization procedures were either interventional (n = 35) or noninterventional (n = 27). Children who required a more urgent investigation following initial surgery more often had deployment of a stent at catheterization (P = 0.01) or subsequent surgical pulmonary artery augmentation (P < 0.01). Surgical reoperation was required following 23 (37%) catheterizations and was more common following index surgery involving a cavopulmonary shunt. Overall mortality was high (43%). Delayed invasive investigation beyond 2-3 weeks (P = 0.04) or a splinted sternum (P < 0.001) were risk factors for death. In addition, reoperation after a noninterventional catheterization predicted worse survival (P < 0.001).

The need for invasive investigation in the immediate CCU period is associated with a poor outcome, especially when the investigation is delayed or an intervention is not possible. Identification of at-risk patients may improve outcomes. Best outcomes follow expedient catheterization with definitive management (often stent deployment or pulmonary artery augmentation).