Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Care models and associated outcomes in congenital heart surgery

Danielle S Burstein1, Jeffrey P Jacobs, Jennifer S Li

  • 1Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27715, USA. sara.pasquali@duke.edu

Pediatrics
|May 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care units (CICU) showed no overall difference in outcomes for children after heart surgery. However, a survival benefit was observed in specific patient subgroups undergoing complex procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
  • Intensive Care Medicine
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • A growing trend exists for caring for pediatric cardiac surgery patients in dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care units (CICUs).
  • The impact of dedicated CICUs on patient outcomes remains unclear.
  • This study investigates the association between CICU care and postoperative outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate postoperative outcomes, including mortality, length of stay, and complications, in children undergoing heart surgery.
  • To compare outcomes between patients treated in dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) versus other intensive care unit (ICU) models.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (2007-2009).
  • Included 20,922 patients from 47 centers, with 25 centers having a CICU.
  • Performed multivariable analysis adjusting for center volume, patient factors, and surgical risk category.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in overall mortality was found between CICUs and other ICUs (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.65-1.19).
  • CICUs were associated with lower mortality in a subgroup of patients (Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery category 3), particularly for atrioventricular canal repair and arterial switch operations.
  • No differences in length of stay or complication rates were observed overall or in stratified analyses.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of a dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) did not demonstrate a significant difference in overall postoperative morbidity or mortality for children undergoing heart surgery.
  • A potential survival benefit for CICUs may exist within specific patient subgroups, warranting further investigation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest04:55

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest

Published on: May 26, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...