ABCs of Neonatal Cardiac Anesthesia

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is relatively common and there are treatment options for virtually every form of CHD. With good care, the majority of babies can survive to adulthood; however, CHD remains a significant cause of death in infancy and neonates are especially vulnerable. In order to manage these patients, a clear understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and the planned surgical procedure is important. However, attention to detail and meticulous care are equally important, and, in addition, there are several management strategies that may standardize practice and can improve outcome.