Ideal intensive care unit course following comprehensive stage II in hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Comprehensive stage II is the advanced surgical part of the staged treatment of a newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) palliated initially by a Giessen-Hybrid approach. We report an almost ideal course following comprehensive stage II operation with focus on postoperative intensive care strategy. Following a short introduction of the postnatally performed Giessen-Hybrid approach, in which the surgical part is focused on bilateral pulmonary banding and duct stenting as well as manipulation of the atrial septum is postponed to transcatheter approach, it should be emphasized, that the quality of inter-stage I is eminently important for the success of the following comprehensive stage II. Furthermore, the interplay of the responsible surgeon, anesthesiologist, cardiologist and intensivist is mandatory for working as a team with a similar pathophysiological background. Presupposed a sophisticated surgical and anesthesiologic management, the immediate post-operative intensive care is crucial for the patient's final outcome, not only in terms of mortality but even morbidity (long-term neurological condition). Detailed treatment strategies are presented by pathophysiological reasonable hypotheses and the current pharmacological knowledge. Aiming to improve systemic and regional oxygen delivery and lowering oxygen consumption, as a sine qua none for a favorable patient's outcome.