Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2025

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Timing of discharge of pediatric patients post cardiac catheterization
Ali A Alakhfash1, Abdulrahman A Al Mesned1, Abdulla M Al Qwaiee1
1From the From the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Qassim, Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Same-day discharge after pediatric cardiac catheterization is feasible for most patients, reducing hospital stays. Key factors for prolonged stays include neonatal interventions and complications, necessitating careful patient selection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Same-day discharge after cardiac catheterization is being explored for safety and efficiency.
- A fast-track protocol was implemented to facilitate same-day discharge in pediatric cardiac catheterization patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of same-day discharge after pediatric cardiac catheterization.
- To identify risk factors associated with prolonged hospital stays post-procedure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 300 pediatric cardiac catheterization cases over 17 months.
- Data collected included patient demographics, clinical information, echocardiographic and catheterization details, and outcomes.
- Criteria for same-day discharge were established and applied.
Main Results:
- 67% of patients (201/300) were discharged on the same day, with a median length of stay of 8.7 hours.
- No complications were reported in same-day discharge patients.
- Neonatal status, complex interventions (PDA stenting, RVOT stenting), aortic valve interventions, and complications were linked to prolonged hospital stays.
Conclusions:
- Same-day discharge is feasible for the majority of pediatric cardiac catheterization patients.
- A fast-track protocol aids in determining appropriate discharge timing.
- Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial for safe and effective same-day discharge.
Background:
Same-day discharge after cardiac catheterization may be safe for some patients. This study aimed to review our experience with same-day discharge after pediatric cardiac catheterization following the implementation of a fast-track protocol.
Objectives:
Evaluate the feasibility of same-day discharge after pediatric cardiac catheterization and identify risk factors for prolonged hospital stay.
Design:
Retrospective review.
Setting:
Pediatric cardiology department.
Patients And Methods:
Data from patients who underwent cardiac catheterization were recorded over 17 months, from January 2022 to May 2023, focusing on pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures, including demographics, clinical, echocardiographic, catheterization data, and outcomes. Criteria were set to determine the possibility of same-day discharge post-cardiac catheterization.
Main Outcome Measures:
The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay post-cardiac catheterization. Secondary outcomes included identifying risk factors for prolonged hospital stay (more than 12 hours) and any associated complications.
Sample Size:
300 patients.
Results:
Of the 300 patients, 201 (67%) were discharged on the same day (with less than 12 hours' hospital stay), and 57 patients (19%) stayed overnight. The median length of stay (LOS) after pediatric cardiac catheterization was 8.7 hours (25th percentile: 7.5 hours, 75th percentile: 23.8 hours). No complications were reported in patients discharged on the same day. The majority of procedures were interventional cardiac catheterizations (242 cases, 80.7%), with most patients (166 cases, 55.3%) discharged on the same day of the procedure. The most common age group was between 3 to 6 months (114 patients, 38%). Regression analysis revealed that cardiac catheterization in neonates and infants less than 3 months old, more complex interventions such as patent ductus arteriosus stenting and right ventricular outflow tract stenting, interventions in the aortic valve, and the occurrence of complications were associated with prolonged hospital stay.
Conclusion:
Same-day discharge following catheterization is feasible for the majority of pediatric patients and can contribute to reduced healthcare costs and improved patient satisfaction. We developed a fast-track protocol for assessing the timing of discharge after pediatric cardiac catheterization, outlining potential indications and contraindications for same-day discharge. Factors associated with prolonged hospital stays include interventions in the neonatal period and procedure-related complications. Careful patient selection and monitoring impleare essential to ensure optimal outcomes.
Limitations:
The retrospective nature of the study and the single-center experience may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Action Potential
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...

