Cardiac catheterization in infants and children can be an outpatient procedure

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Outpatient Procedures

Background:

• Cardiac catheterization is a common procedure in pediatric care.
• Historically, many pediatric cardiac catheterizations were inpatient procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of outpatient cardiac catheterization in pediatric patients.
• To assess the safety and benefits of day-case cardiac catheterization in children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of cardiac catheterization procedures over 12 years.
• Categorization of procedures into inpatient versus outpatient settings.
• Analysis of patient demographics, including age (infants vs. children over 1 year).

Main Results:

• 1,355 out of 2,133 (63.5%) cardiac catheterizations were performed on an outpatient basis over 12 years.
• 45% of infants under 1 year and 83% of children over 1 year underwent outpatient procedures.
• No significant complications were reported in the outpatient program.

Conclusions:

• Outpatient cardiac catheterization is a safe and effective model for pediatric patients.
• The majority of pediatric cardiac catheterizations, particularly in older children, can be managed on an outpatient basis.
• Outpatient care reduces parental and child anxiety associated with hospitalization.