Our Summary

This study looked at why some newborn babies might struggle to breathe on their own after heart surgery, and how this can affect their recovery. The researchers analyzed data from 240 babies who had heart surgery in a children’s hospital between 2015 and 2018. They found that 17% of these babies had trouble breathing after their breathing tube was removed. The factors that increased the chances of this happening were abnormalities in the upper airway, having a ventilator for more than 7 days after surgery, and undergoing a specific category of complex heart surgery. These babies also had a higher chance of needing more surgery, staying in the hospital longer, and unfortunately, a higher chance of not surviving the hospital stay. The researchers suggest that more information is needed to make better decisions about when to remove the breathing tube in babies with these risk factors after heart surgery.

FAQs

  1. What factors increase the chances of newborn babies struggling to breathe on their own after heart surgery?
  2. How does having trouble breathing after cardiac surgery impact the recovery of newborn babies?
  3. What are the recommendations of the researchers for babies with these risk factors after heart surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about cardiac surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions closely, including taking medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation if recommended. It is important to communicate any concerning symptoms or changes in health to your healthcare provider promptly. By following these guidelines, you can support a successful recovery and improve your overall outcome after cardiac surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cardiac surgery include those with:

  1. Coronary artery disease
  2. Valvular heart disease
  3. Congenital heart defects
  4. Aortic aneurysm
  5. Heart failure
  6. Arrhythmias
  7. Cardiomyopathy

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist and cardiac surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates for cardiac surgery. Factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of the heart condition will also be taken into consideration when recommending cardiac surgery.

Timeline

Before cardiac surgery, a patient will typically undergo various tests and evaluations to determine the best course of treatment. This may include blood tests, imaging tests, and consultations with various healthcare providers. The patient will also receive instructions on how to prepare for surgery, such as fasting before the procedure.

During the surgery, the patient will be under general anesthesia and monitored closely by a team of healthcare professionals. The surgery itself can last several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

After the surgery, the patient will be moved to a recovery area where they will be closely monitored for any complications. They may be in the hospital for several days to weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and their overall health.

In the weeks and months following cardiac surgery, the patient will need to follow a strict recovery plan, which may include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. It is important for the patient to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and address any concerns.

Overall, the recovery process after cardiac surgery can be challenging and require patience and dedication from the patient. With proper care and support, most patients are able to recover fully and resume their normal activities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this specific cardiac surgery?
  2. What is the recovery process like after the surgery?
  3. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  4. What kind of follow-up care will be necessary after the surgery?
  5. What are the signs of complications that I should watch out for after the surgery?
  6. Will I need any additional procedures or surgeries in the future?
  7. How will my quality of life be affected after the surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I will need to follow post-surgery?
  9. What are the success rates for this type of surgery?
  10. Are there alternative treatment options available for my condition?

Reference

Authors: Wilson HC, Gunsaulus ME, Owens GE, Goldstein SA, Yu S, Lowery RE, Olive MK. Journal: Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2023 Nov 1;24(11):e547-e555. doi: 10.1097/PCC.0000000000003283. Epub 2023 May 23. PMID: 37219966