Role of long-term respiratory support in paediatric cardiac disease

Asiah Kassim
Tunku Azizah Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a complex, common condition in children. The common definitive treatment is cardiac surgery. cardiac surgery and suffer from respiratory insufficiency secondary to cardiac disease. Various factors may increase the risk of extubation failure (EF), reintubation, and prolonged MV (PMV) post-cardiac surgery.  Long-term ventilator support in cardiac patients may present preoperative, intraoperative, and/or postoperatively. Monitoring and understanding the physiological dynamics of cardio-respiratory is important in planning for long-term ventilation for cardiac patients.  However, some patients may not be suitable for corrective cardiac surgery and may require respiratory support as supportive care.