General pre-operative and post-operative considerations in pediatric cardiac patients

Abstract

The care of children with cardiac disease who require intensive care requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, fetal and neonatal physiology, and an organized approach to the patient’s organ systems. An organized approach to potential pathophysiologic states will enable the caregiver to develop a proactive and, as much as possible, goal-oriented therapeutic plan. The objective of this chapter is to provide clinically relevant aspects on pre- and postoperative intensive care management of children with cardiac disease.