Management of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome

Abstract

The management of the infant with congenital heart disease is a multidisciplinary collaborative effort that is individualized to each patient. Low cardiac output is frequently seen in the postoperative infant with arrhythmia, preload, afterload, and contractility alterations; it can be a significant complication after open heart surgery. The management of the younger patient, the higher acuity, and the high-technology environment of the cardiac intensive care unit require astute assessment and manipulation of therapies to minimize deleterious effects in caring for these patients.