Norwood Part 3: Anticoagulation, Extubation, & Interstage Considerations with Dr. Greg Yurasek
Jun 12, 2023
auto_awesome
Dr. Greg Yurasek discusses anticoagulation, extubation, and interstage considerations after a Norwood procedure. Topics include EEG use in Norwood patients, managing acute hypoxemia with a BTT shunt, complications in intubated children post-surgery, extubation in pediatric patients with heart disease, and establishing relationships in the Cardiac ICU.
Assessing ventricular function and addressing issues promptly is crucial in managing low cardiac output in Norwood patients, including valve regurgitation or fluid buildup, and considering mechanical support or optimization strategies if needed.
Optimal extubation in Norwood patients involves various considerations such as transitioning off sedation, evaluating ventilation and diaphragm function, assessing systemic and pulmonary blood flow ratios, and resolving complications like arrhythmias or vocal cord paralysis.
Deep dives
Key points on post-operative Norwood care
The final part of the podcast series focuses on post-operative care for Norwood patients. The key areas of concern are anticoagulation, extubation, transfer, and preparing the patient for the Glenn procedure. When faced with signs of low cardiac output, it is crucial to assess ventricular function with an echo and address any issues such as valve regurgitation or fluid buildup. The severity and timing of the symptoms determine whether mechanical support or optimization strategies, like volume replenishment, are required. EEG monitoring is also recommended to detect seizures. Additionally, the podcast discusses the prevention of shunt occlusions through the use of heparin and anti-platelet agents.
Challenges and considerations during extubation
In the context of Norwood patients, extubation should generally occur 24 hours after chest closure. Optimal extubation involves transitioning the patient off sedation, ensuring good ventilation and diaphragm function, and closely evaluating oxygenation and chest X-rays. Surgical factors like vocal cord or diaphragm issues can complicate the process. Additionally, physiological factors such as systemic and pulmonary blood flow ratios, cardiac function, and arrhythmias need to be carefully assessed. The summary of extubation success includes stable ventilation, adequate systemic output, and resolved complications like arrhythmias or vocal cord paralysis.
Transitioning from ICU to floor and the interstage period
Transitioning Norwood patients out of the ICU varies, but generally, they stay in the hospital for around a month. The first two weeks are spent in the cardiac ICU, focusing on establishing enteral feeding, transitioning from milrinone to enteral afterload reduction, and weaning off diuretics. The subsequent weeks are dedicated to weaning from NG tubes, progressing to full enteral feeds, and readiness for transfer to the floor. The interstage period, between Norwood and Glenn procedures, is identified as highly vulnerable, with a significant risk of complications and mortality. However, the Glenn procedure offers a more stable circulation and improved prognosis.
Importance of family support and relationship-building
The podcast stresses the significance of establishing strong relationships with the families of Norwood patients, as their journey can extend for several weeks or months. This is especially crucial due to the increasing complexity and risk associated with newer approaches to single ventricle palliation. The importance of trust, communication, and providing ongoing support to families is emphasized. Fostering positive relationships helps both patients and families navigate the challenges involved in Norwood care and ensures a collaborative approach between healthcare providers and caregivers.
Dr. Yurasek is a graduate of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Boston followed by a pediatric cardiology fellowship also at Boston Children’s and a PICU fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is now a CICU attending and the director of critical care simulation at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC.
Objectives for this series: 1. Understand the physiologic considerations that influence preoperative care in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). 2. Recall the goals and general steps of operative repair. 3. Recognize the key information provided in post-op handoff that will affect management. 4. Recognize important postoperative complications and develop an approach to their management. 5. Develop a mental framework of the expected postoperative CICU course with a focus on barriers to ICU discharge.
How to support PedsCrit: Please complete our Listener Feedback Survey Please rate and review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Donations are appreciated @PedsCrit on Venmo , you can also support us by becoming a patron on Patreon. 100% of funds go to supporting the show.
Thank you for listening to this episode of PedsCrit. Please remember that all content during this episode is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used as medical advice. The views expressed during this episode by hosts and our guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of their institutions. If you have any comments, suggestions, or feedback-you can email us at pedscritpodcast@gmail.com. Check out http://www.pedscrit.comfor detailed show notes. And visit @critpeds on twitter and @pedscrit on instagram for real time show updates.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode