Outcomes of pediatric tracheostomy after surgery for congenital heart disease: A 20‐year experience

Objective Children with congenital heart defects (CHD) requiring cardiovascular surgery (CVS) rarely require tracheostomy placement; however the mortality rate remains high. The study aimed to analyze incidence of in children CHD, and determine factors contributing postoperative outcomes, decannulation rates, mortality. Methods Retrospective case series ≤18 years old CHD status post-CVS who underwent placement between January 1, 2001 December 31, 2020. Variables analyzed included demographic information, presence comorbidities including prematurity, respiratory diseases, genetic syndromes, status, type repair (univentricular vs. biventricular), need for cardiopulmonary bypass. Adverse events all-cause mortality, development mediastinitis, fatal decannulation, persistence tracheocutaneous fistula. Results Fifty-one patients were analyzed. was 0.8%. Median age at 5.3 months. 5-year survival estimate 56.3% (95% confidence interval 43.6%, 72.6%). Age ≤6 months time (p = .03), tracheomalacia .04) significantly associated survival. Two (3.9%) experienced one patient (2.0%) developed mediastinitis. 10-year 47.8% (30.5%, 63.2%). Seven (13.7%) had a persistent Conclusions This corroborates high rates this population. Factors improved younger tracheomalacia. Decannulation low, but estimates over 10 years. Further studies are needed optimal indications timing Level Evidence 4