Assessment of the factors that affect fast-track or early extubation following pediatric cardiac surgery.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the early extubation rate and the factors affecting early extubation in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods: Between August 1st, 2020 and December 1st, 2021, a total of 528 pediatric patients (264 males, 264 females; median age: 4 months; range, 2 days to 24 months) who were followed in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit after congenital heart surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients including operation and intensive care data were obtained from the medical records.