In a porcine model of implantable pacemakers for pediatric unilateral diaphragm paralysis, the phrenic nerve is the best target.

Background: A frequent complication of Fontan operations is unilateral diaphragmatic paresis, which leads to hemodynamic deterioration of the Fontan circulation. A potential new therapeutic option is the unilateral diaphragmatic pacemaker. In this study, we investigated the most effective stimulation location for a potential fully implantable system in a porcine model.

A porcine model of postoperative hemi-diaphragmatic paresis to evaluate a unilateral diaphragmatic pacemaker.

Unilateral phrenic nerve damage is a dreaded complication in congenital heart surgery. It has deleterious effects in neonates and children with uni-ventricular circulation. Diaphragmatic palsy, caused by phrenic nerve damage, impairs respiratory function, especially in new-borns, because their respiration depends on diaphragmatic contractions.

Proof of concept of an accelerometer as a trigger for unilateral diaphragmatic pacing: a porcine model.

Background: Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in patients with univentricular heart is a known complication after pediatric cardiac surgery. Because diaphragmatic excursion has a significant influence on perfusion of the pulmonary arteries and hemodynamics in these patients, unilateral loss of function leads to multiple complications. The current treatment of choice, diaphragmatic plication, does not lead to a full return of function.

Perioperative Cefazolin Prophylaxis in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Cohort Study.

Background: This study's objective was to determine the effect of age, prolonged bypass, and hypothermia on serum cefazolin concentrations in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods: A prospective, single-center, observational study was conducted, examining children undergoing cardiac surgery. Participants received cefazolin intravenously approximately 1 hour before skin incision, 3 hourly intraoperatively, and 8 hourly postoperatively.

Repair of Complex Transposition of Great Arteries: Up to 30 Years of Follow-up.

Background: To characterize treatment of transposition of great arteries with ventricular septal defect and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in Germany and to analyze late outcomes.

Methods: German Registry for Congenital Heart Defects data were searched for transposition of great arteries with ventricular septal defect and LVOTO. One hundred thirty-nine patients were treated at 15 institutions between 1968 and 2016.