Perioperative factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation after complex congenital heart surgery*

Abstract

Younger age, greater severity of illness at postoperative admission, healthcare-associated infections, noninfectious pulmonary complications, and the need for reintervention are associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation after complex cardiac surgery. Future studies and quality improvement initiatives should focus on those risk factors that are modifiable to promote early extubation in children recovering from complex congenital heart surgery.