Factors affecting anesthetic complications in children undergoing congenital cardiac catheterization

Background Anesthetic complications are among the most common adverse effects in congenital cardiac catheterization. Although the presence of an expert pediatric anesthetist will markedly reduce these complications, other factors may contribute toward their development. Objectives To determine the factors associated with the development of anesthetic complications in children undergoing congenital cardiac catheterization. Materials and Methods We carried out a prospective study of 71 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization over a period of 6 months and analyzed the intracatheterization and postcatheterization anesthetic complications. Results The most common anesthetic complication was delayed recovery (11.3%). Other less common adverse events included postoperative vomiting (2.8%), sinus tachycardia (2.8%), postoperative agitation (1.4%), intraoperative arousal (1.4%), and intraoperative apnea (1.4%). Patients who had no anesthetic adverse events were significantly older and had higher body weight compared with those who had one or more anesthetic problems. In addition, patients who had anesthetic adverse events had significantly longer procedure time compared with those who had no anesthetic complications. Conclusion Factors that can contribute toward anesthetic adverse events in children undergoing cardiac catheterization include a longer procedure time, longer duration of anesthesia, and younger age.